Expert units from the Hong Kong Garrison of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) joined forces with the United States military specialists during a short range search and rescue demonstration organized by the Civil Aviation Department to the south of Lamma Island Wednesday.

A spokesman for the department said the demonstration was part of an annual search and rescue exercise to provide continuation training and familiarization in the technique for the qualified air traffic controllers, aircrew and other units likely to be involved in such operations.

A total of 11 units participated in the exercise this year, he added.

Wednesday's exercise involved aerial search demonstration by a Z9 helicopter from the PLA, which also provided a naval ship to serve as a winching platform.

In addition, there was rescue demonstration of a simulated casualty by an HC130 aircraft from the United States Air Force Air National Guard, followed by water winching demonstrations by an S70 helicopter from the Government Flying Service and an HH65 helicopter from the United States Coast Guard.

The demonstration was observed by more than 100 experts, including representatives from China's mainland, Macao, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam and local observers from the Airport Authority Hong Kong, the Civil Aid Service, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force and a number of airlines.

Before the activation of this short range demonstration, the aircraft involved in this year's exercise were on display at the Hong Kong International Airport this morning. They included one HC130 aircraft, one P3 aircraft, as well as a Jetstream J41 aircraft and an S76 helicopter.

Also on display was the diving equipment.As part of the annual event, a long range SAR exercise will be held Thursday to test the alerting procedures, coordination and communication facilities of the various participants, according to the spokesman.

The exercise began on Tuesday and will last until Friday.

(Xinhua 12/06/2000)