RAF Tornadoes End Their Combat Mission In Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN - NOVEMBER 11: The two air crews who flew the final combat sortie Afghanistan stand in front of a Tornado from RAF Marham's 31 Squadron as they prepare to take off from Kandahar airfield, completing their final deployment to Afghanistan on November 11, 2014 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The departure of the six Tornado GR4 fast jets to the UK marks the end of the Tornado combat mission in Afghanistan. 31 Squadron first operated in Afghanistan in 1919 when British and Indian forces were called upon to carry out a land and air campaign when Afghan rebels declared war on the British. Over the past five years the severn squadrons of the Tornado Force 2,9,12,13,14,31 and 617 have all conducted tours in Afghanistan, launching nearly 10,000 flights, flown over 33,500 hours and conducted 600 shows of force. Over 3,000 personnel have served on 20 separate Squadron detachments, making this the significant engagement of the Tornado GR4s continuous 25 years on operations. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)