English: An RAF Chinook helicopter is loaded into a C-17 Globe master for the long journey back to the UK from Afghanistan.

After thirteen years supporting operations in Afghanistan, the first of the three remaining Royal Air Force Chinooks left Kabul to begin the journey home.

Since the end of combat operations in Afghanistan in October 2014, three RAF Chinooks were retained in the country to assist British troops in non-combat roles, but in March 2015 they went home.

In the early hours of Wednesday 25th March, the first of the heavy lift support helicopter from RAF Odiham in Hampshire was loaded on to the C-17, marking the end of the UK Chinook Force’s contribution to operations in Afghanistan.

Synonymous with operations in Afghanistan over the last thirteen years, the Chinook Force flew over 41,000 hours, extracted 13,000 casualties and its crews have been awarded numerous gallantry awards, including twenty three distinguished flying crosses for bravery in the air.

• Organization: RAF
• Object Name: AUAB_25032015_037 042
• Category: MOD
• Supplemental Categories: Equipment, Aircraft, Helicopters, Chinook, Support, C17, Operations, Theatres, Afghanistan
• Keywords: Royal Air Force, RAF, Equipment, Aircraft, Transport, Globemaster, C-17, Helicopter, Chinook
• Country: Afghanistan