ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved a significant milestone, whenits No 88 Search & Rescue squadron was re-equipped with AW-139 (AugustaWestland) helicopters on Saturday.
With the induction of this state-of-the-art helicopter on its inventory,this Search & Rescue squadron has been renamed as No 88 Combat SupportSquadron and Advanced Helicopter Training School, said a press releaseissued here by media affairs directorate of PAF.
To mark this significant event in the glowing history of PAF, a ceremonywas held at PAF Base, Shahbaz (Jacobabad). Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman,Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force was the chief guest on theoccasion.
During the ceremony, Air Chief reviewed a smartly turned-out guard ofhonour by the personnel of the Base. A three-ship formation, comprising 01MI 171 and 02 AW 139 Augusta, helicopters presented the fly past over thevenue.
Speaking on the occasion, the Air Chief said, “PAF, after an in-depthanalysis of the Search & Rescue platforms available worldwide, selectedAW-139 as the most effective solution for our requirements.
The state-of-the-art machine that we have inducted is a manifestation ofstern commitment of Pakistan Air Force to modernization and capabilityenhancement.“I firmly believe that this will become a stepping stone in achieving morecomplex capabilities as regard to the Helo fleet.
The AW-139promises a feature of enhancing PAF capability due to its versatile roles.The vision of taking Helo fleet of PAF into 21st century could not havebeen achieved any other way,” he added.
He said, “Today, Alhamdulillah; the long awaited vision of PAF to acquirenight and maritime Search & Rescue capability has been achieved with theAW-139 operationalisation”.
The induction of AW-139 helicopters would considerably enhance theoperational capabilities of this squadron which was flying vintage MI 171helicopters earlier. Being a pioneer squadron of AW-139 helicopters in PAF,it would also serve as a conversion unit for the young pilots to train themon this system.
High ranking military officials along with civil dignitaries also attendedthe ceremony.