The HH139 helicopter of the 83rd CSAR Group (Combat Search and Rescue) with four crew members took off just before 23pm last night from Cervia airport, managing to rescue two hikers and their two dogs stuck on the Bolognese Apennines.
The two hikers had been stuck since the afternoon in an inaccessible area in Rocca Corneta (Bo), which was difficult to reach even by the ground rescue teams of the CNSAS (National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps). The arrival of the helicopter of the 15th flock of the Air Force made it possible to recover the hikers and the animals thanks to the use of night visors and the use of the winch, the two recovered, dehydrated but in good condition, were then entrusted to the ground teams of the CNSAS.
Once again the synergy between the Italian Air Force and National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps made it possible to conclude search and rescue operations effectively and safely.
The 15th flock has the task of recovering crews in difficulty in peacetime (SAR - Search and rescue) and in times of crisis and in operations outside national borders (C / SAR - Combat SAR), in support of Special Operations as well as to contribute in the event of serious calamities to activities of public utility such as the search for missing persons at sea or in the mountains, the emergency medical transport of the patients in danger of life and the rescue of seriously traumatized patients and, recently also the support to 'forest fire fighting activities.
The training level of the crews, the technological characteristics of the helicopters supplied as well as the use of special equipment and techniques, such as the use of night vision goggles, often make the 15th flock the only helicopter component capable of successfully managing situations more complex emergencies thanks, for example, to the ability to use it during the day, at night and in marginal weather conditions. Whenever a 15th Wing helicopter takes off it is either saving a human life, or training to do so. In fact, since its establishment until today, the crews of the 15th flock have saved over 7200 people in danger of life.
