The crews of the 15th Wing of the Italian Air Force, based at Cervia, a unit specialised in air search and rescue operations, are still tirelessly engaged in supporting the population of Emilia-Romagna, which has been severely affected by the flooding that has hit the region.
The transfer of a mother with her three children and their cat by helicopter concluded on Saturday afternoon, May 20th. HH-139B from the 15th Wing of the Air Force. The family was flown from their home in San Colombano, a hamlet in the municipality of Meldola in the province of Forlì-Cesena, where they had remained isolated, to Forlì airport where an area has been set up to accommodate people in difficulty.
At the end of the mission, the military crew received a new mission order from Rescue Coordination Centre del Aerospace Operations Command: the transport of an oncology patient unable to reach a specialised medical centre in Meldola from their home in Civitella di Romagna (FC) for necessary specialist care. Despite marginal weather conditions that still persist in the region, the military crew, thanks to their high level of training, managed to successfully complete the two rescue missions for people in difficulty.
To date, around 340 people in difficulty have been rescued by crews and helicopters from 15th Wing of the Air Force for the flood that hit Emilia-Romagna.
Over 1,200 military personnel from the Army, Navy, Italian Air Force The Armed Forces and the Carabinieri have so far taken part in the rescue operations underway in the areas of Emilia Romagna hit by bad weather and flooding. The Armed Forces have deployed 12 helicopters, 55 dinghies, over 100 vehicles of various types, 4 reconnaissance aircraft, 1 remotely piloted aircraft, and 3 submersible pumps. The Space Operations Command has constantly provided support with satellite imagery on the evolution of the phenomena. The military personnel also contributed to the setting up of tent cities and refreshment areas for families evacuated from their homes.
“Our Armed Forces are demonstrating courage, sacrifice, and great solidarity in carrying out the rescue operations. Men and women who, from the very first hours of the emergency, are giving their all, often foregoing rest shifts, to save lives and alleviate the suffering of the populations affected by the floods. Some of the soldiers themselves have families in difficulty..”These are the words of the Secretary of Defence, Guido Crosetto, who from the early hours of the emergency ordered to Interforce Summit Operational Command to provide the maximum possible support to Civil Protection and local authorities.
All rescue operations are being carried out in close and continuous coordination with the National Civil Protection and with the Prefectures and local Authorities of the affected territories.
It 15th Wing of the Italian Air Force, equipped with helicopters HH-139 In versions A and B, it guarantees throughout the national territory, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without interruption, the search and rescue of flight crews in distress, also contributing to public utility activities, such as rescue operations in the event of calamities or natural disasters, search for missing persons at sea or in mountains, urgent sanitary transport of patients in imminent danger of life and rescue of seriously traumatised individuals, operating even in extreme weather conditions. It also integrates the National Air Defence system through operations to counter threats from low and very low performing aircraft.Slow Movers Interception – S.M.I.) and security support for 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 lives in peril. Since 2018, the Department has acquired AIB (Wildfire Fighting) capability, contributing to the prevention and fighting of fires throughout the national territory within the framework of the joint task force deployed by the Defence.
