83 centro c/sar

The 83° Gruppo SAR (Search and Rescue), a key component of the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) under the 15° Stormo (15th Wing), traces its lineage back to the maritime reconnaissance units of the early 20th century, officially marking its centenary in 2026. Following its service in World War II as part of the Auxiliary Air Force for the Regia Marina (the Italian Royal Navy; they were technically part of the Air Force but were under the operational command of the Navy ), the unit was reconstituted in 1944 and later transitioned to specialized air rescue roles in the post-war era, moving through various aircraft including CANT Z seaplanes before adopting helicopters like the HH-3F "Pelicano" in 1978.

Over the decades, its mission evolved from standard search and rescue to Combat SAR (CSAR) in 1995, participating in international operations such as Antica Babilonia in Iraq and providing critical disaster relief during domestic emergencies like the 2016 central Italy earthquake. Today, based at Cervia Air Base and operating the advanced HH-139 helicopter, the 83° Gruppo continues to fulfill its life-saving motto, "Mammajut" (or officially "so that others may live"), through 24/7 readiness for medical evacuations and personnel recovery.