15th STORM IS RECOVERING IN THE SEA

The activity took place in the waters off the coast of Cervia, in an area closed to vessels. The activity, which is part of a broader program of annual training events aimed at maintaining the professional skills of the crews dedicated to SAR (Search and Rescue) of the Italian Air Force, took place in the waters off the coast of Cervia in an area closed to vessels by a special order of the Port Authority of the Romagna region.“survivors”After following the theoretical part on survival techniques at sea, they found themselves in the water in a flight suit having to use the equipment available to them in those circumstances, including the lifebuoy and emergency radios. Upon the arrival of the helicopters, which in the simulation were alerted by the command and control chain following the incident, the “survivors”They have been trained to be recovered by winch, then transported to safety. The 15th Air Force Squadron, thanks to the SAR centers deployed on the bases of Cervia (RA), Pratica di Mare (RM), Gioia del Colle (BA) and Trapani, guarantees 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the search and rescue of flight crews in difficulty, also contributing to public utility activities such as the search for missing persons at sea or in the mountains, the emergency medical transport of seriously ill patients, and the rescue of severely traumatized people. To carry out their operational missions, the 15th Air Force Squadron employs HH-3F and HH-139A (HH – Hospital Helicopter) helicopters, these latter being extremely efficient and equipped with excellent features that are progressively replacing the older HH-3F. The training of the crews includes the use of special equipment and techniques, such as the use of night vision goggles and tactical flight at very low altitude, which give the Stormo unique operational capabilities and the ability to operate in even extreme weather conditions. Since its establishment to date, the crews of the 15th Stormo have rescued approximately 7,000 people in life-threatening danger. Radio Rai 1 – GR Region Emilia 25/07/2013 at 12 o'clock Rai 3 – TGR Emilia Region 25/07/2013 at 19:30