Sea King Gets A Little Help From A Friend
It's silhouette and sound high above stormy seas and rocky coastlines have been part and parcel of Falkland Islands life for generations of islanders, but now the RAF's last search and rescue Sea King has made one final flight, albeit with a little help.
Underslung by the Chinook, one of the RAF’s decommissioned Sea King helicopters has made its final flight across the Falklands.
Residents in Stanley enjoyed one last opportunity to see the iconic helicopter in the air as it headed to its new home in the capital.
The Falkland Islands had an RAF Sea King search and rescue service since 1983.
It was a vital role, which they provided until 31st March last year when they were decommissioned.
Having performed the last rescue here, the Ministry of Defence agreed to leave XZ593 as a gift to the people of the Falklands.
Leaving the hangar at Mount Pleasant its journey began being towed to the runway ready for final preparations.
This closes the chapter on a remarkable service with the logbook entries to prove it.
Built in 1978 XZ593 has been ditched into the Bristol Channel, abandoned in the Cairngorms and provided a lifeline for countless people during some 38 years of service.
It’s in the Falklands where the last of those years were served:
With the sea king no longer in service for the Royal Air Force taking to the skies required a little help from some friends.
That task fell to the Chinooks of 1310 flight in the Falklands.
Representatives from the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust watched on as the Chinook safely delivered her precious cargo.
The airport in Stanley will provide a temporary home for the Sea King until funding is secured for a new museum building to house this and other large items with historical significance to the Falklands.
Before they can do that a mammoth fundraising task lies ahead.
Having taken to the skies for the last time this Sea King awaits the new home from which it can tell the story of 34 years remarkable service.
In the time being a smaller symbol will take pride of place in the existing museum building to encourage donations.
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