The RAF continues to support the UK Government in search and rescue missions all over the UK, whether that is with dedicated units, or a network of volunteers.
The RAF has a legacy of supporting search and rescue missions within the UK. The first unit was created in 1941 with the Search and Rescue Force then in 1943 with the creation of Mountain Rescue Teams (MRT).
Before being stood down in 2016, the Search and Rescue Force was one of the longest peacetime operations conducted by any British military unit. In its time it responded to over 36,000 distress calls and rescued more than 26,000 people. Its personnel have earned the highest number of non-combat gallantry awards given to any RAF unit, including six George Medals and more than 50 Air Force Crosses.
The Search and Rescue Force may no longer be a formal unit, but the RAF continues to help with search and rescue missions, especially as hundreds of RAF volunteers give up their time to support search and rescue charitable organisations.
Maritime Rescue
“As well as our normal operational routine, we help support the UK Coastguard with any ‘Mayday’ calls” says Flight Lieutenant Phil of 120 Squadron. Using the RAF’s Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and its vast array of sensors, the RAF can support the UK Coastguard if a ship or Yacht is in danger.
With the RAF’s broad capabilities, it can provide support to the UK Coastguard. “Having been involved in a number of these operations in the past searching for Yachts lost at sea, they are very rewarding operations” shares Flight Lieutenant Phil.
Alongside responding to direct requests from the UK Coastguard, during routine patrols of the UK and North Sea “crews aboard Poseidon monitor radio traffic, this allows us to respond on an ad hoc basis to anyone that might be in danger.”
Further illustrating its commitment to helping keep the people of the UK safe, an RAF team aboard a Poseidon aircraft took part in Exercise Emerald Rescue, alongside the UK Coastguard and RNLI to improve maritime search and rescue operations.
Mountain Rescue
The RAF Mountain Rescue Teams were formed in 1943 by Flight Lieutenant George Graham, as a wartime necessity to save the lives of downed aircrew in the mountainous regions of the UK.
Today there are three MRT units, operating as part of 85 Expeditionary Logistics Wing and based at RAF Valley, RAF Leeming and RAF Lossiemouth. A notable example of an MRT operation took place on the Isle of Skye, where they were airlifted by an RAF Sea King helicopter to assist with multiple casualties following a rock fall in the Cuillin range.
Lowland Rescue
RAF personnel also volunteer their time to support Lowland Rescue, bringing the skills, discipline and commitment instilled by their service to one of the UK's most vital civilian rescue networks. Tasked by civilian police and working alongside the RNLI, these RAF volunteers help cover the lowland terrain, fields, riverbanks and urban fringes.
From the first rescue call answered in 1941 to the crews monitoring radio traffic over the North Sea today, that commitment has never wavered. Whether in uniform or giving up their own time, RAF personnel continue to answer the call.
