Commemorating its 40th anniversary, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) held its first Open Day at Gozo at Mgarr Harbour.
Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono and Acting President Anton Tabone, who visited the Open Day had the opportunity to meet Gozitan AFM personnel.
They were shown around by AFM commander Brigadier Martin G. Xuereb and Colonel Martin Bondin, head of the AFM headquarters administration and personnel branch.
Amongst naval assets from the Maritime Squadron, a Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration was performed midstream in the harbour between scheduled ferry boat trips, and a simulated person-in-distress was given assistance by an AFM Air Wing rescue swimmer.
The AFM has been responsible for SAR operations since 1978, when, the Royal Air Force 1151 Marine Craft Unit (MCU) was disbanded in view of the departure of the British Forces from Malta.
