Chinook News | Issue: Qtr 04.09
International
U.S. Army Photo
ITALIAN ARMY AVIATION CH-47C AND ABRUZZO
Italian Army Aviation Antares Unit Conducts Missions of Mercy and Missions of State
In early April 2009, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the region of Italy approximately 95 km (60 miles) northeast of Rome. The tremors were felt as far away as Rome. Italy lies on two fault lines and has been hit by powerful earthquakes in the past, mainly in the south of the country. Reports estimated hundreds of dead and thousands of injured; more than 26 cities and towns were damaged. In the city of L'Aquila, between 3,000 and 10,000 buildings in the medieval city may have been damaged. The destruction left upwards of 40,000 people homeless. Relief for the suffering was urgently needed. Phone and power lines were down, and some bridges and roads were closed as a precaution as the region was hit by a series of aftershocks.
The 1 Regiment of Italian Army Aviation Antares with its CH-47C Chinook helicopter launched a pivotal role in response to the need. The Antares unit is among the best in the world in mountain operations and swiftly moved into action. By early morning the first Chinook equipped with stretchers arrived at Preturo airport; the medical staff took care of the wounded arriving in the ambulances and moved the injured to hospitals. In the following days the Italian CH-47C operated almost around the clock conducting mission after mission delivering supplies and equipment, transporting injured and finally delivering urgently needed food and shelters to the region.
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