Building work for the 2015 Bristow SAR contract began on 2 Dec 2014. SAR coverage commenced on 4 October 2015, following closure of the service by the RAF 22 Squadron A Flt from RMB Chivenor.
Bristow Helicopters commenced SAR helicopter operations on behalf of HM Coastguard from the St Athan base on Sunday 4 Oct 2015 at 1pm with AW139 G-CILN
27-Sep-18 - HM Coastguard station St Athan, operated by a Bristow team of 20 in south Wales, received two AW189 helicopters to replace the current AW139. Is the fourth UK SAR base to fly this model #AW189
15-Oct-15 - The launch of the St Athan civilian UK search and rescue (SAR) helicopter service was marked with a ceremony held at the new SAR base at St Athan airfield.
05-Oct-15 - An AW139 SAR helicopter based at St Athan in Wales carried out the first operational mission. Bristow Helicopters commenced SAR helicopter operations on behalf of HM Coastguard October 4.