End of an era as HMS Gannet is decommissioned

From the hangar which has been the home of their helicopters for decades, the HMS Gannet team saluted last week as the White Ensign was lowered for the last time.

Exactly three weeks after their final fly-past around central and western Scotland, the search and rescuers formally called time on their unit’s illustrious history with an official decommissioning of their base at Prestwick.

Over a 44-year period, the fliers saved or assisted thousands of peoples at sea or over land, latterly in distinctive red and grey Sea Kings.

In its final year of operation, Gannet was the UK’s busiest search and rescue unit, as it has frequently been over the past decade – in 2009 its men and women performed a record of 447 rescues which is unlikely ever to be surpassed.

But with SAR duties transferred to civilian firm Bristow on New Year’s Day, Gannet Flight is no longer required.

“Over the years, HMS Gannet has enjoyed immense support the length and breadth of Scotland,” said the unit’s final Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Charlie Fuller.

“This ceremony is the final piece of a rather emotional farewell jigsaw, with our official decommissioning here today.”