RAF Rescue heads to Italy
The US Air Force's 56th and 57th Rescue squadrons will relocate from RAF Lakenheath to the Aviano air base in Italy as part of efforts to establish a long-term personnel recovery location in Europe.
The move will begin in 2017 and is expected to take two to three years to complete. Construction decisions and transition milestones will take place over the next several years.
Aviano was found to have excess capacity during the European Infrastructure Consolidation review, which has now been designated to the squadrons.
The squadrons include five HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters, Guardian Angel weapons systems and around 350 personnel.
Gen Frank Gorenc, commander of US Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: 'This relocation of our rescue airmen places them in a more strategic location to respond across Africa, Europe and Southwest Asia. We always take a serious, pragmatic look at how we can most effectively meet our commitments and guarantee the shared security of the US and our allies and partners.'
The 56th and 57th Rescue squadrons deploy around the world to recover personnel from difficult and hostile conditions.
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