The King has visited RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland’s main RAF base, in Moray, northern Scotland, to re-present the squadron standard to Number 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.
RAF Lossiemouth is one of two quick reaction alert stations which protect the UK airspace.
During the Parade, The King addressed servicemen and women, as well as their families, saying:
We also recognize the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today. Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this Squadron’s success is built.
“It is their encouragement and understanding that enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties. On behalf of the Nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide.”
Read His Majesty’s speech in full.
The King also saw a flypast of two Typhoon bombers and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
Following the Parade, The King met families including those of servicemen and women based in Cyprus and Poland, where they are defending Nato’s eastern borders.
His Majesty was given a tour of the squadron buildings and the Poseidon hangar, which houses nine P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircrafts equipped with weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare as well as surveillance and search and rescue missions.
The King was also was given a tour of one multi-role maritime patrol aircraft and met the crew, who showed His Majesty the cutting-edge technology used to detect, identify and monitor targets, which will be rolled out to Norway, Canada and Germany later this year.
His Majesty later met representatives from community projects including support for families of deployed service personnel, and a community group which is planting Christmas trees in sand dunes at Lossiemouth Beach.
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