At the Cabinet meeting today, Premier Jiang Yi-huah commended the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC) for its many acts of valor and heroic helicopter rescue efforts during times of major disaster.
After hearing a report from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) about the NASC's recent achievements and future directions, the premier said that the integration of the nation's aviation resources has yielded measurable results.
In March 2004, aviation squadrons and air patrol teams from various government agencies were merged to form the NASC with the five main objectives of search and rescue, disaster relief, emergency medical services, transportation, and reconnaissance and patrol. Since that time, the NASC has saved 5,621 lives in search and rescue operations alone, which is an increase of 39 percent prior to the merger.
In August 2009, President Ma Ying-jeou authorized the procurement of 60 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the U.S.—15 of which will be transferred to the NASC. Delivery of the helicopters to Taiwan will begin in batches in 2015. The Black Hawk's outstanding capabilities and enhanced rescue equipment are expected to increase flight safety and boost the success of missions.
Before the MOI replaces its aging helicopters with the Black Hawks, it should complete all preparations in accordance with Executive Yuan-approved plans, Jiang said. This includes conducting training programs, acquiring equipment, planning manpower, setting up maintenance systems and meeting base station specifications. Using minimal costs to achieve maximum efficacy, the MOI must establish an efficient airborne rescue force that meets national needs and public expectations in order to safeguard lives and property, the premier said.
As Taiwan enters peak typhoon and flooding season, the premier ordered NASC to strengthen its pilots' training and make more aircraft available round the clock, ready for any rescue missions. Proper coordination and deployment of the aircraft will help minimize losses when disaster hits, he said.
Since its establishment in March 2004 till the end of June 2014, the NASC had flown 64,387 missions totaling 83,255 hours and transported 8,285 passengers, according to the MOI. In the aftermath of the Kaohsiung explosions, for instance, the NASC flew five missions between August 1 and August 3, taking aerial photographs for the emergency operation center and the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction to make informed decisions about rescue operations.