Red Arrows tour finale thrills Bahrain

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A final public display of 2017 has been carried
out in Bahrain by the Red Arrows.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team was watched
by crowds at the city’s seafront, marking the end of the team’s 53rd season and
also a significant tour of the Mediterranean and Gulf supporting United Kingdom
interests.

Wing Commander Andrew Keith, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic
Team, the Red Arrows, said: “Our busy schedule has meant the whole team, both
aircrew and essential support staff, have worked hard, often in extreme
temperatures, but it has been worth it.

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“Representing the UK, we have highlighted links
with close friends in the region and helped to forge new ones, across a range
of industries and sectors.”

The overseas deployment, known as Exercise Eastern Hawk, has focussed on
British expertise in the fields of aviation, technology, engineering and
education.

As well as the display, pilots and personnel of
the Red Arrows’ ground support team met women’s networking groups, members of
the business community and also students in Bahrain.

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The five-week overseas tour began with a flight
over the Cannes Yachting Festival – highlighting British industry at the event –
before visiting Athens Flying Week, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman
and Pakistan. A flypast over Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, follows the full display in
Bahrain.

The British Ambassador to Bahrain, Simon
Martin, said: “I’m delighted that the team are back to represent the best of
British innovation and excellence within the Royal Air Force, which shows the
UK’s commitment to strengthen its relations with Bahrain.”

One of the Red Arrows’ key roles is as national ambassadors, supporting UK
trade, business, education and industry – most recently in conjunction with the
GREAT Britain campaign.

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The Bahrain display was also the last show of
the Red Arrows’ 2017 season, which included a busy domestic programme across
the UK before the overseas deployment.

It was the final public display for four of the
pilots who have reached the end of their period with the team.

This includes Red 1, Squadron Leader David
Montenegro, who has finished his second, three-year, stint with the team – with
2015-2017 as Team Leader.

Flight Lieutenant Tom Bould, who is Red 6, and
Flight Lieutenant Emmet Cox, Red 9, have completed their three-year tours with
the team.

And also leaving is Red 10, Squadron Leader
Mike Ling, who has completed nine years in the team – more than any other Red
Arrows pilot – and the last six years as supervisor and team commentator.

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The Red Arrows are based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and are famous for
flying BAE Systems Hawks in a Diamond Nine formation.

For
more information about the team, follow @rafredarrows on Twitter, see the
latest images posted on Instagram by following rafredarrows, like RAF Red
Arrows on Facebook or visit www.raf.mod.uk/reds

© MOD Crown Copyright 2017

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