Celebrating Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
The RAF retired its UK-based Sea King fleet. RAF Search And Rescue helicopters in the UK have responded to 34,122 callouts and given life-saving assistance to 26,916 people since official records began.
Formed in1941, the service was equipped with high-speed launches and fixed wing aircraft to rescue wartime pilots who had ditched in the English Channel and North Sea. One of the longest peacetime operations conducted by any British military unit, SAR Force personnel have earned the highest number of non-combat gallantry awards given to any RAF unit including six George Medals and more than 50 Air Force Crosses.