A guardian angel unfolded its wings for the last time !
Text & pictures : Marc Arys & Serge Van Heertum - S.B.A.P. ©
Known as the guardian angels of the Belgian coast, the Seaking of the 40° Squadron reached more than 30 years of good and faithful services. Soon to be replaced by the NH-90, the venerable Seakings did lot of flighthours into their retirement, all deserved well, after more than 2400 scrambles.
Delivered on December 19, 1975, RS01 was put into 'retirement' this December 17, 2008 after 33 years of dedicated service.
After this last flight from Koksijde to Brussels, RS01 will now find its place near his brothers in arms of all times within the 'air-section' of the Royal Army Museum at Brussels located within the prestigious framework of the park of the 'Cinquantenaire' (half a century - fiftieth anniversary park).
Seaking RS01 added up 10585 flighthours with 523 real interventions, during it's discrete, but not less brilliant career.
Much owe him their life !
Many thanks to the COMOPSAIR - IPR team for granting us access to this event.
See also BAHA special feature with in flight pictures
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Seaking in the drizzle |
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A few seconds before last landing |
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Landed |
The people gathering to congratulate the crew |
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| Special markings for this last flight with the name of the last crew | Posing in front of it's last home | |
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Minister of Defence
Pieter De Crem and the last crew, from left to right Lt. Col. Avi. Rudy 'Baseco' Theys, Cdt. Avi. Karel 'Fozzy' Kinable and Ajm. Lu. Vp. Rudy Debergh |
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| The early years | ||
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On static dislay in 1976 |
Winching during an airshow in 1979 |
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| Along the Belgian coast | In formation in the vicinity of its home base | |