History
Fylde Air Force Base was constructed in 1970 as a purpose-built strategic airfield, and was under operation of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force (RRAF) Throughout its early operations, remained largely inactive. However, the escalation of the Rhodesian Bush War led to multiple bombing operations by the RRAF and South African Air Force (SAAF) into Mozambique and Angola. In February 1979, Fylde Air Base was used for Operation Luso Boma, hosting SAAF and Rhodesian No. 5 Squadron English Electric Canberras. During the operation, long-range bombing missions were launched into Angola, targetting ZIPRA and ANC training camps. During Operation Unic in September 1979, Fylde Air Base was used as a forward staging base for inland raids into Mozambique. It was again used during Operation Miracle in the same year, functioning as a temporary forwarding base for external striking missions. Throughout the late 1970s, it operated as a base for SAAF Canberras, and Hawker Hunters also commonly flew from the base. Following the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980, Fylde Air Base was under control of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ). [1] [2]
Construction for taxiway on the southeastern end of the runway began in 1989. Two dispersal sites with revetments were also established on the northwestern and southeastern ends. Earthworks also appeared for a parallel taxiway on the other side of the runway, however, construction for it and the southeastern dispersal site did not continue beyond that stage. The taxiway was opened in 1991-92. Infrastructure included a control tower, aircraft shelters and revetments, and underground fuel storage facilities. It was formerly home to the School of Military Training, which later moved to Buffalo Range Airport in Chiredzi. As of 2004, it houses Air Defence personnel and equipment. [2]
Present
On 1 June, 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa renamed Fylde Air Base to Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Base in honour of Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, who was a founding member of the Zimbabwe African People's Union and Chief of Operations of the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army. [3] As of 2024, JZ Moyo Air Base hosts the 44th Recruit Course and 17th Senior Tactics Course. These training courses simulated combat pressures for its recruits, ensuring that personnel would be ready to transition quickly to wartime operations from peace. The base also drew recruits from remote communities, acting as an opportunities for youth development, according to AFZ Air Marshal Elson Moyo. [4] On 4 February, 2025, Air Commodore Ellen Chiweshe became the base's first female base commander and second since independence, taking over from Air Commodore Nicholas Nyati. The event was officiated by Air Marshal John Jacob Nzvede. [5]
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