An airbus helicopter that will be utilized for massive search and rescue missions and maritime security operations is expected to be commissioned by the Philippine Coast Guard next week.
The Coast Guard disclosed Saturday that the Coast Guard Aviation Force (CGAF) will commission into service the second airbus helicopter from Germany with tail number CGH-1451 during the commamd's 119th founding anniversary.
The aerial asset is a four-ton-class twin engine helicopter equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast-roping, cargo sling, search light, and electro-optical systems to perform critical missions, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime security operations, and maritime law enforcement.
The first H145 light twin engine helicopter from Germany with tail number CGH-1452 was commissioned into Coast Guard service last June 18.
It has been deployed in various maritime search and rescue and marine environmental protection initiatives in the past months.
According to Coast Guard, it is one of the most actively utilized PCG asset in transporting personal protective equipment sets and medical supplies to far-flung communities amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, the quarantine facility intended for Coast Guard personnel infected with coronavirus is also expected to be completed on the 119th anniversary of the organization.
It is now 99 percent complete, the Coast Guard said.
It was initially scheduled for completion on September but it was moved due to a number of Coast Guard personnel testing positive for coronavirus disease.
The facility can accommodate up to 224 frontline personnel at one time.
It will also allow the Coast Guard Medical Service to better manage the active COVID-19 cases within the organization for their speed recovery and rehabilitation.