RAF Regiment Handover to Army at KAF

17 April 2013

34 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, handed over UK Force Protection (FP) at Kandahar Air Field (KAF) to The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, on 14 April 2013.

C Flight, 34 Squadron RAF Regiment deployed to Afghanistan from RAF Leeming on 15 November 2012. As part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), they were responsible for the FP of all UK assets deployed at Kandahar.


During their tour, they were deployed on daily FP duties inside and outside the wire in a variety of roles in support of the overall FP at KAF. Throughout the last decade, this has historically been a RAF Regiment commitment, however, they hand over to an Army Regiment for the first time.
Officer Commanding C Flight, Flight Lieutenant ‘Dot’ Cotton, stated: “The flight was successful in utilising all previous operational experiences in order to help broaden the multinational FP Units at Kandahar. Undoubtedly the Army will now bring some unique skills to the FP world. I wish them the best of luck and a safe tour”.
On 14 April 2013, C Flight handed over command to 2 Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. The Arnhem Company Colour was raised and the detachment was officially addressed by each commanding officer. Captain Andy Crompton, Officer Commanding 2 Battalion, thanked C Flight for their level of professionalism throughout the handover and stated they were ready for the tour.
C Flight, return back home to the UK on 16 April 13. The squadron will enjoy a well-deserved period of leave before their pre-deployment training is started once more as they are due to return to Afghanistan in April 2014.

RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013