The Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare, ItAF) marked a historic milestone, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 84th Search and Rescue (SAR) Center at Gioia del Colle in the southern province of Bari.

The centennial celebration was highlighted by the unveiling of a special livery on the HH-139B helicopter, tail number MM81990, paying homage to the illustrious history of the unit.

The 84th SAR Center, originally established as the 84th Seaplane Group (84° Gruppo Idrovolanti) in Venice on April 5, 1924, has undergone several transformations over the past century. In 1937, it was re-designated as the 84th Maritime Reconnaissance Group (84° Gruppo Ricognizione Marittima), primarily operating seaplanes—aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water.

The unit’s evolution continued in October 1965 when it transitioned to the 84th Aircraft Group (84º Gruppo Velivoli), marking the end of its seaplane operations with the Grumman HU-16 Albatross. This period also saw the introduction of the Sikorsky S-61 HH-3F Pelican, the unit’s first helicopter, which significantly enhanced its search and rescue capabilities.

Following the decommissioning of the HH-3F Pelican in September 2014, the 84th SAR Center has been operating a fleet of Leonardo HH-139A and HH-139B helicopters.

The HH-139A/B is a specialized variant of Leonardo’s successful AW139 platform, tailored for the Aeronautica Militare’s rigorous SAR missions.

The HH-139B model, in particular, features an array of advanced equipment and technical enhancements. Notable differences from the HH-139A include a lower undercarriage, a Wescam MX-15i HD multi-sensor radar mounted under the nose, a Trakka searchlight on the left side of the fuselage, and a dual Goodrich hoist system, replacing the single hoist on the HH-139A.

The standard crew configuration consists of two pilots, a systems and/or winch operator, and an air rescuer, with the flexibility to include a medical assistant or an additional air rescuer as needed.

To commemorate the centenary, the HH-139B MM81990/15-60 (31912) was adorned with a distinctive livery featuring the iconic character Daffy Duck. The design, which includes an image of Daffy Duck crying into an empty red life dinghy on a mixed blue sea, reflects the unit’s callsign, “Duffy.” This playful yet symbolic emblem underscores the unit’s enduring spirit and commitment to its mission over the past 100 years.

The centennial celebration at Gioia del Colle was attended by high-ranking officials, veterans, and current members of the 84th SAR Center, all of whom paid tribute to the unit’s storied legacy and its vital role in search and rescue operations. The special livery serves as a fitting tribute to the unit’s past while symbolizing its ongoing dedication to saving lives and providing critical support in times of need.

As the 84th SAR Center embarks on its second century of service, the Italian Air Force remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in search and rescue operations, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a proud tradition of bravery and resilience.