MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Sunset ceremony to bid RRS farewell

AS PART of a wider restructuring of the military, the RAF Regiment is to lose its Ground Based Air Defence role.

This means that, after twenty-four years continuous service, the Rapier air defence missiles here in the Falklands will soon no longer be manned by the Resident Rapier Squadron (RRS).

At the end of October, the air defence of the Islands will be passed on to 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, currently based in Woolwich.

As part of their farewell, the Squadron will be firing live Rapier missiles October on 4 and 5 from Port Harriet Farm.

This will not only be the last time the RAF Regiment will fire Rapier in the Falklands Islands, but also the last time RAF Regiment will fire the missiles anywhere in the world.

In addition to the firing camp, they will be holding a sunset ceremony at Black Eagle Camp, Stanley airfield at 6pm on October 4.

Squadron Leader Matt Radnall, OC RRS, explained the significance: "Black Eagle Camp is the spiritual home of the RAF Regiment in the Falklands.

After a month at San Carlos in June of 1982, 63 Squadron RAF Regiment, whose crest depicts a black eagle, set up their Squadron HQ in the camp on arrival in Stanley.

"Once MPA was built, the Rapier Squadron moved their HQ to the base, from which the RAF Regiment have been providing air defence for the airfield continuously since. This is a historic time for the Squadron and the whole of the RAF Regiment."

The ceremony will consist of a short service followed by a lowering of the ensign. Stanley Sea and Marine Cadets will be in attendance and all members of the general public are invited to attend. Penguin News