711 Squadron (Portugal)

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= Esquadra 711
(711 Squadron)


caption=
dates= October 19, 1993
country= flag|Portugal
branch= Air Force
type=
role= Search and rescue
size=
garrison=Air Base 4
garrison_label=Home Base
nickname=Albatrozes (Albatrosses)
patron=
motto="Para que outros vivam" (So that others may live)
march=
mascot=
equipment=
equipment_label=
anniversaries=
disbanded=
commander1=Major Joaquim Simões Gaspar (2005—)
commander1_label=Commander
commander2=
commander2_label=
commander3=
commander3_label=
notable_commanders=
identification_symbol=
identification_symbol_label=
identification_symbol_2=
identification_symbol_2_label=
identification_symbol_3=
identification_symbol_3_label=
identification_symbol_4=
identification_symbol_4_label=
aircraft_helicopter=Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma (1993—)
aircraft_patrol=CASA C-212 Aviocar (1993—2007)
aircraft_transport=CASA C-212 Aviocar (1993—2007)The 711 Squadron "Albatrozes" ("Esquadra 711") is an aircraft squadron of the Portuguese Air Force. The squadron's primary mission is Search and Rescue and is the only squadron in the Portuguese military to operate both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft.

Roles and missions

;Primary mission
*Search and rescue;Secondary missions
*Tactical air transport
*General air transport

History

Until 1993, two search and rescue squadrons were based at Lajes Air Force Base, Azores, the 503 "Golfinhos" and 752 Squadron "Pumas", respectively operating the CASA C-212 Aviocar and SA 330 Puma. In October 19, 1993, with the merger of these two squadrons the 711 Squadron was activated.

In November 30 2006, the Helicopter Flight of the 711 Squadron was deactivated and the Azores Aerial Detachment of the 752 Squadron was activated with the entry in service of the AgustaWestland EH101 and subsequent replacement of the SA 330 Puma.

The squadron was temporarily deactivated in April 11 2007, being replaced by a detachment of the 502 Squadron in the missions executed by its fixed-wing aircraft.

Due to complications with the logistical support by the manufacturer of the EH101, the 711 Sqn. is to be reactivated on October 1 2008 to operate four SA 330 Puma helicopters, which will complement the existing EH101 fleet in search and rescue missions and in medical evacuation operations in Azores.

Aircraft

* Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma (1993—)
* CASA C-212 Aviocar (1993—2007)
* AgustaWestland EH101 (EIS)
* CASA C-295M (on order, EIS 2009)

ee also

* Portuguese Air Force
* Lajes Air Base
* 503 Squadron
* 752 Squadron

External links

* [http://www.emfa.pt/www/esquadrasdetalhe.php?lang=ing&cod=e711 711 Squadron information] at the Portuguese Air Force official website
* [http://callsignafp.blogspot.com/2007/08/esquadra-711-comandantes.html List of commanders of the 711 Squadron] pt icon