No. 25 Flight AAC - Flights To Belize

25 Flight Army Air Corps is a flight within the British Army's Army Air Corps.

25 Flight AAC continues to support the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK). The flight's primary role is to provide 24/7 Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) cover to exercising troops training in the remote locations within Kenya also to BATUK dependents and permanent staff. The secondary role to provide range clearance prior to live firing due to the large populations of large game which are free to roam the expansive training areas, in particular the Big five game. The flights area of responsibility covers multiple terrain types, from Jungle on the slopes of Mount Kenya to arid plains of Samburu County.

The flight deployed to Kenya with 3 Bell 212 helicopters in March 2013 to Nanyuki.

During 2016 it was noted that the flight was back in Kenya and was using AgustaWestland Lynx AH.9A's.

History

Belize

Previously 25 Flight was one of a small number of independent AAC Flights in out-of-area locations, under the command of UK Land Forces. The AAC has provided air support since the early 1970s, initially for British Honduras and subsequently in logistic support of the Belize Defence Force, post-independence.

Since 1 October 1994, 25 Flight also supported the British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB), which focusses on Jungle training. Since 1972, maintenance had been provided by a detachment of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), this was outsourced to a private contractor since 2003.

Initially operating Aérospatiale Alouette IIs, the unit had four Westland Gazelles by 1987. Two of these were replaced by Westland Lynx AH.7, by the time Bristow Helicopters took over provision of airframes and maintenance in 2003, rotating in 3 Bell 212s. AAC crews served on detachment with 25 Flight at Price Barracks, Belize.

Following a decision to draw down, 25 Flight flew its last mission in Belize on 15 July 2011.

United Kingdom

During August 2011 the flight returned to the UK Army Air Corps Centre at AAC Middle Wallop and reverted to a flight of 671 Squadron. Here the Flight supported UK peacetime operations and training including Operation Olympics - the security arrangements for the 2012 Summer Olympics which were held mostly in London but also is smaller locations throughout the UK.

References