This year we will be marking 40 years since the first Chinook was delivered to the Royal Air Force. Landing at RAF Odiham on 22 Nov 1980, 2020 will commemorate this milestone while celebrating the significant contribution the aircraft has made to defence.
Do you have a story of your time with the Chinook Force you would like to share? We are collecting cherished memories covering the full 40 years of its service to share in the run up to the milestone date.
All we require is a paragraph describing your experience or exploits with a couple of pictures from your time with the mighty Wokka sent to [email protected] or using social media @RAF_Odiham #Chinook40
Since the Falklands War in 1982 the Chinook has been involved in every major conflict, seeing action in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq, Afghanistan, most famously in the MERT role, and currently serves in Mali supporting the French in Op BARKHANE. It is destined to stay in service beyond 2040.
As well as deploying overseas, the Mighty Chinook has been supporting local communities all over the country, delivering aid and fuel in the snowy North, flood relief in Lincolnshire as well as protecting communities in Whaley Bridge. Over its 40 years of service the Chinook has made an immeasurable contribution to the Service and to the UK as a whole.
We would love to hear how the Chinook has made its way into your life!
