Since the late afternoon of Tuesday, May 16, following a request from the regional Civil Protection Authority and the Forlì-Cesena Prefecture, the helicopters of the 15th Stormo of Cervia are in action to rescue citizens trapped in their homes or in flooded areas.
The crews of the 15th Wing The Air Force based at the base of Cervia, a department specialized in aerial search and rescue operations, has been engaged since late Tuesday afternoon, May 16, in rescue activities for the populations of Emilia Romagna affected by the severe storm surge. The HH-139B helicopters of the 83rd SAR Group (Search and Rescue – Search and Rescue) of Cervia, under the coordination of the Aerospace Operations Command of Poggio Renatico (Ferrara), are operating day and night at the request of the Regional Civil Protection Authority and the Forlì-Cesena Prefecture to evacuate as quickly as possible citizens trapped in their homes or in flooded and isolated areas. To date, over 320 people have been recovered by the Air Force helicopters, using special baskets and winches, operating also at night and in extreme environmental conditions thanks to the use of special night vision goggles.
The evacuation operations are still ongoing. Due to the need, Rescue Coordination Centre del Aerospace Operations Command, which coordinates all flight activities of the emergency military units, has ordered the deployment of 4 crews and 4 air rescue helicopters from the Aeronautica Militare.
This type of intervention falls within those that the Defence, through specialized units of the Armed Forces, which are identified from time to time according to the need, makes available to the community in case of emergency or calamity. Eight helicopters, one remote-controlled aircraft (APR), 16 rubber dinghies, nine boats, satellites, two Eurofighter aircraft and two Tornado aircraft for reconnaissance activities: these are the means deployed by the Italian Defence following the meteorological events in Emilia-Romagna and Marche.
“Settings of all kinds, of Army, Royal Navy, Italian Air Force e Carabinieri They are working tirelessly with the Ministry of the Interior and with the Department of Civil Protection. The best representation of the state. No colors, no jerseys, no divisions. Ready to extend a hand”, stated that the Secretary of Defence, Guido Crosetto, On the activity of Armed Forces in support of the affected population.
Following the meteorological events that are currently occurring, causing serious damage and endangering the lives of the populations involved, the Minister Crosetto he immediately gave the indication to Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, through the Interforce Summit Operational Command (COVI),to provide all the necessary support to Civil Protection and to Firefighters those operating in the areas affected by the bad weather.
The 15th Air Force of the Italian Air Force, equipped with HH-139 helicopters in the A and B versions, guarantees 24/7, 365 days a year, without interruption, the search and rescue of flight crews in difficulty, also contributing to public utility activities such as emergency rescue operations in the event of natural disasters or disasters, search for missing persons at sea or in the mountains, emergency medical transport of patients in imminent danger of life, and rescue of seriously traumatized people, operating also in extreme weather conditions. It also integrates the National Air Defense System through operations to counter the threat posed by low- and low-performance aircraft (Slow Movers Interception – S.M.I.) and support for the security of sensitive areas and targets during large public events.
From its establishment to the present day, the crews of the 15th Wing have saved more than 7,500 people from life-threatening situations. Since 2018, the Unit has acquired Wildfire Fighting (AIB) capability, contributing to the prevention and combat of fires throughout the national territory as part of the joint interforce system deployed by the Defence.
