822-(30)

II SÉRIE-A — NÚMERO 50

its support facilities of a member of the Force or of the civilian component or of a dependent. Should the American authorities appeal this decision to higher authorities of the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, if the Portuguese decision is unfavorable, the American authorities are responsible for implementing the departure request within thirty days. Portuguese authorities shall assist American authorities as necessary in implementing a departure request, which shall be accomplished in an expeditious and timely manner.

Article m Authorized strength

1 — The maximum number of stationed and rotational personnel which may be assigned to the granted facilities in peace time is 6500 of personnel consisting of stationed personnel (3000) and rotational personnel (3500). The number of stationed personnel and rotational personnel may vary up to 25 percent.

2 — The Command of the United States Forces will inform the Command of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, quarterly of the identity of stationed personnel and monthly of the total number of all personnel described in the preceding paragraph, by category, as well as dependents. This information will include the number of non-Portuguese personnel employed by contractors.

3 — The Portuguese Minister of National Defense will consider, in the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance which forms the basis of this Agreement, any requests by the United States authorities for temporary increases in the number of personnel beyond those referred to in paragraph 1.

annex c

Right operations

Article I

Entering and exiting Air Base Number 4, Lajes

1 —Aircraft authorized to use Air Base Number 4, Lajes, under the terms of paragraphs 1, b), 3 and 4 of article i of the Agreement may enter and leave that base subject to filing a flight plan through die appropriate air traffic control services and shall use entry and exit procedures published by the Portuguese Air Traffic Control Service.

2 — Aircraft operationally assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, on a permanent or temporary status under this Agreement may proceed to, and depart from, that airfield on the basis of general air traffic or operational flight plans, as appropriate.

Article II Santa Maria Airport

1 — The Santa Maria Airport is the primary alternate for Air Base Number 4, Lajes.

2 — The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may from time to time make approaches and landings, to include touch and go or full stop and taxi back, at the Santa Maria Airport in order to. keep their crews acquainted with local flying conditions, subject to filing a flight plan to be approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

3 — Landings at Santa Maria Airport for purposes other than those specified in paragraph 1 will require prior authorization by Air Base Number 4, Lajes, which will take appropriate action.

.Article m. • ... Ponta Delgada Airport'

The United States aircraft operationally assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may, occasionally, land at Ponta Delgada Airport for the purpose of training, transport of mail, logistical and personnel support for the United States activities, including United States vessels using São Miguel port, subject to prior coordination with Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and filing a flight plan approved by the appropriate air traffic control service. .

• • Article TV

Faial, São Jorge and Graciosa Airports

The United States aircraft operationally 'assigned to Air Base Number 4, Lajes, may, occasionally, make approaches and landings, to include touch and go and full stop and taxi back at the airports of Faial, São Jorge and Graciosa, in order to keep their crews acquainted with local flying conditions, subject do prior authorization from Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and filing a flight, plan approved by the appropriate air traffic control service.

Article V

Coordination of operational activity

* *

The Commander of United States Forces will provide the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, with the necessary information for the purpose of general coordination of operational flight activity and for the purpose of ensuring that the Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, is aware of the nature of the missions being carried out.

Article VI Search and rescue "

1 — The Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) at Air Base Number 4, Lajes, is responsible for search and rescue operations in the Santa Maria Flight Information Region.

2 — The United States Forces, when so requested, will cooperate in and, to the maximum extent feasible, provide assistance in search and rescue operations.

" Article VU '

Flight safety.

1 — The Commander of Air Base Number 4, Lajes, is responsible for safe ground and flight operations at air base Number 4, Lajes, and in airport and approach control areas. Air Base Number 4, Lajes, and the United States Forces ar jointly responsible for flight safety.'

2 — Should an accident or incident in the area of flight safety occur on Portuguese 'territory involving U. S. aiicio&. or military personnel, the investigation will be carried out in accord, with the provisions of NATO STANAG N. 3531 regarding investigation of aircraft/missile accidents/incidents.

3—In the event of an accident involving a United States aircraft, perimeter security of the damaged aircraft will be the responsibility of the Portuguese authorities, who will guarentee access to the accident scene by United States personnel.

However, United States.Forces, if first on the scene of the accident, may establish temporary perimeter security pending arrival of Portuguese Forces. Removal of the aircraft in question will be the responsibility of the United States.