NATO

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On Friday 23 August, 30 members of the NCIA Squadron Stavanger (NCST) had the extremely rare opportunity to take part in a pre-planned Search & Rescue (SAR) exercise.

The exercise was conducted in cooperation with the Norwegian Coast Guard vessel Aalesund, and a Sea King from 330 Search & Rescue Squadron based at Sola Air Station.

The NCST Squadron Commander, Norwegian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Atle Kjosnes, has encouraged team events such as this one to be conducted on an opportunity basis in order that the NCST team can get to know each other outside of the regular working environment. As 2013 has seen a significant turnover of personnel, this was the ideal opportunity for doing this as well as having a little fun in the process.

The exercise involved boarding KV Aalesund at JWC's former Training Facility in Ulsnes on the island of Hundvag, adjacent to Stavanger harbor, then sailing to an area North East of Hundvag and clear of other vessels.

The team were also given a tour of KV Aalesund, and shown the roles and responsibilities of the Coast Guard’s important mission.

After the tour, demonstrations were given on how to dress correctly in life-safety equipment before a staged “Abandon Ship” exercise entering the water, or boarding a raft and, thirdly, preparing for “rescue” from the deck of Aalesund. A Sea King from 330 Squadron was then called to conduct helo transfers from the demonstration area back to the Sola Air Station. A total of four multiple rescues were conducted. This provided valuable training to 330 Squadron as well because they are rarely tasked for multiple lifts.

Capture1Once all rescue sorties had been completed, the NCST team was given a mission brief about the 330 Squadron and a tour of the facilities. As a small token of appreciation, Lieutenant Colonel Kjosnes presented a NCIA Squadron Stavanger shield to the Commanding Officer and thanked the Squadron for their excellent cooperation and participation in what was surely a unique opportunity for both the crew and the participants alike.

The event concluded with a BBQ at the Jatta Community Club located at the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), where Lieutenant Colonel Kjosnes addressed the Commanding Officer and members of KV Aalesund who were able to attend and thanked them for their enthusiasm, professionalism and cooperation in making the day such a success.