The German Navy, Naval Air Wing 5, based at Nordholz, was the host of the 9th SAR-Meet since its foundation in 1996. The MFG-5 (Marinefliegergeschwader) had invited for another network meeting for European rescue crews. Teams from five partner nations followed the invitation to measure their flying abilities and to exchange their experiences - "Best Practice Sharing"! Denmark and Portugal sent delegations without helicopter.

For the MFG-5 it was very important to offer both a press and a spotter day. A family day was also organized on Saturday afternoon, so that the relatives could take pictures from their family members at work. In lack of time and few resources not an easy job. Lieutenant Susanne Tewes and her team managed this big challenge brilliantly, so that all events around the SAR-Meet became a great success. A big compliment to this team also because the main job of organizing the event had been done outside the regular working hours!

The event is held biennially and it was the second time the Naval Air Base Nordholz was chosen as a venue. The SAR-meet failed once in 2012 during the closing of Naval Air Base Kiel-Holtenau, the former home base from MFG- 5.The inventory of the MFG-5 includes 22 Westland Sea Lynx Mk. 88 A and 21 Westland Sea King Mk. 41. The Sea Lynx are based on frigates. They support the Navy in their anti submarine role, transport troops and are used for SAR tasks between the ship convoys. The Sea King joined the German Navy in 1972 and is still in service, but a replacement is on the way, the NHI NH-90 "Sea Lyon". This was the reason why the host invited to the first ever held "NH-90 Meet". A good idea from the host, but the meeting fell through (fell into the sea). Because of unknown reasons, the French and Italian Navy cancelled their participation. The German Air Force brought one NH-90TTH from Bückeburg to Nordholz, which didn't take part in the flying challenge. The Belgian Navy from 40 Sqn. brought one NH-90 "Caiman" to Nordholz; due to technical problems the Caiman remained grounded. This was that meeting that never was.

On May, 19th a press conference was held in the morning. At the beginning Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander Captain Broder Nielsen honored Commander Mark Jörg Matthee, Commodore from the MFG-3 and Commander Mark Wiegand, Commodore from the MFG-5, for 10 years accident-free flying, or rather no notifiable accidents. Captain Broder Nielsen explained about the future and the programs of the German Navy Aviation before both Commanders gave insight views of both Naval Wings.