HONG KONG: RAF SQUADRON STAGE FINAL FLIGHT OF DUTY

(3 Jun 1997) Spanish/Eng/Nat

45 years of Royal Air Force history came to an end on Tuesday as the R-A-F squadron based in Hong Kong staged its last flight of duty over the territory.

The 28th Squadron flew six Wessex helicopters over Victoria harbour for the last time before they were handed over to the Uruguayan airforce at an official ceremony.

The last operational flight of the 28th Squadron of Hong Kong.

The six ageing Wessex helicopters bade farewell to the territory in fighting form.

After making a fly past through Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour the six aircraft made perfect landings at Kai Tak airport.

The squadron was formed in November 1915 and has not served in the United Kingdom since the First World War.

The Wessex were all built between 1963 and 1964 and are older than all of the pilots who fly them - with the exception of the squadron's commanding officer Squadron Leader Dick Barton.

For him the handover represents the end of his flying career.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I have spent 15 year flying, sadly my wings have been clipped, they have caught me at last. So I'm going back to a ground appointment, the advanced staff course, so for me, no flying for the time being. But the rest of the guys are going back, most to flying appointments, all looking forward to it."
SUPER CAPTION: Squadron Leader Dick Barton

Major General Bryan Dutton, Commander of British Forces in Hong Kong, praised the squadron's work.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"It's sad to see the Wessex and the squadron go. We are proud of their achievements and optimistic for the future, so the cycle of our emotions is complete."
SUPER CAPTION: Major General Bryan Dutton

The Wessex aircraft have been sold to Uruguay for an undisclosed sum.

They were formally handed over to Uruguay's Brigadier General Cesar Borucki at an official signing ceremony.

Borucki said the helicopters would be a significant addition to the Uruguay airforce.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"We're especially pleased with these helicopters - they're very good for our country. We'll use them for special tasks, such as search and rescue purposes, fire fighting and other missions."
SUPER CAPTION: Brigadier General Cesar Borucki, Uruguay Air Force

It's not the first time Uruguay has bought aircraft from Britain - after the Second World War she purchased a number of spitfires.

The 28th Squadron will be formally disbanded in August and will not reform until the year 2000 when it is re-equipped with brand new helicopters.

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