Race against time in Ischia: lifesaving night air rescue by the 15° Stormo with an HH-139B helicopter

In the late evening of February 4, 2026, an HH-139B helicopter of the Italian Air Force carried out an emergency medical transport from the island of Ischia to Pozzuoli, enabling the immediate hospitalization of a man in imminent danger of life.

The operation was conducted by a crew from the 85° Centro SAR of the 15° Stormo, based at the military airport of Pratica di Mare (Rome), one of the main national hubs for air search and rescue capability.

Takeoff on order from the Rescue Coordination Center

The takeoff order was given by the Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) of the Aerospace Operations Command in Poggio Renatico, at the request of the Prefecture – UTG of Naples.

The HH-139B helicopter took off at 20:35, heading towards the Campania island where it embarked the patient, along with a doctor and a nurse, ensuring medical assistance during the flight to the Santa Maria delle Grazie Hospital in Pozzuoli.

Hospital transfer and return to SAR readiness

Upon arrival at the hospital facility, the patient was disembarked and entrusted to the care of the medical staff. The crew then returned to Ischia to disembark the medical team, before returning to the base at Pratica di Mare, resuming the regular national SAR operational readiness.

The role of the 15° Stormo in search and rescue

Since its establishment to date, the crews of the 15° Stormo have saved thousands of people in situations of extreme danger. The unit provides continuous service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring:

• search and rescue of flight crews in distress
• recovery of missing persons at sea and in the mountains
• emergency medical transport of patients in life-threatening conditions
• rescue of severely injured individuals, even in complex weather conditions

Since 2018, the 15° Stormo has also acquired the AIB – Forest Firefighting capability, contributing to the prevention and combating of fires throughout the national territory, as part of the Defense's joint forces system.

A SAR network distributed throughout the national territory

In addition to the 85° Centro SAR in Pratica di Mare, the 15° Stormo also includes:

• the 80° Centro SAR in Decimomannu (Cagliari)
• the 82° Centro SAR in Trapani
• the 83° Gruppo Volo SAR in Cervia
• the 84° Centro SAR in Gioia del Colle (Bari)

A widespread network that allows the Italian Air Force to intervene quickly and effectively throughout the national territory, representing a fundamental asset not only for Defense but also for the safety and protection of citizens' lives.