Falklands : Sunset Ceremony Marks Farewell for the Resident Rapier Squadron
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 30.09.2006 (Article Archived on 14.10.2006)
The Falklands are to soon bid farewell to the Resident Rapier Squadron.
SUNSET CEREMONY MARKS FAREWELL FOR THE RESIDENT RAPIER SQUADRON
As part of a wider restructuring of the military, the RAF Regiment is to
lose its Ground Based Air Defence role. Consequently, the Rapier air defence
missiles here in the Falklands will soon no longer be manned by the Resident
Rapier Squadron (RRS), which has been here on continuous service since 1982.
At the end of October, the air defence of the Islands will be passed on to 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, currently based in Woolwich.
As part of their farewell, the Squadron will be firing live Rapier missiles
on the 4 and 5 of October from Harriet Farm. This will not only be the last
time the RAF Regiment will fire Rapier in the Falklands, but also the last
time RAF Regiment will fire the missiles anywhere in the world. In addition
to the firing camp, they will be holding a sunset ceremony at Black Eagle
Camp, Stanley Airfield at 1800 on the 4 October. Squadron Leader Matt
Radnall, OC RRS, explained the significance, "Black Eagle Camp is the
spiritual home of the RAF Regiment in the Falklands. After a month at San
Carlos in June of 1982, 63 Squadron RAF Regiment, whose crest depicts a
black eagle, set up their Squadron HQ in the camp on arrival in Stanley.
Once MPA was built, the Rapier Squadron moved their HQ to the base, from
which the RAF Regiment have been providing air defence for the airfield
continuously since. This is a historic time for the Squadron and the whole
of the RAF Regiment."
The ceremony will consist of a short service followed by a lowering of the
ensign. Stanley Sea and Marine Cadets will be in attendance and all members
of the general public are invited to attend.
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