| Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1941 – 18 February 2016 |
| Disbanded | 18 February 2016 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Role | Search and Rescue |
The Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force (RAF SARF or RAF SAR Force) was an official unit of the Royal Air Force (RAF) which provided around-the-clock aeronautical search and rescue cover in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, and the Falkland Islands, from 1986 until 2016.
The Search and Rescue Force was established in 1986 from the helicopter elements of the RAF Marine Branch which was disbanded that year. The Force supported search and rescue over the United Kingdom until 4 October 2015 when the role was privatised, and civilian contractor Bristow Helicopters assumed the role on behalf of HM Coastguard.
On 18 February 2016, the force's disbandment was officially marked with a parade in front of William, Duke of Cambridge, himself a former SAR pilot, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, his wife.[1][2]
- ^ Royal Air Force. "RAF Search and Rescue Force Disbandment Parade". Facebook. Retrieved 18 February 2016.
- ^ "RAF Search and Rescue Force Disbandment Parade". Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 25 February 2016. Retrieved 20 February 2016.