Search and rescue helicopters owned by the US military will be removed from Iceland on 15 September, after the military turned down a request by the Icelandic Coast Guard that the helicopters remain until 1 October, when the first of three rented helicopters will arrive. This is reported by the online versions of RÚV and Morgunbladid.
The military’s helicopter squad has saved nearly 300 lives from when it was first stationed in Iceland. When it became clear that the US military would be leaving Iceland, a decision was made to strengthen the Coast Guard’s flight and rescue operations. Agreements have been made for the rentals of three helicopters, with two of those expected to arrive at the beginning of October. The last shift by the US military’s helicopter crew will end on 4 pm on Friday next week, and the helicopters are expected to leave Iceland the following day.
