Personnel from 857 Naval Air Squadron have completed their latest deployment in the Persian Gulf and have started the journey home to Cornwall for Christmas.
For some of the Squadron, this will be the first Christmas that they have spent at home for three years, having previously been based at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan serving on Operation Herrick until May 2014.
The team of 44 aircrew, engineers and support personnel will be glad to return to Cornwall and spend time with family and friends.
Lieutenant Commander James Hall, the Commanding Officer of 857 Naval Air Squadron said:
It has been a demanding tour, as we collectively deployed for a total of 26 months in Afghanistan, and soon after returning we have also achieved a great deal whilst deployed to the Gulf in our more familiar maritime environment.
Whilst operating in the Middle East, 857 Squadron was based onboard RFA Fort Austin where they have been providing ‘Force Protection’ to Royal Navy ships and the Coalition Task Group in the Gulf region.
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Press release, Image: UK Navy