Just wanted to see if I could beat Vito or KA3B to the punch. Looks like I did. Sad to see the Harriers go, though.

Sea Harrier stars of Falklands fly for last time
By Richard Savill
(Filed: 29/03/2006)

The Royal Navy's Sea Harrier jump-jets, which played a vital role in the Falklands conflict 24 years ago, made their final flight yesterday.

Tributes were paid to the fighter as the last five from 801 Squadron performed an aerial display at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset, their base for 26 years.


A Sea Harrier passes over the deck of HMS Illustrious

The jets are being decommissioned to make way for new GR7 and GR9 ground attack Harriers. They will be stored pending disposal.

Vice-Adml Adrian Johns, the Second Sea Lord, said: "It is a very emotional day and it is very sad to say farewell to the Sea Harriers, which have contributed so much, especially in the Falklands."

Cdr Henry Mitchell, 43, the longest-serving Sea Harrier pilot, flying them for 21 years, said: "It hasn't quite hit me yet that this is the last time I will fly this amazing jet."

Argentine fighters failed to shoot down any of the 29-strong fleet of Sea Harriers in the Falklands. More recently, the fighter served in the first Gulf war, the Balkans and Sierra Leone.

The two former Sea Harrier squadrons, 801 and 800, are to be reformed with GR7s at RAF Cottesmore, in Rutland, but will retain their naval traditions.

Vice-Adml Adrian Johns, the Second Sea Lord

Our military needs cool titles like that.

SSgt Bandit, Lord Master of the Torque Wrench

Quoted: The jets are being decommissioned to make way for new GR7 and GR9 ground attack Harriers. They will be stored pending disposal.

Sell 'em to India. I think they are still operating a ex-HMS aircraft carrier.

Quoted: Vice-Adml Adrian Johns, the Second Sea Lord Our military needs cool titles like that. SSgt Bandit, Lord Master of the Torque Wrench

It is the end of an era.

SGT citizensoldier emperor of a tiny corner of the TOC

So are the GRs going to fly off the carriers?

1LT Manic, Supreme Guardian of Cuddlies.

NTM

Quoted: Vice-Adml Adrian Johns, the Second Sea Lord Our military needs cool titles like that. SSgt Bandit, Lord Master of the Torque Wrench

Thanks for the sigline idea

Co-Vice Colonel

Awesome rank.  

Quoted: Co-Vice Colonel Awesome rank.

It took me 17 months, but I finally made it!