Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose waved goodbye to its Search and Rescue Sea King helicopters for the last time on April 11.
During the late morning, the final three aircraft flew from the Helston base to HMS Sultan.
The red and grey aircraft have flown from RNAS Culdrose since 1988.
After 42 years of rescue operations from RNAS Culdrose, conducting over 9000 jobs and saving over 15000 lives, 771 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) was formally decommissioned at the end of March.
At 15 minutes’ notice by day and 45 minutes by night, the Squadron provided a lifesaving service within a 200 nautical mile radius of RNAS Culdrose.
Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will continue to train crews in search and rescue as it is an essential skill for aviation at sea.
As a ‘Core Base’ for Defence, RNAS Culdrose will continue to provide aviators and helicopters for front line operations within the Royal Navy.
It also has a vital training role. Aircraft including Merlin helicopters, Sea King Mk7s, King Air Avengers and Hawks will still be seen in the skies around RNAS Culdrose.