An important element of the Mediterranean patrol are the helicopters of the third group of Maristaeli of Catania under the command of the vessel captain Cottini. We flew with Lieutenant Cavaliere, lieutenant lieutenant Lucia Franzetti and flight operator Sebastiano Barone.
The composition of a Sezelicot (Helicopter Section) embarked varies considerably according to the type and duration of the mission.
For a medium intensity activity, 4 pilots, 6 Flight Operators and a technical team are embarked. The latter ensures ordinary maintenance and the resolution of possible failures, consisting of at least 7 specialists.
This composition ensures the promptness and efficiency of the 24 hours aircraft on 24.
Our mission is to patrol - tells the corvette captain Sebastiano Lo Re - the area assigned to search for boats that could be dedicated to transporting migrants, aware that at any time we could be called to save lives at sea. Another task of our in-flight missions is to identify and prosecute those who profit from the illegal trafficking of migrants, taking advantage of their desperation.
The EH 101 MPH (Maritime Patrol Helicopter) is a new generation helicopter with extraordinary potential.
Patrol missions are also conducted at a high distance from the naval unit.
The particular characteristics that allow to conduct this type of missions are: the high hourly autonomy (more 5 hours with auxiliary tank installed), the discovery and surveillance radar (MM APS 784) which is very performing and allows to detect even medium and small dimensions at high distances, the capabilities of the FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed) high-definition sensor in the infrared or TV mode that allows you to visually identify both small boats at day and at night. If necessary, video recordings can be made both in TV and infrared mode.
The sophisticated stabilization and autopilot systems can automatically bring the helicopter up to the hovering level, accurately maintaining its position and allowing the safe recovery of any shipwrecked even at night.
The mission begins - adds the commander Lo Re - with careful planning and an exhaustive briefing conducted in COC (Combat Operations Center) which deals with all the aspects concerning the mission, such as: the situation of the surface contacts present in the area assigned, possible information on possible departures of boats with migrants on board in order to focus the search in the area of probable crossing, coordination information with other air and naval assets, planned route and intentions of the Mother (so we call the Unit in jargon) Naval from which we operate) planning a rendez-vous for the return from the mission and finally updating the meteorological conditions in the area.
After the briefing, you wear the equipment and perform pre-flight checks on the helicopter. Here the real mission begins: after take-off, the planned operation is carried out using all the sensors available to obtain a clear surface situation, identifying optically the boats that could be used to transport migrants by route, size and other characteristics. engaged in other illegal activities. Throughout the mission, the radio connection with the ship is maintained, providing continuous updates on the current situation.
After "reclaiming" the assigned area, we head for the return on board. If on patrolling we encounter boats in distress with migrants on board, we proceed to activate the SAR chain (Search And Rescue) and we provide first aid pending the arrival of naval units in the area, providing individual life buoys or putting “bats ”Self-inflating. Depending on the gravity of the situation it could also be necessary to recover migrants who have fallen into the sea and are in imminent danger of life on board the helicopter.
Salvatore Pappalardo
