Unit History: RAF falkland islands

The RAF provides key elements of the forces that Headquarters British Forces South Atlantic Islands use to ensure the security of the Falklands, the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia. Not only through the airbridge from Brize Norton to Ascension and onwards to the Falkland Islands, but also through deterrence patrols across the immense area between the islands. The RAF also provides Search and Rescue (SAR) support to the islands and across the fisheries conservation zone, whilst a Hercules can be switched from assisting the Falkland Islands Government with fisheries patrolling to providing air transport and parachute supply drops, or medical evacuation. A VC10 tanker provides air-to-air refueling for the flight of Tornado F3 Air Defence fighters that operate from Mount Pleasant Airfield to watch over the islands and guard them from the air. RAF personnel also support and direct in a wide range of roles on the ground; from fighter controllers to the Explosive Ordinance Disposal team who monitor and where necessary dispose of landmines left over from the conflict.