Navy search and rescue helicopters in farewell fly-past
Royal Navy search and rescue helicopters that have been involved in thousands of operations across the country have completed a farewell fly-past.
Royal Navy search and rescue helicopters that have been involved in thousands of operations across the country have completed a farewell fly-past.
The work of the Sea Kings based at HMS Gannet in Prestwick is being replaced by Maritime and Coastguard Agency contractor Bristow Helicopters, bringing an end to 44 years of military search and rescues.
Pilots took the chance on Thursday to fly past some of the areas they have worked in on a farewell flight.
Two helicopters travelled from Prestwick to the west Highlands, Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Ayrshire - all places they have been deployed to help find missing or injured people.
One of the final major operations for the rescue teams was on December 30 when a helicopter crew rescued 10 people trapped on a bus caught in floodwater near Girvan.
Two days later the unit handed the rescue baton to Bristow, who will eventually operate 10 search and rescue helicopter bases in the UK on behalf of the coastguard.
Commanding Officer of HMS Gannet, Lieutenant Commander Charlie Fuller, said: Over the years HMS Gannet has enjoyed immense support from communities the length and breadth of Scotland.
The fly-past is our chance to say farewell and hopefully people will come out to wave goodbye.''
The Royal Navy said HMS Gannet was the busiest search and rescue flight unit in the UK in 2015, completing more than 300 rescues.
The unit also holds the record for the most rescues in one year, when conducting 447 in 2009.