not one of the (especially ex-RN) others ever volunteers the position that we might just be the gold standard to which they might aspire.
I've always read this thread with interest, but that sort of bait hooked me
I take it that you are thereby denigrating 771 NAS, and also the recipients of last year's Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award
The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award
For outstanding devotion to duty in search and rescue operation.
For the year 2007 the Prince Philip Rescue award was made to:
HMS GANNET SAR FLIGHT 'Rescue 177'
and
RAF CHINOOK 'BLACKOUT 26'
HMS GANNET SAR FLIGHT 'Rescue 177'
On 28 May 2007, ‘Rescue 177’ crewed by Lt Cdr Lanni (A/C Commander), Lt Cdr Ford (Observer), Lt Campbell (P2) and FS Gibson (Aircrewman), was scrambled at 2152 hrs to assist with a search for three climbers who were crag fast in the vicinity of Tower Ridge on the north side of Ben Nevis. Although during the summer season, the weather was particularly challenging with a cloud base overcast at 2,500ft and visibility of 5km, which was frequently and dramatically reduced to 500m in heavy, blowing snow. The wind was 25kts from the north east, but on scene was being funnelled and distorted to produce severe turbulence and down draughts.
Once established in the valley at the north side of Ben Nevis, ‘R177’ took three close passes of Tower Ridge before the climbers’ position was observed. Blowing snow created extremely poor visibility and hindered initial location, but acute observation by the observer spotted a climber’s torchlight glowing at the base of the cloud. ‘R177’ attempted to achieve a winching position adjacent to the climbers, but the lowering cloudbase, together with the aircraft downwash dragging the cloud down, meant that a flyaway had to be carried out before the flying pilot lost visual references. A further attempt was made to achieve a safe transfer in an incredibly challenging location. Once again cloud was pulled down through the rotor, but now to such an extent that in order to maintain safety FS Gibson had to ‘talk’ the aircraft down the ridge until it emerged below the cloud line.
Now operating in darkening, blizzard conditions, but still undeterred and acutely aware of the predicament of the stricken climbers, the crew of ‘R177’ elected to re-assess the situation. They landed at Fort William to embark members of the Locharber Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) with the intention to deploy as close to the scene as possible in order to affect a land based rescue. The majority of the MRT were deployed on the south side of the mountain near the summit. This was in itself a difficult procedure as the severe slope necessitated Lt Cdr Lanni to place just two wheels in contact with the slope to allow the team to depart the aircraft. The remainder of the MRT was then moved to the base of Tower Ridge and deployed to a steep scree slope. Again, difficulties with severe turbulence were encountered. Now in darkness, and operating on Night Vision Goggles (NVG) Lt Cdr Lanni skillfully positioned the aircraft under the expert guidance of his rear seat crew, however, at the critical moment of converting to visual references and very close to the cliff face, Lt Cdr Lanni’s NVG suffered mechanical failure as one of the tubes became detached. Displaying outstanding airmanship, clarity of thought and calmness under extreme pressure, he maintained contact with the surface and continued with the winch deployment, knowing that his P2 could fly away on NVG if required.
‘R177’ then returned to Fort William to pick up five more MRT and replace the damaged NVG. This section of the team was deployed half way up the south side of the mountain, and in horrendous conditions, the aircraft commander decided to return to Fort William to wait for a break in the weather. At 0220 hrs the MRT on scene at the climbers’ position advised the crew that conditions had abated sufficiently for the aircraft to return and attempt a further extraction. Unfortunately, as the crew prepared for take-off, the aircraft’s moveable landing lamp failed. Nevertheless, realising the probable deteriorating condition of the casualties, the crew elected to attempt recovery utilizing secondary external light sources. However, once on scene it became rapidly apparent that the combination of poor weather and reduced lighting necessitated an abort and re-group back at Fort William.
At 0355 hrs, ‘R177’ was requested to move two further MRT from near the summit of Ben Nevis to a position closer to Tower Ridge, now in improving light as dawn approached. As the aircraft flew by the scene to investigate, the crew noticed that the climbers had moved with the MRT to an area known as Echo Wall, a complicated, technical and dangerous section of the wall. Undeterred, and seizing the opportunity of a weather break, Lt Cdr Lanni decided to attempt extraction of the casualties. The tight and difficult location necessitated a high winching position to ensure clearance. Still encountering significant turbulence, and now faced with critical fuel considerations, the crew positioned for winching. Lt Cdr Ford was deployed five times, on each occasion using in excess of 200ft of cable. The target area was 3ft by 5ft and the highest standard of crew co-operation and expert verbal directions was employed to recover three casualties and two MRT safely. ‘R177’ landed at Fort William with only 500lbs of fuel remaining. Unwilling to leave any of the rescue services on the mountain, the crew of ‘R177’ then refuelled and recovered the remainder of the MRT from the south side of Ben Nevis before returning to base where they eventually landed at 0625 hrs.
This was an extremely complicated rescue lasting more than six hours in darkness. The crew overcame a plethora of difficulties ranging from severe weather to handling equipment failure, mechanical failure as well as being fuel critical. Their mettle and moral fortitude were pushed to the absolute limit to affect improbable success through exemplary teamwork and bold decision-making. By dint of determination and sheer tenacity, the crew never gave up on their casualties or MRT colleagues, ensuring all were returned to safety.
Their performance throughout this protracted incident was exemplary and demonstrated outstanding devotion to duty. The crew of ‘R177’ is therefore awarded The Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award.
GAPAN Awards page
I'd appreciate this thread more if only one or two of the main players could take off their rose tinted spectacles
