The Pelican, as it is affectionately nicknamed, entered service in 1977 and ended its operational life today after flying over 185.000 hours and helping to rescue over 7.000 people in imminent danger of life.
The vehicle has also been used in out-of-area operations, such as in Somalia, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, Kosovo and Iraq, allowing the Air Force to carve out a leadership role in the search and rescue sector.
General Preziosa, during his speech, emphasized that "today's event marks the end of excellence and the beginning of another excellence, with the transition from HH-3F to HH-139". Finally, the head of SMA recalled that "the Pellicano has flown for 185.000 in favor of the citizens".
Source: AM - Public Information Office - Rome - cap. Marco Bevilacqua
