On 1st of January 1958 the Marineseenotstaffel (Naval Rescue Squadron) was founded at Kiel-Holtenau with the task of Search and Rescue along the German coasts. 6 months later the first Sycamore helicopters were introduced. In 1959 the capability of the unit was improved with the Grumman Albatros and two detachments were built at Husum and Westerland. On 25.10.1963 the Marineseenotstaffel was renamed into Marinefliegergeschwader 5 (Naval Air Wing 5). To fulfill the forthcoming transport task the Do-27 and Pembroke were introduced and the Sycamore was finally replaced in 1968 by the more powerful H-34. In the first half of the 70th the Pembroke, Do-27 and H-34 were withdrawn and the Do-28 and 22 Sea King Mk. 41 took over their task. Today 21 Sea King (one was lost during an accident) still fulfill their SAR task along Germany’s coasts. A replacement is scheduled for the future but a final decision for the type of helicopter is not yet made.

It is planned that the Wing will be transferred to Nordholz in the future to concentrate all German Naval aircraft at one base.

To celebrate 50 years of SAR one Sea King Mk.41 the 89+64 was painted in special colors and was presented to the public during an open Day at Kiel Holtenau on Saturday 28th of June. At the same time the 6th SAR Meet was held at Kiel.