Nick Harvey says:

‘I welcome the recent announcement awarding AgustaWestland the maintenance and support contract for the UK’s Sea King helicopters.

‘The company will be responsible for providing first line maintenance services for the Search and Rescue (SAR) Sea Kings at eight bases including RMB Chivenor here in North Devon.

‘The two Sea King HAR3A SAR helicopters of A Flight of 22 Squadron cover an absolutely vast area, (the nearest other SAR bases for the South West are in Cornwall at St Mawgan and Portreath) and conduct vital life saving work both at sea and on land.

‘It is reassuring to know that they will receive the first class support they need to keep them air worthy and serving our community and visitors to the region.’

Notes for Editors:
This is the second phase of the Sea King Integrated Operation Support or SKIOS contract.

It replaces around 60 separate contracts. Under SKIOS II the MoD will transfer responsibility to AgustaWestland for Sea King Depth Maintenance located at DARA Fleetlands and the Second Line Workshop activities located at RNAS Yeovilton.

Value of the contract for the first five years is £470m.

Currently the MoD’s Sea King fleet numbers about 100 RAF Mk3 and Mk3A SAR aircraft, RN Mk4 and Mk6 CR amphibious support aircraft, Mk5 SAR aircraft and Mk7 Maritime Surveillance and Control aircraft.