The air force’s Songshan Base Command, which is responsible for operating the presidential aircraft and other military airplanes carrying government officials, is to mark its 50th anniversary today.
Former and incumbent commanding officers on Monday gathered at a pre-anniversary event, visiting a display corridor featuring photographs, documents and various artifacts highlighting the base’s history. The collection includes a display of military flight attendant uniforms from the base’s inception to the present.
Troops at the base performed a modern interpretative dance and a helmet-cam footage made by pilots was played, followed by a documentary about the history of the base and the various aircraft it operated. A rifle-drill performance concluded the event.
Photo: CNA
Established on March 1, 1945, as the Songshan Base, it served as the home station of various logistics squadrons.
On June 1, 1966, the station was upgraded to an air force base command.
On August 1, 1972, it received the air force’s administrative squadron, dedicated to ferrying government officials, including the president, and the unit’s seven Douglas C-54 Skymasters.
Songshan Base Command over the years has modernized the squadron’s fleet, and currently operates multiple aircraft, such as the Boeing 737-800, Fokker 50 and Beechcraft 1900. It regularly participates in air force drills and exercises.
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