Of the 144 members of 1 Squadron deployed, 124 personnel gathered on parade on the airfield to be presented with their medals by Commander Kandahar Airfield (COMKAF), Air Commodore Andy Fryer.
Despite the wind and sand, medals were issued to each member of the squadron before COMKAF addressed the parade.
He told the parade that they had both succeeded and delivered on their mission to protect the airfield to an extremely high level and said that he was proud of the results that they have achieved and that they should all return home with their heads held high.
The squadron, who originally arrived in theatre on 16 August 2008, have faced the whole range of weather conditions from sweltering heat and sandstorms to rain, mud and freezing cold.
Whatever the conditions, the squadron have spent most of their tour out on the ground, maintaining security in a large and dynamic Ground Defence Area.
This particular deployment has also seen additional tactics employed. Flight Sergeant Statham explained what has set this deployment apart from previous tours:
"The most gratifying part of this operation has been the implementation of the mortars counter-firing in response to IDF [indirect fire] attacks. This is the first time the RAF Regiment have engaged in this activity, probably since Aden.
"The counter-fires, combined with targeted illumination fire plans, have reduced freedom of action and movement for the insurgent rocket teams. This has enabled continued air operations but has also generated increased security for over 12,000 multi-national personnel operating on Kandahar Airfield."
Officer Commanding 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, Squadron Leader Lee Morgan, said:
"We have worked hard during the tour to provide a secure environment from which air operations can continue unhindered. Every member of the squadron has understood the importance of air power to both the NATO and UK mission and the role that we have played in the delivery of that capability.
"The squadron has had a significant impact on insurgent IDF teams operating in the Area of Operations, reducing the frequency and intensity of attacks. Through targeted influence operations, we have attempted to persuade the local population to act against insurgents intent on attacking Kandahar Airfield. Of course, we have also worked hard to maintain our own freedom of manoeuvre, constrained by a relatively high level of IED [Improvised Explosive Device] activity.
"The men (and woman) on the squadron have worked extremely hard in difficult conditions, with some outstanding individual performances. The squadron is now looking forward to a well-deserved period of recuperation and time with their families."
The squadron remains focused during their last few days in post, carrying out their mission with the same professionalism and determination that has characterised the previous six months.
They will formally hand over to No 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (Queen's Colour Squadron) at the end of February.