19(R) Sqn Disbandment; IV(R) Sqn Stand-Up

[19 Sqn]

No 19(R) Squadron, which has carried out weapons training for fast jet pilots for the RAF for the past 19 years, will be disbanded on 24 November 2011. On this historic day, No IV (R) Squadron will be stood-up as a Hawk T.Mk2 unit. This event marks the RAF’s transition to the new training aircraft and will be celebrated with a parade and flypast followed by a formal dinner. Both Sqn Associations will be coordinating attendance, but if you are not an association member and are interested in coming to RAF Valley, please PM this account. For more information see: http://rafvalleynews.********.com/2011/09/historic-harrier-squadron-becomes-new.html

[TLA-HO!]

A sad day for 19(F) Squadron, as another famous fighter squadron bites the dust :sad:

Seems a bit strange that as the role is effectively the same, and the base is the same, that the Sqn is being stood down after such a period of relative continuity. I appreciate the history of IV Sqn, which is considerable, but it does seem rather odd that they are muscling-in at the expense of 19(F) Sqn.

Maybe some guilt after the premature (and very wrong in my opinion) retirement of the Harrier? Guess we'll never know!

Nevertheless, here's to the events of 24 Nov and to raising a few glasses in memory of 19(F) Sqn. RIP Dolphins.