Howdy all!
How is everyone?!
Apologies for not being around much - life got very busy recently.
I hope everyone is doing well.
Since my last photo post back in March (eek!) I've done quite a bit of photography work over the summer and just recently got back from a 2 week trip in the US. However, I will start with the most important topic for me this year and that is of the disbandment of 43 (Fighter) Squadron from RAF Leuchars.
Those who have followed my posts over the years will recognise RAF Leuchars and of the many trips that I took whilst still a student bum. Well unfortunately the bean counters got their say and 43(F) were disbanded in July earlier than originally planned.
The squadron had spent the last 20 years at the forefront of the UK's air defences, flying the Tornado F.3 from RAF Leuchars. Even more tragic was that two of Squadron's aircrew were lost during a training mission only a week prior to the official disbandment of the Squadron.
I spent quite bit of time over May, June and July doing 800 mile round trips travelling from Beford to Leuchars to capture as much as I could before they disappeared for good.
The other Tornado F.3 squadron based at Leuchars, 111 (F) "The Tremblers" are still with us until probably around early 2011 but we all know how quickly things can change. The base is currently transforming for Typhoon operations to start late 2010 when 6 Squadron will stand up. I have my fingers crossed that 43 will be back as the next Typhoon squadron after 6!!
Any way enough chat, here are some pics!
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22.The final shots are of 43 Squadron's Boss' final flight.
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Cheers,
Andy