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Rishi Sunak was speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons ahead of the transport plane being stood down from RAF service on June 30.
Mr Sunak said: “I join my honourable friend in paying tribute to 47 Squadron.
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“Their association with the Hercules now stretches for 45 years, and although their vital work at the heart of defence has often been unheralded, the squadron has served with professionalism and distinction throughout.”
Conservative former minister Robert Courts, who represents Witney told the Commons: “As we speak, the Royal Air Force is operating the Hercules farewell flypast over all parts of the UK.
“For more than 107 years my constituents at 47 Squadron have defended our country, including over 50 operating the legendary Hercules.
“Now as the squadron stands down, would my right honourable friend join the whole House in paying tribute to this remarkable record of service of this amazing Squadron?
“They are all men and women who have made their country proud.”
Mr Sunak added the personnel “can be rightly proud and they have our full thanks”.
The squadron first started as a home defence unit and has defended the UK across the globe.
