Important search and rescue training activity for the flight personnel of the 61st Wing and the 84th SAR Centre of the 15th Wing on the Ionian coast
Wednesday 6 September the A.M. Survival Centre of Torre Castelluccia in Marina di Pulsano (Taranto), established directly under the Air Force Volunteers School (SVAM), has provided the setting for a training exercise. Rescue in the sea and recovery of the Italian Air Force flight crews.
The training activity was organised in perfect synergy between the’84° SAR (Search and Rescue) Centre of Gioia del Colle, the 61st Wing of Galatina and it's the same SVAM of Taranto which guaranteed all the necessary preparations and technical-logistical support for the successful running of the event.
Following the theoretical briefing for the flight crew by the’Flight Safety Office From the 61st Wing, the training day continued with the practical phase in which personnel from the 84th SAR Centre, with the valuable assistance of the Port Authority – Coast Guard of Taranto, simulated some rescue operations using a helicopter. HH-139B.
The event, which aroused so much curiosity and interest from bathers and citizens present, was an excellent opportunity through which the aircrew currently undergoing training at the 61st Wing was able to consolidate their preparation with the aim of tackling an aircraft incident, should the need arise; at the same time, the personnel of the SAR, had the opportunity to refine the delicate and very important procedures of Intervention and rescue which are fundamental for the crews involved during emergencies.
L’Italian Air Force, which continues to represent an important benchmark for society and which, through these exercises, confirms its utmost commitment for the benefit of the community. Indeed, among its institutional duties is also that of guaranteeing, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, continuously, the search and rescue of flight crews in difficulty. Furthermore, it contributes to public utility activities such as the search for missing persons at sea or in mountains, the urgent sanitary transport of patients in imminent danger of life, and the rescue of seriously injured individuals, operating even in extreme weather conditions. Since its establishment to date, the crews of the 15th Wing have saved more than 7500 people in mortal danger.
The Extraordinary Detachment A.M. of Torre Castelluccia, with this activity, thus confirms its important and dual purpose as, since “Sea Survival and Training Centre”, supports the operational needs of the Armed Force to train crews in rescue activities and, as “Lido Azzurro Persephone”, within the newly established Idroscalo Circle, supports activities for the human, sporting, cultural and social advancement of staff from across the Ministry of Defence, with the aim of facilitating the integration of the military community with local Ionian institutions and associations.
