RAF Tornado Wing returns from Afghanistan
20 Oct 09
Pilots and crew from the first Tornado Wing to have deployed to Afghanistan were welcomed home to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland amid emotional scenes yesterday, Monday 19 October 2009.
There were scenes of jubilation as members of 12 Squadron were reunited with loved ones after more than four months on deployment
[Picture: Cpl Condie, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The Tornado Wing was formed of personnel from 12 (Bomber) Squadron, 617 Squadron, 14 Squadron and XV (R) Squadron, all part of No 1 Group.
On arrival at RAF Lossiemouth the returning party of 148 airmen and crew were greeted by the Station Commander, Group Captain Andy Hine, before being reunited with their waiting families and friends.
There were screams of delight as children caught sight of their parents and heartfelt clutches from loved ones.
It has been a hot and demanding few months for the air and ground crew who left RAF Lossiemouth on 14 June 2009 for a four-and-a-half month tour in Afghanistan.
The deployment consisted of 12 pilots, 12 weapon systems operators (navigators) and 124 ground crew.
While in Afghanistan the Tornado Wing completed six sorties a day of three to four hours' duration. Based at Kandahar, the Tornado Wing was operating in temperatures in excess of 45 degrees Celsius.
Conditions at Kandahar Airfield were described by Group Captain Hine as 'extremely difficult', but added that the men and women had done a 'fantastic job'.
12 Squadron Tornado GR4s at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan
[Picture: SAC Neil Chapman, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Group Captain Hine said:
"They took over from the Harrier force who had a difficult time and deserve our respect.
"They were there to support NATO forces, in particular the British Army, carrying out watch patrol."
He said that it was the support offered to the crews that allowed them to carry out the demanding job and that 'the families bear the brunt of the support and it is never easy for them'.
Air Vice-Marshal Greg Bagwell, Air Officer Commanding No 1 Group, sent a message of thanks which was read out to the airmen and women by Group Captain Hine.
He said:
"Your work has achieved the highest standards, completing 626 out of 640 tasks during the tour.
"Your achievement has put Tornados into the limelight in a very positive way. You have led the way for those who followed. The greatest testament is that other organisations have been singing your praises non-stop."
Members of 12 Squadron stepping off the plane at RAF Lossiemouth
[Picture: SAC Scott Ferguson, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Wing Commander James Linton, who led 12 Squadron in Afghanistan, added:
"We have done it and we are back. The Tornado is now firmly established in Afghanistan and without a doubt lives have been saved with your presence there."
Corporal Andrew Fleming, who was reunited with his wife, Michelle, and his two children, Thomas, 4, and Jack, 2, yesterday, said:
"It's amazing. I've been looking forward to this day since the day we left and now that it is here I cannot quite believe it."
The crew, which often worked 12-hour shifts during the deployment, will now be on leave for a month before returning to Lossiemouth for training.
The RAF's GR4 Tornado aircraft from 12 (Bomber) Squadron replaced the Joint Force Harriers in Afghanistan in June this year. The Harriers first deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, in May 2004 in support of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.