Prince Felipe unveils Search and Rescue monument

PRINCE Felipe visited the Son Sant Joan airbase in Palma yesterday, where he officially unveiled a monument marking the 50th anniversary of the Search and Rescue Service (SAR) at the 801 Air Force Squadron. The flying squadron was founded on 3 August 1954 and has so far carried out a total of 83'000 flying hours.
The Prince arrived at the airbase at 11am on board a Falcon 900 B plane, and he was welcomed by the central government representative, Ramón Socias, the Balearic minister for the Interior, José Maria Rodriguez, and the Mayor of Palma, Catalina Cirer. Following this the Prince, who was dressed in a Commander's uniform, watched the 801 squadron pay military honours. Then he met more key officials, such as the head of the Son Sant Joan airbase, General Garcia de la Vega. After the protocol salutes, the Prince of Asturias attended a lecture on the missions and methods of the 801 squadron.
When the lecture had finished, Prince Felipe then officially unveiled the monument at 12.15pm, which pays homage to the 50th anniversary of SAR.
He was then whisked off to the exhibition of the SAR's helicopters and planes. One of the “SA 330 Puma” helicopters later carried out a simulated air rescue mission. To end the royal visit, Prince Felipe was taken to the maintenance hangar, where the head of the 801 squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Delgado, explained the aircraft checks.