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65-482: In 1943 the U.S. Government built the airport on land jointly owned by both cities, Titusville and Cocoa. The airfield had two 5,000 feet (1,500 m) x 150 feet (46 m) runways with a taxiway system. The U.S. Government developed the airport to serve as an outlying field (OLF) to Naval Air Station Sanford during World War II . The airport was built by the Civil Aeronautics Administration under

130-423: A Master Jet Base for carrier-based heavy attack and reconnaissance aircraft until 1969. After its closure, it reopened as civilian general aviation airport under various names with a non-Navy civilian airport identifier ( IATA : SFB , ICAO : KSFB , FAA LID : SFB ) until finally transitioning to a scheduled air carrier airport under its current name of Orlando-Sanford International Airport . Prior to 1942,

195-559: A Strategic Air Command installation approximately 25 miles (40 km) to the south, a commissary and full-fledged Naval Hospital facilities were not considered necessary at NAS Sanford due to the relatively close proximity of a commissary and USAF Hospital at Central Florida's other major military installation at the time, the nearby Orlando AFB (which was transferred to the U.S. Navy 's control in December 1968 and renamed Naval Training Center Orlando ), approximately 12 miles (19 km) to

260-462: A United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority Type A Operating Licence, it is permitted to carry passengers, cargo and mail on aircraft with 20 seats or more. The U.S. division of Bristow is a Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) approved Part 135 air carrier. On 11 May 2019, Bristow Group entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, affecting North America operations, but leaving overseas operations unchanged. After an aggressive expansion earlier in

325-427: A Douglas C-47A . Veteran tour guides recount war stories. The Tico Air Show (March) is an annual event since 1977 and features modern military and vintage airplane fly-bys and demonstrations, strafing runs, dog fights, vintage warbird static displays, and military exhibits. In 2008, about 30,000 visitors attended. Bristow Helicopters ' Bristow Academy , a helicopter flying school, employs 160 and training 350 people

390-538: A Surrender of Lease and Quit Claim Deed dated April 18, 1947. The taxiways and runways of the Titusville-Cocoa Airport hosted a NASCAR Grand National (now Cup Series) event, on December 30, 1956, for the 1957 NASCAR season. Fireball Roberts won in a Peter DePaolo Ford. An airport authority was established by the Cities of Titusville and Cocoa to own, operate, improve, and maintain the airport. The property

455-479: A few months later, Congress directed the closure of NAS Sanford in 1968 due to funding constraints caused by the Vietnam War and President Lyndon Johnson's concurrent Great Society programs that necessitated the closure or realignment of several stateside air force bases and naval air stations as Department of Defense economy measures. As a result, flying operations rapidly scaled back at NAS Sanford during 1968 as

520-568: A joint venture, in 2015 Bristow and AgustaWestland agreed to develop offshore and search and rescue capabilities for the AW609 tiltrotor . This could simplify a typical trip from Clapham Common to an oil rig by using just one aircraft. Bristow intends to order more than 10 tiltrotors. Bristow helicopters operated Sikorsky S-61N helicopters on behalf of His Majesty's Coastguard , the United Kingdom's coastguard , until July 2007 after which there

585-625: A lower cost structure in some operating areas. Partners include: Fixed Wing Bristow has controlling interests in Eastern Airways which is a regional airline based in the U.K. operating fixed wing regional jet and turboprop aircraft and Airnorth , also a regional airline, based in Australia operating fixed wing regional jet and turboprop aircraft. Both Eastern Airways and Airnorth operate scheduled passenger services, shuttle flights for oil and gas industry personnel, and charter services. Although not

650-640: A residential area. By staying with the aircraft, LCDR Ramey not only gave his flight crew time to bail out of the aircraft, but also saved the lives of numerous families in the residential community. In the early 1960s, the A3D aircraft (redesignated as the A-3B in 1962) began to be replaced by the Mach 2+ North American A3J Vigilante (redesignated the A-5A in 1962). But by 1964, the strategic nuclear strike mission for carrier-based aircraft

715-565: A robust storage and distribution system for JP-5 jet fuel (which relied on resupply via a railroad spur into the base); secure weapon/air-dropped ordnance storage facilities; a Navy Dispensary; a Navy Exchange complex and associated garage/service station/MiniMart; and morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) facilities that included a base movie theater, two swimming pools, lakeside recreational facilities and separate clubs for officers, chief petty officer and enlisted personnel pay grade E-6 and below. Like Pinecastle AFB (later renamed McCoy AFB ),

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780-513: A training mission with carrier-based fighter aircraft using the F4F, FM-1 and FM-2 Wildcat and F6F Hellcat . The air station also held oversight of an auxiliary airfield known as Outlying Field Osceola (OLF Osceola) approximately 6 nautical miles (11 km) east-southeast of NAS Sanford. Decommissioned in 1946 and placed in a caretaker status, the base was recommissioned as Naval Auxiliary Air Station Sanford (NAAS Sanford) in 1950 in response to both

845-630: A weather or fuel divert from the Atlantic offshore training areas or the Navy's Pinecastle Bombing Range in the Ocala National Forest . In late 1967, in addition to the nine existing RVAH squadrons that had previously been VAH squadrons, a tenth RVAH squadron was formed in preparation for the impending commissioning of the new aircraft carrier USS  John F. Kennedy , culminating with the establishment of RVAH-14 on 1 February 1968. Unfortunately, only

910-501: A worldwide presence within a similar timeframe, providing its services in the North Sea , Middle East , South America , Africa , Asia , India , Bermuda , Trinidad , Australia and New Zealand . The company went through repeated changes in ownership during the 1980s and 1990s. In 1985, Bristow Helicopters was acquired by British and Commonwealth Holdings plc. That same year, Alan Bristow stood down from his active role in managing

975-532: A year in Schweizer 300 CBIs, Robinson R22s , Robinson R44s , and Bell 206Bs . They have 59 helicopters. It is the world's largest civilian helicopter school. The Zero Gravity Corporation offers weightless flights in its modified Boeing 727 and Airbus A300 cargo planes. AeroDyne Detail, LLC provides mobile detailing services on the field. Naval Air Station Sanford Naval Air Station Sanford ( IATA : NRJ , ICAO : KNRJ , FAA LID : NRJ )

1040-689: Is a frequently flyable collection of planes used in World Wars I and II. It is based here, along with a permanent collection of additional aircraft from the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War and the first Gulf War/Operation Desert Storm at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum . The museum provides an exhibit of air history, offering a static display of vintage Warbird aircraft, including

1105-634: Is appointed at-large by the Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County. The Authority exercises hiring and oversight responsibility for the Authority's Executive Director, a full-time civil servant airport executive who has day-to-day responsibility for the operation, maintenance and supervision of Space Coast Regional Airport, Merritt Island Airport , Arthur Dunn Airpark and associated airport staff personnel. Space Coast Regional Airport covers 1,650 acres (668 ha) and has two runways: The Valiant Air Command

1170-515: Is currently a part of the U.S.-based Bristow Group ( NYSE :  BRS , S&P 600 component ) which in turn has its corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas , U.S. In 2020, Bristow Group was merged with Era Helicopters , a large U.S.-based commercial helicopter operator that was previously a division of Era Aviation , with the two companies then continuing to use the Bristow name. Bristow Helicopters

1235-717: The Iranian Revolution of 1979. During the late 1960s, Bristow Helicopters operated a fleet of Hiller UH-12 training helicopters based at AAC Middle Wallop which were used to train flight crews on behalf of the UK Army Air Corps . In 1986, the company began training overseas pilots at its flying school at Redhill Aerodrome; this program ran for multiple decades, being rebranded as the Bristow Academy . In addition to pilot training, Bristow has also been involved in training ground crew, having started sponsoring students at

1300-527: The Korean War and the Cold War . Subsequently, redesignated as a full naval air station and renamed NAS Sanford once again, the installation initially served as a home station for carrier-based F9F Panther , and F2H Banshee fighter aircraft, and AD Skyraider and AJ Savage attack aircraft in squadrons assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In the late 1950s, substantial upgrades followed in order to turn

1365-671: The National Naval Aviation Museum were dedicated in May 2003 and are positioned on the main entrance road within the Orlando Sanford International Airport perimeter in memory to NAS Sanford personnel who served their country during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Additional Seminole County historical markers were placed at both the park and at the main passenger terminal, while additional markers and memorials to NAS Sanford exist in

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1430-524: The Royal Navy and Westland Helicopters , Bristow had chosen to invest his earnings into forming multiple companies, the first of which being Air Whaling Ltd . In June 1955, he opted to establish Bristow Helicopters Limited after securing a contract for the supply of helicopter crews at Shell to support rigs in the Persian Gulf . During 1957, Bristow Helicopters received a contract from BP , which allowed

1495-505: The Shetland Isles . Northern North Sea services operated from Aberdeen (EGPD), Scatsta (EGPM) and Stavanger (ENZV). Southern North Sea services operate from Norwich (EGSH), Humberside (EGNJ) and Den Helder (EHKD) with its support organisation based at Redhill (EGKR). Bristow S-61N's were responsible to carry out SAR tasks, operating from Den Helder Airport on behalf of the oil and gas industry . On 26 March 2013, Bristow

1560-483: The "Development of Landing Areas for National Defense" Program to help relieve other area military bases of training exercises during World War II . The government retained control of the airport for the duration of the war. After the war the U.S. Navy transferred the airport and associated improvements to the War Assets Administration, which deeded the airport back to the Cities of Titusville and Cocoa by

1625-496: The 1970s, Bristow would expand its Aberdeen operation, its main oil and gas support hub being based at Dyce Airport ; in 1972, the company allocated the first of several Sikorsky S-61 N to Sumburgh Airport in support of Shell's offshore rigs. Following an expansion programme, which included the building of new on-site accommodations for workers and their families, around thirty S-61N flights were routinely flying daily from Sumburgh, supported by round-the-clock maintenance coverage, at

1690-586: The 1970s. Entering the North Sea market, also during the 1960s, Bristow became Aberdeen Airport's largest single employer during the 1980s and was operating the majority of offshore flights in the North Sea. The company went through repeated changes in ownership during the 1980s and 1990s, leading to its acquisition by American helicopter operator Offshore Logistics in 1996, which re-branded itself as The Bristow Group in February 2006. Bristow Helicopters Limited holds

1755-519: The 1974–75 time frame and continued to deploy to both the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific aboard Forrestal , Kitty Hawk , Enterprise and Nimitz -class aircraft carriers. RA-5C units remained operational at NAS Key West until the RA-5C's retirement from active naval service in January 1980. A commemorative NAS Sanford Memorial Park, along with plaques and a retired RA-5C Vigilante aircraft on loan from

1820-619: The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, (NCAT), Zaria , in 1986. Starting in 1971, Bristow Helicopters began providing civilian search and rescue (SAR) services in the UK, replacing military Westland Whirlwinds with Bristow-operated Sikorsky S-55s at RAF Manston , Kent . The then-unfamiliar concept of using a private company for SAR services led to a public outcry and intense lobbying efforts thus, after three years, operations were turned back over to RAF Coastal Command . Bristow reentered

1885-518: The North American production line shifted to producing all subsequent aircraft as RA-5Cs. Heavy Attack Wing ONE was renamed Reconnaissance Attack Wing ONE (RECONATKWING ONE) and its subordinate squadrons as Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons (RVAH). Unlike HATWING ONE, which concentrated on supplying aircraft squadrons to the Atlantic Fleet, RECONATKWING ONE would be the Navy's sole functional wing for

1950-726: The RA-5C and would supply squadrons to both the Atlantic Fleet and Pacific Fleet. NAS Sanford-based squadrons routinely deployed aboard both Atlantic and Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers of the Forrestal , Kitty Hawk and Enterprise classes, seeing extensive action during the Cold War and the Vietnam War . Numerous RA-5C flight crews and aircraft were also lost to enemy action in the Vietnam War, with several NAS Sanford-based Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers becoming prisoners of war in Vietnam until repatriation in 1973. In addition to RA-5C aircraft, NAS Sanford also continued to operate

2015-998: The Sanford Airport was an 865-acre civilian airfield with two runways that was owned by the City of Sanford. On 11 June 1942, the city deeded the facility to the U.S. Navy and Naval Air Station Sanford was commissioned as an active naval installation on 3 November 1942. NAS Sanford was initially assigned the airport codes NRJ and KNRJ . The base initially concentrated on advanced land-based patrol plane training, operating PV-1 Venturas , PBO Hudsons and SNB-2 Kansans. Peak wartime complement during 1943–1945 reached approximately 360 officers and 1400 enlisted men, both Navy and Marine Corps, with an additional complement of Naval Reserve officer and enlisted WAVES ( Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service ) who served in air traffic control, meteorological services, administrative support, and aircraft maintenance. In 1943, training at NAS Sanford shifted to

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2080-825: The TA-3B variant of the Skywarrior, several examples of which were attached to the RA-5C Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), Reconnaissance Attack Squadron THREE (RVAH-3), for training Naval Flight Officers as Reconnaissance Attack Navigators (RAN) in the RA-5C . NAS Sanford also operated the R4D -8/ C-117 Skytrain as an operational support aircraft assigned to the air station proper. Transient aircraft from NAS Key West , NAS Jacksonville and NAS Cecil Field , Florida and NAS Glynco , Georgia would also utilize NAS Sanford for training or as

2145-559: The U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Alaska , and was structured as a reverse takeover . The group operates and maintains a global fleet of over 400 aircraft. In February 2006, Offshore Logistics decided to re-brand itself as The Bristow Group . In January 2010, Bristow announced the retirement of the Air Logistics name and Gulf of Mexico operations would operate under the name Bristow. The Bristow Group expanded their portfolio in April 2007 with

2210-536: The UK's SAR sector in 1983 when it commenced operations on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) from Sumburgh Airport; the company held the contract until 2007 and secured it again in June 2013. Other locations, including Stornoway , Lee-on-Solent , and Portland , would also be operated by Bristow on behalf of MCA. Over the years, Bristow's SAR units have responded to multiple incidents, including rescue efforts in

2275-571: The UK. Bristow opted to discontinue crop-spraying activities in favour of focusing on oil exploration work in Nigeria on behalf of Shell; by the start of the Biafran War in 1967, the company had a fleet of 11 helicopters committed the Nigerian oil exploration effort, based at Port Harcourt . Early on in the conflict, Bristow helped to evacuate oil workers in the region to the safety of Fernando Po ; despite

2340-513: The air station into a Master Jet Base for the carrier-based Douglas A-3 Skywarrior (at the time, designated the A3D Skywarrior ) nuclear attack aircraft of Heavy Attack Wing ONE (HATWING ONE). In addition to the Skywarrior, other associated sea-based and land-based training aircraft supporting A3D training, such as the F9F-8T Cougar and P2V-3W Neptune , were also assigned. The upgrades to

2405-467: The airfield operates as Orlando-Sanford International Airport , a commercial airport with domestic and international airline service, augmenting commercial service at nearby Orlando International Airport (the former McCoy AFB ) and Daytona Beach International Airport (the former NAS Daytona Beach). Bristow Helicopters Bristow Helicopters Limited is a British civil helicopter operator originally based at Aberdeen Airport , Scotland , which

2470-523: The city's redeveloped RiverWalk riverfront area facing Lake Monroe in downtown Sanford. A restored PV-1 Ventura , also on loan from the National Museum of Naval Aviation , was placed on display inside the airport's passenger terminal along with additional NAS Sanford historical displays in September 2020. An A-3 Skywarrior has also been requested from the Navy for future restoration and display, but

2535-537: The company. It was soon sold on as a component of the Bricom Group via a management buy-out in 1988. In July 1990, Bricom was acquired by Scandinavian investment company Rochfield . In 1991, Bristow Helicopters was subject to another management buy-out headed by managing director and chief executive Bryan Collins. In 1996, Bristow Helicopters was purchased by Offshore Logistics , an American offshore helicopter operator which previously operated as Air Logistics in

2600-457: The decade, demand was cut back as crude oil prices dropped and Bristow Group's total debt stood at $ 1.44 billion by 30 September 2018. Bristow completed the UK's Eastern Airways sale on 10 May, and still wants to sell its interest in Australia's Airnorth , hoping for $ 230 million combined. Bristow Helicopters Limited traces its origins back to the endeavours of British inventor and business man Alan Bristow . A former test pilot for both

2665-591: The early 1960s. The location of this regional airport made it important to the transportation of NASA personnel and equipment. Eastern Air Lines Boeing 727 and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 jetliners served Titusville with scheduled passenger flights from 1970 to 1974. The "Titusville-Cocoa Airport District Act of 1963" created the Titusville-Cocoa Airport District and the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority ("Authority") to govern

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2730-477: The exception of VAH-3, which conducted Replacement Air Group (RAG) / Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) functions. In addition to the HATWING ONE squadrons, Air Development Squadron FIVE ( VX-5 ), based at NAWS China Lake , California, also maintained a detachment (VX-5 Det Alfa) at NAS Sanford until the detachment's relocation to Kirtland AFB , New Mexico in 1962. Due to the Skywarrior's nuclear strike mission and

2795-582: The firm to purchase its own helicopters, a pair of Westland Widgeons . That same year, having realised that few companies could afford helicopter services, Bristow began to seek work around the globe; the company soon launched successful ventures into both Iran and Bolivia . In 1960, Bristow Helicopters chose to enter the African market via the acquisition of crop-spraying specialist Fison-Airwork , which had also operated in locations in Central America and

2860-576: The former NAAS to achieve status as a full-fledged NAS and Master Jet Base included lengthening of the main runway to 8,000 feet (2,400 m) with additional overruns of approximately 2,000 feet (610 m) on both ends; construction of additional new hangars; barracks and administrative support buildings for the air station, heavy attack wing, heavy attack squadrons, and Marine Barracks; installation or upgrades to precision approach radar /ground controlled approach (PAR/GCA), non-directional beacon (NDB) and tactical air navigation (TACAN) navigational aids;

2925-555: The funding of Authority activities, including an ad valorem tax not to exceed one mil on all taxable properties within the geographical bounds of the District. Also included was the authorization of the District to issue general obligation bonds and revenue bonds to finance the acquisition, construction, or development of airport property or facilities. The Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority now has seven members. Two are appointed from Brevard County election Districts I, II, and IV, and one

2990-480: The largest civil helicopter order to have been made at the time; the first examples of the type were introduced in early 1982. Within the company's first three decades, Bristow Helicopters had expanded into the provision of various helicopter-based services, including the provision of pilot training, search and rescue coverage, cargo transportation, and charter flights, in addition to its more traditional helicopter transport services. The business had also developed

3055-469: The mid-1960s, Bristow opted to enter the North Sea market; being the second helicopter operator (after BEA Helicopters Limited ) to establish operations at Aberdeen , Scotland , it was relatively well positioned to take advantage of the region's oil boom. Starting on 17 February 1965, the company operated the Westland Wessex 60 ten-seat helicopter to support these off-shore installations. Throughout

3120-564: The operations of the airport facilities. The Authority was created to service the local, commercial, and corporate aviation needs as well as to stimulate economic growth in the local communities. The Authority replaced the original airport authority established in 1959. This legislation commissioned the Authority to govern the affairs of the Airport District. This currently includes Space Coast Regional Airport, Arthur Dunn Airpark, and Merritt Island Airport. The 1963 Act established policies for

3185-446: The paucity of remaining airframes not already on display elsewhere will make this a challenge. Following base closure, the City of Sanford assumed control of the facility, initially developing it as an uncontrolled regional general aviation airport and adjacent industrial park, later reactivating the former Navy control tower as a non-federal control tower in 1972. This was later upgraded to an FAA-operated control tower in 1994. Today,

3250-450: The peak of operations during the 1970s. During the 1980s, Bristow became Aberdeen Airport's largest single employer, its personnel in Aberdeen having increased a hundred-fold, as well as operating the majority of offshore flights in the North Sea. In 1980 alone, nearly 400,000 passengers and over 2,300 tons of freight passed through Bristow's Aberdeen terminal. Another key source of business

3315-467: The presence of an associated special weapons storage area at NAS Sanford, U.S. Marine Corps personnel provided both base security and special weapons storage area security, leading to the establishment of Marine Corps Barracks Sanford aboard the air station. On 6 February 1959, NAS Sanford was dedicated as Ramey Field in honor of Lieutenant Commander Robert W. Ramey, USN, who lost his life in 1958 by electing to guide his crippled A3D Skywarrior away from

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3380-619: The purchase of Helicopter Adventures, a Florida-based flight school, Helicopter Adventures was subsequently renamed Bristow Academy . The deal also provided the Bristow Group with the world's largest civilian fleet of Schweizer aircraft. It was announced in April 2022 that Bristow Group was to acquire British International Helicopters in an all cash transaction. The sale was completed on 2 August 2022. The purchase included all of BIH's aircraft, employees and existing contracts. The BIH name and branding will be phased out and replaced by that of

3445-590: The recovery of survivors of the Piper Alpha disaster. During the early 1970s, the backbone of Bristow's fleet consisted of the Westland Wessex , Westland Whirlwind , and Bell 206 , along with a handful of other types, including several fixed-wing Britten-Norman BN-2 Islanders . By the 1980s, Bristow had entirely phased out the Wessexes; the bulk of its fleet came to consist of Bell 206s, Bell 212s , and Sikorsky S-76s , amongst other types, during this period. Bristow

3510-499: The risks, Bristow maintained its Nigerian operations throughout the three years of war via a reduced presence in Lagos and Warri . This decision to remain gave the company a head-start on rivals as oil companies returned to the region after the war's end. Throughout much of 1970s, Nigeria functioned as Bristow's biggest profit centre; it continued to grow through the decade via contracts from Shell, Mobil , Texaco and other companies. In

3575-646: The south. NAAS / NAS Sanford also retained control of OLF Osceola into the early 1960s. However, OLF Osceola's 4000 to 5,000-foot (1,500 m) runways lacked sufficient length and pavement strength for contemporary carrier-based jet aircraft like the A3D. As a result, no improvements were made to the OLF's infrastructure and it was effectively abandoned as an operational facility. HATWING ONE consisted of nine Heavy Attack Squadrons (VAH), also known as HATRONs: VAH-1 , VAH-3 , VAH-5 , VAH-6 , VAH-7 , VAH-9 , VAH-11 , VAH-12 and VAH-13 . All were Fleet deployable units with

3640-459: The wider Bristow Group. In addition to its wholly owned international operations, Bristow Group maintains service agreements and equity interests in helicopter operators in Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Mexico, Norway and Russia (Sakhalin) and the United Kingdom. This allows Bristow to extend its range of services into new and developing oil and gas markets and helps provide

3705-475: The wing and squadrons were incrementally transferred to Turner AFB , a former Strategic Air Command B-52 and KC-135 installation, which was renamed as NAS Albany (Turner Field), Georgia. The Navy officially vacated NAS Sanford in 1969 and the installation was turned over to the City of Sanford. With the later post-Vietnam closure of NAS Albany in 1975, RECONATKWING ONE and its squadrons subsequently relocated again, this time to NAS Key West , Florida, during

3770-570: Was a naval air station of the United States Navy in Sanford, Florida , approximately 20 miles north of Orlando, Florida . Opening less than a year after the start of World War II , NAS Sanford's initial function was as an advanced training base for land-based patrol bombers, followed by carrier-based fighter aircraft. The air station briefly closed in 1946 and was placed in caretaker status until being reactivated in 1950. It eventually served as

3835-507: Was a 12-month transitional period whilst CHC Helicopter took over the contract replacing the S-61N with new helicopters. Bristow operated four dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) sites in the UK, on behalf of HM Coastguard. The units were located at Portland (EGDP) and Lee-on-Solent (EGHF) on the south coast of England, at Stornoway (EGPO) in the Outer Hebrides , and at Sumburgh (EGPB) in

3900-608: Was awarded a 10-year contract to operate the search and rescue operations in the United Kingdom, at the time being provided by CHC Helicopter (on behalf of HM Coastguard), the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Bristow is currently operating AgustaWestland AW189 and Sikorsky S-92 helicopters in support of this contract. As part of its acquisition of British International Helicopters, Bristow also operates support as well as search and rescue helicopters out of RAF Mount Pleasant in

3965-579: Was eliminated and the Navy's strategic nuclear strike mission under the SIOP was transferred to the Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) nuclear submarine force. As a result, all Vigilante squadrons were converted to a carrier-based tactical reconnaissance mission and redesignated as Reconnaissance Attack Squadrons (RVAH). Existing A-5A and A-5B aircraft were modified to the RA-5C Vigilante configuration and

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4030-461: Was established by Alan Bristow in June 1955; two years later, it acquired its first pair of helicopters in the form of the Westland Widgeon . The company quickly expanded overseas as well as various services, including helicopter training, oil exploration , search and rescue , and charter flights. Having entered the African market in 1960, Nigeria became Bristow's biggest profit centre during

4095-538: Was in fact the first European operator to adopt the Sikorsky S-76 into commercial service. The company also played a leading role in the development of the Aérospatiale Super Puma , having consulted with Aerospatiale to shape its design for the oil and gas market, branding it "Tiger" rather than "Super Puma" for its own fleet. Bristow decided to place a larger order for 35 Super Pumas, or "Tigers", this being

4160-498: Was the provision of training services; in 1961, Bristow Helicopters commenced training of helicopter pilots on behalf of the Royal Navy at Redhill Aerodrome , Surrey ; further training contracts were quickly secured from other helicopter operators in India , Australia and New Zealand . By 1970, Bristow had also established a training joint venture in Iran, although this was discontinued after

4225-546: Was transferred to the authority by Quit Claim Deeds from the City of Titusville on March 14, 1961, and from the City of Cocoa on April 11, 1961. Having previously used military facilities on nearby Cape Canaveral Air Force Station , the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) began development of its own civilian staffed launch facilities, in what became the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), on Merritt Island in

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