Bristow Group

A beautiful shot to start the day as the sun rises behind our SAR hangar in Caernarfon, Wales. It's a cold, crisp and clear morning for many folks here in the UK. Thanks to Caernarfon Storekeeper Marc Jones for this shot.

Newsflash! Another day, another historic milestone for Search and Rescue in Ireland! Last night EI-IRD became the second member of the new Bristow Ireland fleet to take up residence in country when it touched down in Ireland for the first time. The advanced, Search and Rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopter landed beside the first member of the Bristow Ireland fleet, EI-IRR, at The Shannon Airport Group last night. Two done (and four to come). The programme to deliver the next generation of SAR aviation services on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard continues to develop. Check back here for more information and fresh images and video soon

As we said on a post on 19 November, the Shetland crew couldn't safely fly to Billy Deacon's memorial cairn on the anniversary of his death. But they made good their promise when the skies cleared. Winch Operator and Deputy Crew Chief John Thomson joined Winch Paramedic Ben Jacobs to lay a wreath at the memorial on the island of Bressay, Shetland. Billy won't be forgotten.

The first of many... Meet Andy Rees, Liam Flynn and Colm O'Grady, three pilots already hugely experienced in delivering Search and Rescue (SAR) for people and communities across Ireland on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard. They are among many pilots, technical crews and specialist engineers who are transitioning to Bristow Ireland to continue their SAR career in the country. Andy, Liam and Colm are pictured in the Bristow training centre where they are currently working towards their 'Type Rating' on our advanced AW189 simulator, ahead of staring duties with the Bristow Ireland team at The Shannon Airport Group. Watch this space for more updates on the people, places and equipment which will help us deliver the next generation of SAR in Ireland.

We simply could not be prouder to share this news. On Tuesday night, in the House of Commons, Winch Paramedic Carlton Real and Winch Operator Jason Bibby were presented with the Billy Deacon Memorial SAR Trophy. The rescue which the award was presented for was just outstanding. Jason and Carlton showed tremendous bravery, skill and tenacity, saving the life of a casualty who had become trapped in a cave in dangerous circumstances. Carlton’s efforts, which saw him disregard his own condition to help save the life of another, were outstanding. Jason and Carlton collected the award alongside the flight crew, Captain Jörg Brunner and Captain Debdash Bhattacharya. If you have two minutes you can read their story here: https://lnkd.in/eKDJG7-C It’s remarkable stuff and demonstrates, once again, the commitment Bristow crews have for saving lives on behalf of the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency and with other governments and agencies all across the world.

On this day in 1997 Bristow lost a member of its family in tragic circumstances. Billy Deacon, a winchman based in Sumburgh, Shetland, lost his life while saving the crew onboard the merchant vessel Green Lily in hurricane conditions. He was posthumously awarded the George Medal for his selfless actions. This year, as every year, our Shetland crew paid tribute to his memory. Weather conditions meant they were unable to fly to Billy's memorial, but they will lay their wreath as soon as the skies clear. Tonight in the House of Commons a Bristow crew, operating for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will be presented with the Billy Deacon SAR Memorial Trophy for their courage and resolve, mirroring Billy’s selfless commitment to saving the lives of others, 27 years ago. SAR is a family. Everyone counts. Billy will not be forgotten and the memory of his actions live on in everyone who contributes to this lifesaving service, from the office to the hangar to the cockpit. Check back here soon for updates on the presentation which will forever carry Billy's name and legacy.

Somewhere above European clouds, the latest AW189 speeds towards lifesaving duties in Ireland. Watch this space as the new fleet takes shape.

Ireland - another AW189 is coming! The third of a fleet of six AW189 helicopters destined for Ireland has now left the factory in Italy and arrived at Bristow’s engineering base. The new aircraft, EI-IRD, was flown out of the Leonardo factory in Italy by the Bristow Ireland team. The advanced aircraft was then taken on a carefully planned route through Europe, over the Alps and straight into Bristow’s maintenance facility at Lee-on-Solent, UK. Check out these shots from its journey. EI-IRD is now the focus of a detailed modification programme by skilled Bristow engineers ahead of it joining the Bristow Ireland team for lifesaving operations on behalf of Irish Coast Guard. Watch this space for more updates on this important work.. Want to know more about the new aircraft which will deliver lifesaving operations for people and communities across Ireland? Then click here: https://lnkd.in/eVmXuy_s.

The phased transition to a new Irish Coast Guard aviation service is well underway. As part of this process our people at Bristow Ireland are busy carrying out a detailed training programme with the first AW189 to arrive in-country. The team is undertaking a variety of training sorties, putting themselves, and the new aircraft through their paces. Here's a glimpse of one sortie on the stunning Aran Islands, off the western Ireland coast... Check back here for more updates as this important project continues to gather momentum.

Bristow Operations Manager for the U.S., Clay Voss, shared this early morning shot of an AW139 just before sunrise with the red and green nav lights bathing the rotor blades and ground below. The team was preflighting for the journey back home from Conroe, Texas following evacuation after Hurricane Francine. We hope you too have a smooth return to work and a productive, safe week! #ProudToBeBristow #helicopters #aviation #aw139 #offshore #energy