Organized by the Air Force, with the support of the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, the GRIFONE 21 exercise will involve means and men of Defense, Bodies and State Administrations
The 2021 edition of the international, joint and inter-ministerial exercise "Grifone", planned and conducted annually by the Italian Air Force through the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) of the Aerospace Operations Command (COA) under the international SAR.MED agreement. OCC. (SAR Western Mediterranean), will take place from 20 to 24 September in Sardinia in the south-western mountainous area of the island, including Mount “Linas” and the area of the “Perd'e Pibera” park in the Province of Southern Sardinia.
The main purpose of the "Grifone 2021" is to consolidate the synergies already developed between the Air Force and the other Armed Forces, State Corps and other public departments to constantly improve techniques and procedures in the field of Air Search and Rescue, in order to save lives. While no foreign crews will participate this year, the international presence will in any case be guaranteed by numerous delegations of Observers from various countries.
The Decimomannu (CA) Air Force base will act as Deployed Operating Base (DOB), or rather as a redeployment base, while the "XPTZ" Flight Field in Decimoputzu (SU) will be the so-called Advanced Base Post (PBA): a real and its own field heliport, the nerve center of training activities, from where the aircraft involved will take off and the rescue teams will operate.
Several aircraft engaged in the complex exercise scenario: 1 HH-139A of the 15th Wing - 80 ° CSAR Center, 1 TH-500 of the 72 ° Stormo, 1 TH-500B of the Linate Link Squadron (MI ), 1 U-208 and 1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (APR) of the 32nd Wing. In addition, 1 BH-412 of the Italian Army will participate; 1 AW-109 Nexus of the Carabinieri; 1 AW-139 and 1 AW-169 of the Guardia di Finanza; 1 AW-139 of the State Police; 1 AW-139 of the Fire Brigade; 1 AW-139 from the Port Authority and the support of 1 EC -145 from AREUS (Azienda Regionale Urgenza Sardegna).
The land rescue teams will be provided mainly by the Alpine and Speleological Rescue of Sardinia to which will be added specialized teams of the "Riflemen of the Air" of the 16th Wing of the Air Force, personnel of the Italian Army, of the Guardia di Finanza, of the Vigili of the Fire, Civil Protection and Forestry Corps of the Sardinia Region.
The flight activity will be concentrated on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 September, while a "Media Day" is scheduled for 24 September, an opportunity to show the training results achieved and the skills expressed by all the participating Administrations.