216 Squadron Disbandment Parade
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216 Squadron Disbandment Parade
Timmy bows out ...
Image Credits : MOD RAF
Sad to see another RAF Squadron consigned to the history book ...
Originally Posted by Royal Air Force Facebook
The disbandment parade of 216 Squadron took place yesterday at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. The parade, attended by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, also saw the retirement after 30 years of distinguished service of the Tristar aircraft.
The disbandment brings to an end a notable 96 year history of 216 Squadron, which for the last ten years has been a vital part of the air transport “Airbridge” to Afghanistan, and transport & air-to-air refueling aircraft to the Falkland Islands.
The Tristar is replaced by the RAF’s new Voyager fleet operated currently by Squadrons 10 & 101. Voyager will guarantee the RAF’s Strategic Air Mobility capability well beyond 2020.
The disbandment brings to an end a notable 96 year history of 216 Squadron, which for the last ten years has been a vital part of the air transport “Airbridge” to Afghanistan, and transport & air-to-air refueling aircraft to the Falkland Islands.
The Tristar is replaced by the RAF’s new Voyager fleet operated currently by Squadrons 10 & 101. Voyager will guarantee the RAF’s Strategic Air Mobility capability well beyond 2020.
Image Credits : MOD RAF
Sad to see another RAF Squadron consigned to the history book ...
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Yes, very sad to see such a distinguished squadron fold its tent. I would certainly hope, by the way, that Voyager would provide air mobility capability well beyond 2020 
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Farewell, Two Sixteen. You bore gifts bravely and well. The nation may yet need your services again. Rest now and gather strength for that occasion in the proud knowledge that you have lived up to the very essence of your motto.
The Tristar is replaced by the RAF’s new Voyager fleet operated currently by Squadrons 10 & 101. Voyager will guarantee the RAF’s Strategic Air Mobility capability well beyond 2020.
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Goodbye 2.16 Sqn Never with Malice
Taken the P!$$ many times over the years but never with Malice, claimed my £5 but never collected it. So glad you picked up the baton when the Voyager "paused" will be sad to see you go and not watch the TRI motor getting airborne from Brize and overflying my house...I still look up and will never class myself a spotter..
L1011 Wisper Liner.......Wonderful Air Plane, sterling service and great crews.....
Till the next time you stand up 216 Sqn, farewell.....
L1011 Wisper Liner.......Wonderful Air Plane, sterling service and great crews.....
Till the next time you stand up 216 Sqn, farewell.....
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And after the end of next week, the oldest operational (frontline) jet with four engines in the RAF.....
Or I suppose the 146s at Northolt beat them slightly
V1
Or I suppose the 146s at Northolt beat them slightly
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Don't worry, they may be gone, but they will live on, well at least on the RAF website along with the Vc10 in the current fleets 
I remember them forming at Brize, it seems like yesterday... Sigh, a lot of air miles under their wings since then.
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I remember them forming at Brize, it seems like yesterday... Sigh, a lot of air miles under their wings since then.
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Last edited by NutLoose; 21st Mar 2014 at 19:39.
Who has done the stats for the fleet? Very roughly, I estimate a quarter of a million flying hours in RAF service. The operational AAR statistics are also considerable. Maybe these figures will appear in an RAF promo or, are they the subject of a D notice? Hey, some other nations recognise their ability: Quote of a US Navy Admiral at a tanker symposium circa 2005 "you want to know the best tanker in NATO.....RAF TriStar"!
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Thanks for all the Cannonballs
. . . my liver is still suffering from the cheap ASI hooch and KWV Port
. . . Ian Parry agreed to carry me rather than the fuel (I knew I'd cracked it then)
. . . and the 'easy' FE licence with which to ply my trade in civvy street.
. . . and all the fun when D Visiting Aircraft was boss
The best 'office' in any aircraft I flew (once the AAR probe lights were removed).
Rust in Peace
. . . my liver is still suffering from the cheap ASI hooch and KWV Port
. . . Ian Parry agreed to carry me rather than the fuel (I knew I'd cracked it then)
. . . and the 'easy' FE licence with which to ply my trade in civvy street.
. . . and all the fun when D Visiting Aircraft was boss
The best 'office' in any aircraft I flew (once the AAR probe lights were removed).
Rust in Peace
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Probably my best flying tour was with 216. Such a magnificent airframe to operate on.
Unbeknown to the crew of the day, 216 had the auspicious honour of dropping the forerunners of the SAS, when David Sterling cadged a lift in the western desert and got out in-flight, breaking his leg in the process.
Unbeknown to the crew of the day, 216 had the auspicious honour of dropping the forerunners of the SAS, when David Sterling cadged a lift in the western desert and got out in-flight, breaking his leg in the process.