The disbandment parade of 216 Squadron took place yesterday at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. The parade, attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, also saw the retirement after 30 years of distinguished service of the Tristar aircraft.

The disbandment brings to an end a notable 96 year history of 216 Squadron, which for the last ten years has been a vital part of the air transport “Airbridge” to Afghanistan, and transport & air-to-air refueling aircraft to the Falkland Islands.

The Tristar is replaced by the RAF’s new Voyager fleet operated currently by Squadrons 10 & 101. Voyager will guarantee the RAF’s Strategic Air Mobility capability well beyond 2020.