After the deadly disaster: IDF revives the naval helicopter squadron

The IDF has relaunched the 'Guardians of the West' (193) squadron for operating naval reconnaissance helicopters, four years after the crash of the 'Atalef' helicopter off the coast of Haifa in January 2022. The squadron has been moved from Ramat David Airbase to Palmachim and will operate SH-60F 'Sea Hawk' helicopters purchased from US military surplus.

The IDF has relaunched the 'Guardians of the West' (193) squadron, a naval reconnaissance helicopter squadron, in a ceremony yesterday led by Air Force Commander Major General Omer Tishler and Navy Commander Major General Ayal Harel. The squadron was reestablished after the crash of the 'Atalef' helicopter off the coast of Haifa in January 2022 left the Navy without a naval squadron. The crash killed pilots Lieutenant Colonel Erez Shahaini and Major Chen Fogel, and reconnaissance officer Captain Ron Berman was injured. In the past year, the Air Force purchased SH-60F 'Sea Hawk' helicopters from US military surplus. The squadron will operate from Palmachim Airbase, after being moved from Ramat David. The IDF says the new helicopters serve as a significant force multiplier for Navy missions, including intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, rescue and extraction. The commanders of the branches spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the cooperation between the air and naval arms.