By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

VIDEO: Sea King choppers roar over Nanaimo region on farewell flight

Dec 17, 2018 | 2:08 PM

NANAIMO — After 55 years serving the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Sea King helicopter made its presence known in the Nanaimo region one final time.

Four of the CH-124 Sea King choppers buzzed over Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum on Monday during the noon hour to formally mark the last official flight of the historic aircraft before they are transitioned out of service.

The sight caused quite a stir on social media and prompted several people to contact our newsroom asking about the unusual aerial scene.

The choppers departed in formation from 12 Wing’s 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Patricia Bay, near the Saanich Peninsula.

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The Sea King was originally purchased by the Air Force in 1963 to conduct anti-submarine warfare at sea and was that service’s longest-serving aircraft.

Canada’s Sea King fleet has flown in excess of 550,000 hours and served in NATO and other international maritime operations.

Air Force commander lieutenant-general Al Meinzinger said the retirement of the Sea King is truly historic.

“No other fleet has served as long as the Sea King, and its 55 years of service are a monument not only to its durability and capability, but to the men and women who operated, maintained and otherwise supported this incredible helicopter.”

The Air Force is transitioning to the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter.

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