The 752 Squadron Phoenix (Esquadra 752, Fénix ) is a helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) unit of the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa), operating the EH101 Merlin helicopter. The squadron is based at Air Base No. 4 (BA4) in Lajes, on Terceira Island in the Azores. It was last reactivated on June 14, 2023, to enhance SAR and medical evacuation capabilities in the Azores region, addressing the increased demand for such missions.
The squadrons motto, Para que outros vivam ( So that others may live), reflects its commitment to life-saving missions. Equipped with the advanced EH101 Merlin helicopters, 752 Squadron is capable of conducting operations in challenging weather conditions, ensuring rapid response to emergencies across the vast maritime area surrounding the Azores.
The squadrons motto, Para que outros vivam ( So that others may live), reflects its commitment to life-saving missions. Equipped with the advanced EH101 Merlin helicopters, 752 Squadron is capable of conducting operations in challenging weather conditions, ensuring rapid response to emergencies across the vast maritime area surrounding the Azores.
This Squadron was created in 1978 and disbanded in 1993 when it merged with 503 Transport Squadron to form 711 Squadron (mix of helicopters and aircrafts). It has seen a short reactivation when the new EH101 Merlin was not capable of maintain the necessary number of aircraft operational, so in 2008 4 SA330 Pumas were put back in service to fill the gap has 752 Squadron (helicopters only), in 2009 the SA330 Puma are definitely put out of service and the 752 Squadron disbanded.
Locations
| 1977-1993 | LPLA TER | Aeroporto Internacional das Lajes |
| 2006-2009 | LPLA TER | Aeroporto Internacional das Lajes |
| 2023- | LPLA TER | Aeroporto Internacional das Lajes |
Models
| 1977-1993 | SA330 Puma |
| 2008-2009 | SA330 Puma |
| 2023- | EH101 |