Cheers and tears greeted fifty aircrew from 845/846 Naval Air Squadrons as they returned from a tour in Afghanistan.
The Sea King crews based at RAF Yeovilton had been working relentless shifts, up to 80 hours a week, to keep soldiers stocked with food and ammunition.
Often under small arms fire they have been transporting troops in theatre to minimise the risk of roadside bombs.
Chief Petty Officer James Newbury from Sherborne, Dorset said; “The less boots there are on the ground , the less susceptible they are to improvised devices.”
Lieutenant Commander Nick Soul paid tribute to his men; “The guys have done a sterling job in some fairly harsh environments and difficult circumstances. It’s good to be back.”