I assume most of you are aware that over the next year or so all RAF Search & Rescue (SARs) helicopters will be stood down & the service taken over by private civilian operators (Bristows). The government prefer this option to having to replace the aging Sea King helicopters.

The first base to close (1st April) is 202 Sqn at RAF Lossiemouth. There was a plan for the RAF crew to have a party where various organisations & individuals, who have worked with or benefitted from the work of these guys, could celebrate & mark the end of an era. Unfortunately the RAF crew have been banned by their bosses from attending the party (to close to the general election is the reason????). If you, like me, think this is petty there is a petition you can sign:

[www.change.org]

This is not about whether the government are right or wrong to shut down military search & rescue & put it in the hands of a profit motivated civilian organisation. It is just about the guys being allowed to have a party to mark the end of their job.