As part of the lessons of October 7: After about 25 years in which the 'Magic Touch' combat helicopter squadron operated from Ramon Base, the squadron was transferred to Ramat David Base in the north.
The transition ceremony took place yesterday (Wednesday) at Ramat David Base, led by the Air Force Commander, Major General Omer Tishler, the Commander of Ramat David Base, Colonel A, the Commander of the 'Magic Touch' Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel A, and in the presence of the Commander of the Ground Force, Major General Nadav Lotan, the Commander of Division 91, Brigadier General Yuval Gez, and other commanders.
During the war, the Magic Touch Squadron operated on several different fronts. As part of its operations, it attacked terrorist targets, eliminated terrorists, and provided air support to forces maneuvering in the field.
As the fighting expanded to additional arenas, the squadron's helicopters participated in air defense missions. During Operation "Am Kalavi" and Operation "Harry's Roar," they even intercepted unmanned aerial vehicles launched towards the State of Israel.
This activity demonstrated the squadron's ability to operate quickly and flexibly in a wide variety of missions, while adapting to the changing operational needs of the Air Force and the entire campaign.
The squadron's move to the Ramat David base is intended to improve the availability of the combat helicopter array for protecting the country's borders by dispersing the combat helicopter squadrons in the north and south.
Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Omer Tishler: "On October 7, you made difficult decisions, opened fire to defend the communities, thwarted hundreds of terrorists, saved lives, and acted shoulder to shoulder with the civilians and fighters on the ground. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to change the national tragedy, but for those people in whose sector you acted - it was all they had, and it was a lot.".
""During the war, the need and obligation to change burned within you - to assimilate the lessons of war. This move is part of the soldier's investigation and the broad transformation of the Air Force. At the borders, in maneuvers and in depth, we will continue to demand of ourselves, to adapt the force to the emerging reality, and to be ready to take off with all our might - against any enemy, in any arena, at any range.".
Commander of Ramat David Base, Colonel A: "The Air Force quickly approached the investigation of the failure of October 7. We learned about the enormous importance of the combat helicopter array for protecting the country's borders and assisting our fighting forces. I salute the pilots of the Fatan, the regulars and the reserve personnel, who demonstrate courage in the face of danger - striving for contact, bravery, modesty, independence and initiative. I salute the technical array, the ground crews, the first and second echelons, and the squadron personnel who are moving to Ramat David Base today.".
""You work around the clock and fight for every helicopter. We will complete all our missions and continue to act together, with courage and unity, to ensure a much better future for our children. We will bow our heads in memory of the fallen and the murdered, we will embrace their families, and we will continue to defend our small and beloved country.".
Commander of the 'Magic Touch' Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel A: "We are saying goodbye to the desert landscapes and its unique sunsets, and moving to the green landscapes, streams and mountains of the north. We bring with us our extensive history, extensive experience and operational depth. The home will be new, but the values remain the same. The fighting spirit and mission will continue to characterize us, and commitment to the mission will always remain in first place. For the past three years, we have been fighting a war that is unjust - a war that began with the profound failure of October 7. Since then, we have been wherever we are needed and have not stopped for a moment.".
