The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Merlin helicopter crew from 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron’s B Flight have successfully completed a mission in Helmand, Afghanistan.

B Flight has been deployed at Bastion Airfield in Afghanistan since end of May 2010, following multiple detachments in Iraq over the past five years.

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During its deployment, the Merlin has been used for both tactical and strategic operational roles including picking up casualties and flying resupply missions.

It has carried counter-IED teams, general resupply and trooping tasks and patients including both ISAF forces and Afghan casualties.

During the mission, following initial mandatory admin procedures, B Flight crew took to the skies and flew towards the Green Zone for the first time in Afghanistan.

The Merlin crew has worked in temperatures of 45°C with throw safety equipment, thermal fire protection, gloves and helmets.

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