Commando Sea Kings' Curtain Call in Afghanistan

摘要

On September 30 the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) Sea King HC4s completed their final tour in Afghanistan. As part of the Joint Helicopter Command (Afghanistan) force, the 'Junglies' have been regularly deployed on Operation Herrick since 2007 (and before that on Operation Telic in Iraq). The crews of Nos 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons, based at Yeovilton in Somerset, can now look forward to their conversion to the Merlin helicopters that the Royal Navy is receiving from the Royal Air Force (the deal having been signed with Boeing for 14 extra Chinooks). According to the RN, during their time in Afghanistan they have flown over 3,800 missions taking around 12,500 flying hours, transported over 80,000 personnel internally in Afghanistan, and delivered over 700 tonnes of supplies.