RAF
Emotional Homecoming for Tornado Pilots Returning From Afghanistan
Tornados from RAF Marham completed the last leg of their journey back home today to the Norfolk base after completing their final deployment to Afghanistan in support of Op HERRICK.
The aircraft, flown by aircrew of number 31 Squadron, the final squadron to deploy to Afghanistan, left their base at Kandahar Air Field on Tuesday morning to make the long journey home.
This was a particularly poignant end to the deployment as they left the base for the last time on the same day as people across the world fell silent to commemorate Armistice Day and remember all those that had given their lives in conflicts across the globe.
The Tornado Force has successfully supported Op HERRICK over the past 5 years after taking over from the Harrier Force in June 2009.
During their time in Afghanistan they have provided Close Air Support to UK and Coalition Forces deterring enemy forces using shows of presence and shows of force with the ability to escalate to using precision weaponry if required along with providing vital information using the RAPTOR and Litening III reconnaissance pods.
This information has been used by the troops on the ground to identify potential IED’s undoubtedly saving countless lives.
The final leg of their journey home was from a base in Cyprus with the aircraft landing at RAF Marham to the sight of families, friends and colleagues who had gathered to welcome them home.
RAF Marham’s Station Commander, Group Captain Harv Smyth was first to welcome 31 Sqn home. He said:
"It’s absolutely brilliant to see 31 Squadron home after a successful final deployment to Afghanistan. 31 Squadron has truly come full circle from their formation in 1915 where they earned the squadron motto ‘First in Indian Skies’ with them completing the Tornado Force support of Op HERRICK as the ‘Last in Afghan Skies."
Also there to see the safe return of the squadron was Air Vice Marshal Gary Waterfall, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group. He said:
"Its really good to see the last squadron return after five long arduous years in Afghanistan not forgetting the five years prior to that with the Harrier Force including the Royal Navy.
"This has been a successful end to the deployment and to have 31 Squadron back today is fantastic and the Tornado Force have without doubt made a difference and saved lives in Afghanistan leaving a firm foundation for the Afghan National Security Force."
A small number of personnel arrived home yesterday flying into Marham with the remainder of the squadron returning back to RAF Marham over the next couple of days via RAF Brize Norton.
The squadron will be marking the end of this deployment with a medal ceremony at the end of the month before taking a well-earned break and enjoying time with their loved ones.
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