In 1961, the Hellenic Air Force, contributing to the U.N. effort to restore order in the newly independent Republic of Congo, sent the Hellenic Air Detachment of Congo, consisting of 21 officers and NCOs. On 14 March 1961, the Hellenic Air Detachment was assigned under the command of the U.N. Air Forces and assumed responsibilities of conducting various UN missions, mainly transporting material and personnel. Later, the force have been augmented by 4 NCOs. On 9 November 1961, the Hellenic Detachment departed for Greece.