Tomorrow will see the very last Sea Kings fly from RAF Lossiemouth and Leconfield, marking the begging of the end of yellow SAR. I won't get into the politics of it, it is important to remember that despite emotive and passionate grumblings from those who served and those that were saved, change was needed and is happening.

 

We will have white helicopters in the future (2 days) but they will largeley be crewed by my friends and colleagues and hopefully by myself one day, perhaps even with me in the front seat.

 

Anyway, today is my last 24 hours on D flt, we waved our goodbye to Scotland, got some decent cable out for the last time, dangling Scott round the back of the Ben and in the Cairngorms. We sit now, eating cake and playing guitar, relfecting with nostalgia upon the patch we patrolled, and our small contribution to the 78 years that Yellow helicopters that have done so.

 

Goodbye Lossie.

 

 

Great photos bud. What type will the new choppers be?

Owned by Bristow Helicopters, marked up as Coastguard, flown by civvies they will be Augusta Westland 189s and Sikorsky S92s, alternating base to base round the coast.

Sad times Tom and Politicians for the Government just see things in black and white and how to save money. But dont get me started on that subject. Hope all works out for you mate and keep us updated.

wow, the 189 is a pile of crap !

never seen a sikorsky so cant comment

Tom, I hope things work out for you with the new SAR organisation. In the meantime I would like to thank you

for the amazing service you (and your crew mates) have provided to rescuing people. Often in the most difficult

circumstances and with no small risk to yourselves. It takes special type of people to do that, so thank you again.

 

Great top photo by the way.

Echo Andrews statement. Hats off to you

And now the last Sea Kings depart from RAF Boulmer :sad:

 

http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafboulmer/newsweather/index.cfm?storyid=5C7FFA91-5056-A318-A86E935B299DEA5F

 

Edited October 1, 201510 yr by Gaz 300

Sad times Tom and Politicians for the Government just see things in black and white and how to save money. But dont get me started on that subject. Hope all works out for you mate and keep us updated.

 

Seconded.....:clover:

Sad times, watched the last flight out of RAF Valley and saw the last Sea King leave by road. Valley is now very quiet as the last true RAF Squadron has disbanded. 3 remain but are all contracted to a civilian workforce.

 

As I've said on here before, it was one of these guys and their crew that lifted me out of the poop in the desert. A very important but now a fast diminishing skill in the RAF.

 

Good luck with the future jobs guys, see you on the circuit.

Sad times, watched the last flight out of RAF Valley and saw the last Sea King leave by road. Valley is now very quiet as the last true RAF Squadron has disbanded. 3 remain but are all contracted to a civilian workforce.

 

As I've said on here before, it was one of these guys and their crew that lifted me out of the poop in the desert. A very important but now a fast diminishing skill in the RAF.

 

Good luck with the future jobs guys, see you on the circuit.

 

And respect to you Tony :bow:

Thanks Gaz, but these guys are truly the (sounds corny) heroes. I go to work most days and just do a job, then from time to time have to go on Ops, however these guys were on an Op every day saving people's lives. Remarkable part of the Force that we never be replaced but will be missed.

This is in the news now so I can say this, but don't go protesting round london with a placard please.

 

After Lossie closed in April I went to Wattisham AB to do the same thing out of there. That closed in August and I moved to Chivenor in Devon. Boulmer closed on the 30th and we were meant to close yesterday.

 

Well we haven't, there has been a short extension. So I am very lucky that not only have I had the last shift at Wattisham, but 2 last shifts here at Chiv! I was on sober ops at the closing party last night and I am on shift right now.

 

I don't wish ill upon anyone but if someone is in need today I hope I am able to be there to help, in what will be the last yellow rescue in our skies.

https://youtu.be/X7zoj3phQZg

 

That is a pirate copy of the video that played last night at our function, it had me welling up. I really don't know who filmed it it wasn't me.

 

 

I look a right misery but that's me at the party last night.

 

And the last shut down at Wattisham

 

Edited October 2, 201510 yr by tomfromthenorth

Sad to see an end to this era of SAR. So whats next for you Tom?

Sea King SAR in the Falklands from November 1st till February 10th. Then starting in May it's these things for me...

 

Sea King SAR in the Falklands from November 1st till February 10th. Then starting in May it's these things for me...

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]91009[/ATTACH]

 

Falklands in the Winter will be challenging so take care Tom. When one door closes another opens so enjoy what is laid out for you and when you look back you will realise you had an adventure that only some people had the privilege to live through.:clover:

All the best to the old girls..

I'm guessing I'm older than you Tom, but I want to be like you when I grow up. Hats off to you

Daffy, when I was 18, I mistook an armed forces careers office for a Dominos Pizza and the rest is history!

Well I shouldn't speak too soon because there are 12 hours left on this shift but it has been a quiet one today.

 

There was no way we could get in trouble today, so it was boots off and feet up most of the shift. Between devonshire cream teas we watched TV and chatted with all the doors and windows blowing fresh air through the flight. I got a red forehead playing guitar in the sun then we flew.

 

We did a quick 2 hours at sunset, played with a fishing boat, very, VERY, carefully put the winchman down. There was a definite Memphis Belle atmosphere on our last trip. Being very careful not to do anything stupid and to get home safe. Flew over to Lundy island where I spent half an hour swinging about on the wire. Then a couple of NVG field landings to get us in the mood for our futures, which will be spent flying in green helicopters in the dark and home.

 

 

Tonight I will even accept some shit search in Port Talbot, so long as there is someone there to find. I would rather the dream job of a hot air balloon snagged on a wind turbine but that may have to wait.