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Comments: Airman Damien Faulkner took the photo from Dauphin 247, flown by Comdt Shane Bonner.
"On Weds 7 May 2003, the Air Corps' newest acquisition took to the skies over Baldonnel, using call sign Sierra Kilo 257. Previously registered as EI - CXS, the Sikorsky S-61's new colour scheme is an adaptation of its original Irish Coastguard one. The first flight, under the command of Comdt Tom O'Connor, was another step along the path of the Air Corps' ambition to perform medium range search and rescue (SAR) missions. It will continue to "work up" over the summer in Sligo Airport where it will be based, and later this year will eventually replace the Dauphin SAR service, currently operated out of Air Station Finner in Co Donegal. Of note on the S-61 is the one metre diameter Air Corps roundel and the tricolour on the nose, which are designed to distinguish it from the Irish Coastguard operated S-61s around the Irish airports." Comdt. Kevin Byrne |