ASU to celebrate 25th birthday
ASU first came into being on November 14, 1977 as the "Special Action Squad" when a team of five former SDU officers was deployed on permanent standby at the former Kai Tak International Airport. By early 1978, it was decided to expand the squad's responsibilities to include "high-visibility" patrols of the airport, and to rename it as the "Airport Security Unit".
Following deployment of more officers from the SDU and implementation of a system of aviation security patrols, ASU officially became operational on May 21, 1978 in something akin to its current format.
From this humble beginning, ASU subsequently went through rapid developments, and recruited volunteers from throughout the Force. By the end of the 1970's, ASU had grown into a 40-strong team headed by two IP/SIPs. Since the airport moved to Chek Lap Kok in 1998, the Unit has doubled in size and is now headed by a CIP, who is assisted by four SIPs.
ASU officers are responsible for providing the initial response to any terrorist incident at Chek Lap Kok International Airport. In addition, they are also expected to respond to other security threats and emergency situations at the airport. Their training is, therefore, designed to equip themselves to discharge these important duties.
ASU will celebrate its Silver Jubilee with a football match and a Chinese banquet on Saturday, November 1, and all serving and former police officers who have worked in ASU are welcome to attend.
The match will take place at the Disciplined Services Sports and Recreation Club, So Kon Po, at 5 pm, and participants are requested to go to the pitch direct.
The Chinese banquet will be held at the POC, Causeway Bay, beginning at 6.30 pm. The cost of meal is $250 per head, covering food, beer, soft drinks and a commemorative T-shirt. Participants are required to indicate attendance in advance and prior payment will be required.
Apart from delicious food, several Unit souvenirs will be on offer and there will be various photographic and video presentations, as well as a talent show presented by present and former ASU members.
Details of the celebration activities can be obtained from Senior Inspector Mr Glory Chan on 2106-7044 or Police Constable Mr K K Fung on 2106-7045, or through e-mail: ip-sip-ops-2-asu-aptdist@ police.gov.hk
