28/03/2014 Helen Chachaty journal-aviation.com

La ministre néerlandaise de la Défense Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert a annoncé ce 28 mars l’envoi de trois hélicoptères CH-47 Chinook au Mali. Ils opèreront au profit de la MINUSMA (Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali) pour des missions de transport tactique, et plus particulièrement pour effectuer des évacuations sanitaires. Un contingent de 70 militaires supplémentaires devrait être déployé, l’unité devrait être opérationnelle d’ici octobre 2014.

Cette décision est justifiée par le fait que la MINUSMA ne dispose actuellement que de trois hélicoptères civils loués, qui ne peuvent intervenir en situation de combat. Le rapport publié par les Pays-Bas fait également état de bombardements « indirects » à Gao et dans les environs, dont deux tirs de roquettes en direction de l’aéroport au début du mois de mars. « Il n’y a pour l’instant eu ni victime ni dommages sérieux, mais la fréquence de ces bombardements pourrait augmenter », précise le document, justifiant ainsi en partie l’envoi de moyens supplémentaires.

C’est le second renfort héliporté fourni par les Pays-Bas en peu de temps. Le gouvernement avait décidé en novembre 2013 d’envoyer quatre hélicoptères AH-64D Apache, des drones de surveillances ainsi que 380 militaires au Mali, pour des missions de renseignement et de protection des troupes au sol.

September 11, 2013. David Pugliese - Defence Watch

News release from Fleet Canada:

FORT ERIE, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 11th, 2013 – Fleet Canada Inc is proud to announce the award of a supplier contract from The Boeing Company to supply subassemblies for the Chinook CH-47 helicopter. This is an exciting development in the continuing growth at the facility, whose manufacturing history in the area dates back to 1930.

The scope of work in this package includes of the forward pylon, work platforms, and pylon kits. The new contract follows another Chinook contract that was awarded in 2011 for the manufacture and assembly of the Front Cockpit Nose Enclosure.

“Fleet is proud to be part of this iconic program for the world’s largest aerospace company. This contract represents a significant award for our locally owned and operated company and reinforces the pride we have in our workforce. We have a talented and dedicated team with a very bright future ahead,” remarked Glenn Stansfield, President and C.E.O of Fleet Canada Inc.

This award represents a significant increase in the rotorcraft and military markets for Fleet and is in keeping with our strategy of diversification of our business. This work will highlight the effectiveness across the broad skill set Fleet Canada has to offer. We look forward to future opportunities with Boeing and our other valued customers.

This new work package for Fleet is aligned with Boeing’s 90-year history and long-term commitment to engage with Canadian industry in areas of high value defense and aerospace work. This contract was awarded to Fleet based on their capabilities and competitiveness, as well as, how this work will support the fulfillment of Boeing’s Industrial & Regional Benefits (IRB) programs. Canada’s IRB policy requires prime contractors, such as Boeing, to make investments in the Canadian economy as a result of winning defense and security contracts with the government of Canada. Boeing has four active IRB programs tied to the procurement of the CC-177 airlifter and support; ScanEagle unmanned aircraft system, CH-147 helicopter and support, and the Mercury Global program. Through successful implementation of these IRB programs, Boeing continues to support Canada’s position as a global leader in aerospace by creating long-term, high-value opportunities with Canadian industry

9/4/2013 Strategy Page

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Falcon transports a container via sling load over eastern Afghanistan Aug. 24, 2013. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Peter Smedberg

6/26/2013 Strategy  Page

Sgt. Zach Smola, rear door gunner on a CH-47, keeps watch on the mountains in Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, May 12, 2013. The Chinooks, operated by members of Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment from the Connecticut and Pennsylvania Army National Guard, have played a vital part in the mission in Afghanistan since their arrival in December 2012 by performing resupply, retrograde, and planned missions. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick)