An Cosantóir

60 rifles. Using its standard troop transport fit, the aircraft is fitted with ten, fold-up crashworthy troop seats, al- lowing a full section of soldiers to be carried. The cabin can also be fitted with a mass-casualty litter system, carrying up to six field stretchers in a secure frame, plus troop seats for extra walking wounded casualties. The advent of the AW139s and EC135s has allowed the Unit to develop a range of new skills and capabilities in both the land and offshore Joint operational environ- ments with the ARW and Naval Service. In conjunction with No 1 Ops Wing fixed wing aircraft and crews (who have extensive maritime experience), the IAC possess complex maritime helicopter interdiction capabilities in support of national defence and security objectives. In line with the No 3 Ops Wing historical role in support- ing civil society, the Unit has maintained a permanent presence in Custume Barracks, Athlone, in support of the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and its primary Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS). Since 2012, an AW139 detachment of two Pilots, two Aircraft Techni- cians and an Aircrew EMT, as well as an NAS Advanced Paramedic, have been permanently stationed together and are held at continuous high readiness with an av- erage response time from call to airborne of c. 7 mins. The EAS crews deal primarily with severe traumas, severe cardiac incidents or illnesses where there is a significant risk to life. The EAS AW139 is launched di- rectly by the NAS and routes directly to incident scenes, thereby saving valuable time. This service is a contin- uation of previous IAC helicopter services in support of the 'Civil Authority' such as Air Ambulance and SAR. Given that the EAS has airlifted over 3,300 casualties & patients to date and has responded to more than 5,000 callouts since it's conception, the EAS is living up to the endeavours and efforts of those that went before us. No 3 Operations Wing today consists of four Squad- rons. However, Squadron success is only possible when the Operations Cell, which coordinates flying missions, training and associated taskings; the Administration Staff in the Unit Orderly Room, which carries out all day- to-day administration of a busy Unit; and, the Logistics Staff who deal with everything from survival equipment and mission supplies, to the underslung load opera- tions, are all working at an equally busy tempo. As a relatively small Unit we must constantly ensure that operating standards are of the highest level. We do this in many ways, including sending our personnel overseas to train. In 2020, two of our Pilots conducted their helicopter conversion course with the US military at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Together they achieved first and second place among all their class and led the way for other courses to potentially follow suit. The Units versatility and broad capability often leaves other operators, civilian and military alike, seeking our counsel and study. We have hosted two visits so far in 2022. Yet none of this would be possible without 303 Squadron and the 'hangar staff', who work tirelessly to maintain the Unit's aircraft. They have adapted with every iteration of aircraft, learning the ins and outs of every model. Their knowledge is the grease that keeps rotors turning, the oil between every bearing, and their dedication is the essence of everything it means to be a member of No 3 Operations Wing. While there are stories of heroic deeds and success- ful missions, the seriousness of what we do is never lost on the Unit. Sometimes, the lessons we have learned have been imparted to us by departed friends and colleagues. Tragedies have befallen the Unit and some have carried the traumas of their Service into retirement. We will not forget their sacrifices. We also remember those that have left the Unit and subsequent- ly lost their lives in the service of the State. Throughout all of these brilliant and some very difficult times, those that have served with the No 3 Ops Wing were support- ed at home by a husband, wife, partner, friend or family. There were tens of thousands of nights away from home and many late evenings and missed birthdays, weddings, communions and more than a few football matches. You will never receive the awards and medals you so richly deserve. From all of us: Thank You. 'Go Mairidís Beo' - That Others May Live. To this day, the Unit respects this motto and the weight of its meaning. It helps keep a focus on the tasks at hand while ensuring a team approach to safety and general professionalism. While methods and train- ing have changed over the years, the pioneering and flexible ethos is still present in the newest members of the Unit. We have been operating helicopters on behalf of Aer Chór na hÉireann since 1963 and, like all Units in the IAC, we have a history to be proud of. Whatever new roles and technologies are given to the Unit in the future, we can be certain that they will be passed into good hands indeed. The entirety of the Aloette fleet standing proudly on the ramp, ready for action. NO. 3 OPERATIONS WING

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