Dambusters 2012 is all about supporting our troops which is exactly what 617 sqdn have been doing! One particular sortie this week showed the versatility of the Tornado. Having provided three hours of support to UK ground forces in Helmand Province, the flight of two aircraft was tasked to provide overwatch for a United States Marine Corps (USMC) unit near Sangin. Whilst carrying out this task, they received an urgent call to fly 300 nautical miles North West to an area near the Turkmenistan border to provide support to a joint United States and Afghan National Security Forces patrol that was coming under repeated small arms fire. One of the GR4s conducted a Show of Force to cover the patrol’s withdrawal. The insurgents scattered to the cover of various buildings as the Tornado roared overhead at 100 feet and 500 knots allowing the patrol to withdraw to safety. OC 617 Sqn, Wing Commander Taylor, said of the marathon 7 hr 45 min flight:”Flying for that long requires a lot of fuel. We had to air refuel 4 times and took on in excess of 20000 litres of fuel each. Once again a Show of Force has deterred the insurgents from further aggression and allowed Coalition Forces to extract to safety.”

617 sqdn, the Dambusters are firm supporters of the Dambusters 2012 Charity Motorcycle Ride for help for Heroes. We need you to join them and support Help for Heroes and the amazing work they do for our wounded service men and women by visiting www.bmycharity.com/dambusters2012 and donating to the appeal on line. Please don't delay. Do it this evening!