WITH JUST a few weeks remaining before the Belgian Air Component retires its search and rescue Westland Sea King Mk48s at the end of March, the final three aircraft serving with 40 Smaldeel (Squadron) based at Koksijde performed a farewell formation tour over east and west Flanders on December 19. The three helicopters departed Koksijde in 'Vic' formation at 0955hrs with anniversary marked aircraft RS05 at its apex, and RS02 and RS04 in echelon formation to its left and right. They were supported in flight by a Koksijde-based SA316 Alouette Ⅲ and a Beauvechain-based A109BA. A 40 Smaldeel NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) supported the formation's return to Koksijde at around 1245hrs. Covering approximately 130nm, the formation flew past ten important landmarks, including the IJzer (Yser) Tower at Diksmuide commemorating soldiers killed during World War One, the air traffic control centre at Semmerzake, plus Gent, Zeebrugge and Ostend. Belgium acquired five Sea King Mk48s that first entered service in November 1976. RS01 and RS03 were withdrawn from service on December 17, 2008 and August 29, 2013, respectively. The remaining three are being retired over three months: RS02 on January 19, RS04 on February 19 and, finally, RS05 on March 26. The 40 Smaldeel Sea Kings have saved more than 1,750 lives to date.
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