The Search and Rescue exercise (SAR) “Grifone 23” was held in Frosinone from 3 to the 7 July 2023, and was organized by the Air Force in operational collaboration with the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) of Lazio.
They took part in it 11 helicopters in total, of which 2 foreigners, who performed approx 48 total flight hours e 65 day and night missions, useful for simulating scenarios all the more likely to possible real SAR emergencies.
- Italian army: 1 NH-90 – AV.ES., Viterbo;
- Navy: 1 MH-90 – 5th Helicopter Group, Sarzana;
- Air force: 1 HH-139B of the 85th SAR Center of Pratica di Mare, 1 TH-500B of the 72nd Wing of Frosinone, 1 TH-500B of the Milan Linate Connection Squadron;
- Carabinieri: 1 AW-139 of the CC Aircraft Group of Pratica di Mare;
- Guardia di Finanza: 1 AW-139 e 1 AW169 of the GdF Air Section of Pratica di Mare;
- State Police: 1 AW-139 of the 1st Battalion flying P.S. of Sea Practice;
- Air and Space Army (Spain): 1 S-76 Spirit;
- Air and Space Forces (France): 1 AS-555 Fennec;
the last 2 aircraft as proof of the international character of the event.
About a hundred technicians and specialists were coordinated by the CNSAS, which he provided 16 land teams, 3 dog units and a medical team, to which have been added teams of the Italian Army (Julia Brigade), Air force (16° Stormo Fusiliers of the Air) and the Guardia di Finanza (G.d.F Alpine Rescue) that, demonstrating great synergy between them and with the crews, they proved capable of operating with any set-up and with the most diverse equipment suitable for the many simulated training scenarios, like winches, boarding stretchers, landing teams and search, etc..
Great importance - as in any SAR Exercise - was covered by the Advanced Medical Post (PMA), composed not only of medical and nursing staff of the A.M., but also AASAR qualified CRI Volunteer Nurses (Air Assistant and SAR), ARES health personnel 118 Lazio and the Italian Red Cross.
A total of approx 430 specialists and volunteers – including many Associations of the Volunteer Emergency Response Federation (Fe.P.I.Vol.) of the Civil Protection of Lazio - were involved in various capacities in the complex organization and preparation of the Advanced Base Post (PBA) inside the airport “G. baby octopus”, headquarters of the 72nd Stormo of the Italian Air Force.
As highlighted by the Director of the Exercise, Col. James Zanetti, during one of the meetings with all the staff, the Grifone is “an opportunity open to the entire SAR world. It is used to get to know each other better and train as a single team, exchanging experiences, techniques, procedures for the noble purpose of safeguarding human life".
The President of CNSAS Lazio, Robert Carminucci, he underlined: “For us rescuers, the Grifone represents a fundamental moment of encounter, comparison and, not last, of interpersonal knowledge between the various bodies involved in emergencies. We would like to thank the Italian Air Force for being the engine and the hub of this precious opportunity, as well as all the participating institutions for the generous sharing of professionalism and humanity”
The 72nd Stormo of Frosinone, where the "Grifone" took place this year is the only school in the rotary wing sector in Italy, dependent on the Command of the Air Force Schools and is the Department that trains the helicopter pilots of the A.M., the other Armed Forces and State Armed Corps, and foreign visitors (you can find the AviaSpotter.it services dedicated to the 72nd Wing which and which)
The helicopters – coordinated by the A.M. – and the ground teams – coordinated by the CNSAS of Lazio – used areas of the Simbruini Mountains and the Lepini Mountains to cover all the possible types of operational missions in an impervious environment, highlighting once again the competence and technical skills of all participants.
AviaSpotter.it would like to thank: the PAO of the occasion M.llo 1st Cl. F. Tulliani, the first graduate F. Minotti and the graduate assistant Trolli for the welcome, energies and constant support during the realization of the report, always striving to put the photographers in the best light conditions for the success of the service.
Sources:
Text: Air force
Photo: Irene Pantaleoni
