Final farewell for navy's iconic Sea King helicopter as it roars over Portsmouth

AN ICONIC Royal Navy search and rescue helicopter will be flying over Portsmouth for the last time.

By The Newsroom

Published 18th Mar 2016, 16:33 BST

Updated 18th Mar 2016, 16:44 BST

A Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter
Picture: MoD/SAC Graham Taylor ANL-141028-171615001 — A Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter Picture: MoD/SAC Graham Taylor ANL-141028-171615001

On Monday morning, a formation of Sea King Mk4 helicopters, accompanied by a Merlin helicopter, is expected to roar over the city.

It comes as the ageing aircraft is due to be decommissioned, after the service was taken over by a private outfit.

The flypast is expected to reach Whale Island at 9.30am. The route will see the craft making their way along the south coast, passing Exeter, Southampton and parts of Gosport and Fareham.