HRT’s Aeronautical Search and Rescue training in cooperation with the Hellenic Air Force

For eighth consecutive year, Hellenic Rescue Team in cooperation with the Hellenic Air Force, conducted an aeronautical SAR training, with the participation of more than 100 volunteers from HRT’s branches. The training was hosted by the 111 Combat Wing in Nea Anchialos, Magnesia Prefecture, and lasted for three days, from Friday, September 28th until Sunday, September 30th.

The aim of the training was to learn and optimize SAR techniques that contribute to a successful maritime SAR operation, but also to strengthen the cooperation between Hellenic Rescue Team and the Hellenic Air Force.

Two rescue boats, “ODIN” from HRT’s Headquarters, in Thessaloniki, and “AEGEAN” from Magnesia’s branch, as well as the rescue runner "Gladjeresan", along with all the necessary equipment were used for the training. Of course, an Augusta Bell 205 helicopter was used by the Hellenic Air Force for the air rescue training. This year's sessions included victim retrieval from the water, air rescue by helicopter, boat immobilization, survival human chain, telecommunications and demonstration of constructing a lifting net.

Additionally, all HRT’s volunteers had the opportunity to board the rescue boats and get trained on the use of the equipment.

In this year’s training, participated volunteers from Paros, Heraklion, Trikala, Rodopi, Samos, Achaia, Ilia, Messinia, Argolis, Kavala, Attica, Larisa, Corfu, Kozani and, of course, from the Magnesia branch, who undertook the administrative support with the cooperation of HRT HQ.

Hellenic Rescue Team thanks Hellenic Air Force and in particular the commander of the 111th  Combat Wing, Colonel (P) George Aristides Agorogiannis, the helicopter crew and the staff of the air force base, for their help in the days of training.

We would also like to thank Aegean Airlines, our big sponsor, which always supports our volunteers’ travels, as well as Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries for offering us the ferry tickets.