Helicopter heroes from Royal Navy Search and Rescue (SAR) Flight, HMS Gannet, said farewell yesterday (Thursday), with a final fly-past some of the Scottish communities which have seen the majority of their rescues.
Three Royal Navy Sea King helicopters left HMS Gannet’s base at Prestwick at 10am on the day and completed a flight route which included the Gareloch and Faslane
Last year HMS Gannet was once again the busiest search and rescue flight in the UK, being called to attend 314 rescues.
In 2009, the Scottish-based SAR unit broke the record for most rescues in one year, conducting 447 missions around the country.
On January 1 their 44-year SAR responsibilities finished when they handed over to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency contractor Bristow Helicopters.
The final fly-past was an emotional time for the HMS Gannet crew.
Commanding Officer of the unit, Lieutenant Commander Charlie Fuller, who flew on the final fly-past, said: “There was definitely a lump in the throat. It’s sad to be saying goodbye, but there is also a huge sense of pride at a mission which has been completed well.
“HMS Gannet has played a big role in many people’s lives. The unit was not only a significant part of the local Prestwick community, but has touched dozens of often remote communities around Scotland.
“It was amazing to see so many members of the public come out to wave us off as we flew past. We would like to thank each and every one of them.”
He added: “Many of the pilots and crew from Bristow have a military Search and Rescue background so we know that we are leaving people in safe hands.”
Scottish Government ministers paid tribute to Gannet this week, with Justice Secretary Michael Matheson saying: “Despite being one of the busiest search and rescue flights in the UK, the crew has provided a world-class rescue service for the local population and international visitors.
“Each year there are around 7.2 million mountaineering or hill walking trips in Scotland’s mountains and, as with most outdoor activities, there is a certain amount of risk involved.
“The past and present crew of HMS Gannet have made an extremely valuable contribution in assisting Scottish Mountain Rescue teams, which I know has been greatly appreciated from my own time spent in mountain rescue.”
Scottish Veterans Secretary, Keith Brown, added: “For over four decades the brave crews of the Royal Navy’s HMS Gannet have risked their own lives to provide a truly world-class rescue service across Scotland’s mountains.
“The crews have enjoyed immense support from communities across Scotland.”
Images taken by Royal Navy Photographer CPOA (Phot) Tam McDonald – click to enlarge.
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