The atmosphere was charged with excitement and pride as the Butterworth Air Base came alive to celebrate the first anniversary of the TUDM AW 139 Helicopter No. 3 SKN Butterworth operation. In a ceremony held at Hangar No. 3 Squadron, key figures from the Malaysian Air Force and esteemed guests gathered to commemorate this significant milestone.
Among the distinguished guests present were Air Operations Commander, Lieutenant General Dato’ Mohd Shahada bin Ismail TUDM, Air Region 1 Commander, Air Major General Dato’ Mahadzer bin Amin TUDM, Butterworth Air Base Commander, Air Brigadier General Khairol Muzambi bin Salehin TUDM, Butterworth Air Base Executive Officer, Air Colonel Engku Faizal bin Engku Mustaffa TUDM, and Weststar Engineering General Manager, Mr. Ahmad Rashide bin Mustapah. Their presence underscored the importance of this event and the collective pride in the achievements of the AW 139 Helicopter No. 3 SKN Butterworth operation.
Lieutenant General Dato’ Mohd Shahada bin Ismail TUDM, in his address, commended the dedication and professionalism of the personnel involved in the operation. He expressed gratitude to the pilots, engineers, ground crew, and support staff for their unwavering commitment and hard work, which have been instrumental in the success of the AW 139 Helicopter No. 3 SKN Butterworth operation. Air Major General Dato’ Mahadzer bin Amin TUDM echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving operational excellence. He praised the seamless coordination between the Malaysian Air Force and Weststar Engineering, which has resulted in the efficient maintenance and upkeep of the AW 139 helicopter fleet.