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On June 30, the iconic Hercules will retire from service in the Royal Air Force, coinciding with the stand-down of No. 47 Squadron.
The Princess Royal, who serves as the Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Brize Norton, reviewed the Squadron on parade, commemorating their proud history.
The parade marched to the uplifting tunes performed by The Central Band of the Royal Air Force in front of two static C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The ceremony, attended by past and present members of the Squadron, witnessed one of the last awe-inspiring flypasts by the Hercules.
Wing Commander James Sjoberg, Officer Commanding No. 47 Squadron said: “It is a great honour to command 47 Squadron at this historic moment. I am extremely proud of the people on my Squadron and across the wider Hercules family – they have delivered time and again on operations.
“I wish to pay tribute to them, and their families, for their exceptional contribution to UK Defence during my tour and over nearly 57 years of Hercules operational service.
“Whilst the retirement of the Hercules and the laying-up of the 47 Squadron standard is a sad moment for many of us, I have full confidence that the people of the RAF Air Mobility Force will continue to deliver excellence around the globe.”
