A Super Puma helicopter (HD.21), along with its crew from the 802 Squadron of the 46th Wing, is participating in support tasks for the 49th Canary Islands Rally, which is being held from April 24th to 27th. Its main mission is to provide SAR (Search and Rescue Service) coverage to ensure safety during the event.
Any emergency interventions will be directed and coordinated by the Canary Islands Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (ARCC Canarias), the entity responsible for managing these types of operations in the archipelago.
The SAR team deployed at the Rally will remain ready at all times to handle any other emergencies that may arise outside the competition, thus ensuring the continuity of service throughout the rest of the country.
![[Img # 19817]](https://maspalomas24h.com/upload/images/04_2025/7211_maspalomas24h-zip-1.jpeg)
The 802nd Squadron of the 46th Wing: a multipurpose and strategic unit
The 802nd Squadron, based at Gando Air Base (Gran Canaria), is part of the 82nd Air Force Group of the 46th Wing of the Spanish Air Force. This unit is responsible for providing aerial search and rescue (SAR), maritime surveillance (VIGMA), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in an area covering approximately 1,5 million square kilometers.
To accomplish these missions, the 802nd Squadron is equipped with HD.21 Super Puma helicopters and CN-235 (D.4) aircraft, which enable it to operate in adverse weather conditions and complex environments, both on land and at sea. In addition to its operational duties, the 802nd Squadron participates in national and international exercises.
The versatility and commitment of the 802nd Squadron make it an essential element for security and defense in the aerospace field, especially in the Canary Islands.
