Sadness and smiles for helicopter’s final flight

THREE helicopters set off from Benson for the last time.

The Pumas left RAF Benson on Thursday last week as part of a two-day farewell flight around the UK.

The aircraft has been the workhorse of the Royal Air Force for more than five decades.

Introduced in 1971, the Puma became a key asset for the force, known for its agility, speed, and versatility, providing mobility and support for British forces.

In its lifetime the Puma has been deployed worldwide following its first operational use during the conflict in Northern Ireland. More recently, they served in Afghanistan from 2015 to 2021.

During the coronavirus pandemic they took part in Operation Rescript, providing aid to those in need. Up until March, the helicopter has been involved in operations in Cyprus and Brunei.

The farewell flight was organised to honour the service of the aircraft. Wing Commander Nick Monahan, officer commanding 33 Squadron and Puma Force Commander, said: “This flight route is via various locations of significance.

“Each place reflects the rich history and contributions that the Puma has made during its time in service.

“The aircraft has been a cornerstone of global defence operations for more than five decades. We want to celebrate its contribution to supporting our people around the world over the past 54 years.”

Wing Commander Alice Tierney, station commander at RAF Benson, said: “It is very sad as the Pumas have been a big part of Royal Air Force Benson but it is all about celebrating what she’s achieved.

“People are smiling and happy but, at the same time in the back of their minds, you can see it and feel it, that we are sad.

“Throughout my 17 years of service of support to the Puma I have loved working with the crews, the team, the engineers and the pilots. It is one team and that very much comes across and they are very proud of what they do and what they have done and that shows.”

Wing Commander Tierney said despite the aircraft retiring the base will remain a hub of activity.

She said: “We will continue to operate the Chinook and Benson will remain a vibrant, busy station. We are looking forward to NMH, the medium helicopter that will be coming in.

“We have got the fly-past today and tomorrow and then next week we have a formal dinner here at Benson to celebrate with approximately 120 guests coming to that.

“Then, looking forward to July, we have got a hangar party which will be brilliant and a commemorative service happening in the station church on Monday of next week as well.”

The end of service of Puma is part of the Ministry of Defence’s mission to modernise defence capabilities to be better placed to face the evolving threats of today for the future.

Six new H145 Helicopters better known as Jupiter HC2 will enter into service in Cyprus and Brunei from 2026, where some Puma are stationed.

To support the transition from the Puma to the Jupiter HC2, two Chinook helicopters will deploy to Cyprus to support the firefighting capability there.

In the future, a new medium helicopter will be designed to replace the legacy Puma capability of medium-lift to land forces. The contract is still in the negotiation phase.

Squadron Leader Niall Davidson, who is second in command of the 33 Squadron operating the Puma, said: “It does come a time where we need modernisation but it is great to see it operating right up until the end of its time.”

Dave Stewart, a Puma ground school instructor, completed six tours serving in the aircraft in a variety of roles, and described the Puma as “workhorse”.

Mr Stewart said: “I first stepped on to this aircraft in 1982 and I was at the stage a young sergeant crewman. It was a great joy to come to something as modern as the Puma was back in 1982.

“I feel a huge sadness but it is lovely to see them today. In 1983, we did a 13-aircraft return from an exercise in Wales. I do wish that we had been able to get more of the fleet here. The staff that are teaching the Puma in the simulator, there are no jobs for them, so we are going to be made redundant.

“I worked from Sergeant through to Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader and ended up as a Wing Commander. The Pumas are just amazing workhorses, just a wonderful piece of kit. If you look at what she does today, she is not past it.”

RAF Benson is a support helicopter main operating base supporting Joint Helicopter Command.

From Monday, it became home to one Operational Conversion Unit, which flies Chinook HC4 helicopters. It also continues to support the Operational Evaluation Unit of the Joint Helicopter Command.

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron, 606 Squadron RAF Reserves, 6 Flying Training Squadron, the Civilian National Police Air Service and Thames Valley Air Ambulance which operates 24 hours a day, also call RAF Benson home.l end