The Ministry of Defence announce that a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) Daylight Exercise, titled “CYPUSA-02/14” was conducted on Tuesday, the afternoon of the 07th of October 2014, near the coast of Cyprus, with the participation of SAR Units and Personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and the United States of America.
U.S naval units and Helicopters of the Republic of Cyprus took part in the Aeronautical SAR Exercise under the operational control and full coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the CPR – 6 of the United States Navy.
The scenario dealt with a simulated “Maritime Accident” in which the Cyprus National SAR Plan “NEARCHOS”, was immediately implemented by the JRCC Larnaca in order to confront the situation.
Firstly, deck-landing practices on board the U.S Navy ship flight deck were executed from SAR Helicopter of the 460 SAR SQ/National Guard, where MEDEVAC (medical evacuation) emergency drill operation was conducted in cooperation with a registered nurse of the Ministry of Health.
Afterwards, a Helicopter of the Police Aviation Unit also executed deck-landing practices on board the U.S Navy flight deck and finally a second MEDEVAC was conducted with the participation of a medic rescuer of the Civil Defense.