Prince William to join RAF Search and Rescue
Published
Prince William is to train to become a full-time pilot with the Royal Air Force’s Search and Rescue Force (SARF). The Prince, who learned to fly earlier this year with the Royal Air Force (RAF), will build on the training he has already received to become an operational Sea King pilot.
The Prince will begin his 18 month training course with the RAF in January 2009 and, if successful on the course, would become a fully operational Search and Rescue pilot in 2010 with one of the six UK-based RAF SARF flights. Once operational, a typical tour for a pilot in the SARF is 30 to 36 months.
Prince William will start his training in the rank of Flying Officer, having been commissioned into the RAF in January 2008. He will transfer his service from the Army, in which he currently serves as Lieutenant in the Blues and Royals, to the RAF.
Prince William said today:
“It has been a real privilege to have spent the past year understanding and experiencing all aspects of the British Armed Forces. I now want to build on the experience and training I have received to serve operationally - especially because, for good reasons, I was not able to deploy to Afghanistan this year with D Squadron of the Household Cavalry Regiment.
“The time I spent with the RAF earlier this year made me realise how much I love flying. Joining Search and Rescue is a perfect opportunity for me to serve in the Forces operationally, while contributing to a vital part of the country’s Emergency Services.”
In the time available between his training and operational commitments with the SARF, Prince William will continue to work with the organisations and charities with which he is associated, as well as carrying out some public Royal duties.
Related content
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the SkillForce 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner
The young there were just as moved as the old.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the World War One centenary commemorations, Belgium, 2014
Many nations here today, the United Kingdom among them, owe you a great debt of gratitude for your fortitude and resistance.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the launch of the Fields in Trust Centenary Fields Programme
In short, places where freedom may be expressed with such ease.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Wigram Air Force Museum
The reason why the earthquakes did not defeat Christchurch is because of you, and what has united all of you.
HRH The Duke of Cambridge to leave operational service in the Armed Forces
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Tedworth House
We must not let the wounded men and women of our Armed Forces down.
A message from The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Race to Recovery team on completion of the Dakar Rally
First full year of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
The Duke of Cambridge has qualified as an operational captain within the RAF Search and Rescue Force.
The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry announces partnership with The Forces in Mind Trust
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the War Horse UK premiere
Hardly a family in the country went unscathed.
An article by The Duke of Cambridge about SkillForce UK, The Telegraph
It is remarkable what these ex-Servicemen and women are able to achieve for these young people by working together with them, for their own good and for the benefit of us all.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at Service Nation - Mission Serve
We have much to learn from you.
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Windsor
To exchange combat kit for ceremonial uniform in the space of two weeks is nothing short of remarkable.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment carries out final preparations
Trumpeters from the Central Band of the RAF will accolade Prince William and Catherine Middleton on 29th April
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment prepares for the Royal Wedding
Major General William Cubitt OBE speaks about military involvement in the upcoming wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton
The role of the Armed Forces in the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton
An article by Prince William on the appeal for the National Memorial Arboretum, The Sunday Telegraph
We all know that we could not be as we are, collectively and individually, without their selfless duty.
An article by Prince William about Bomber Command, Daily Express
Each one of those young men died for you and for me.
Prince William takes part in first rescue as an RAF Search and Rescue Pilot
Prince William becomes a fully operational Search and Rescue Pilot
A speech by Prince William at the opening of the new Help 4 Heroes rehabilitation centre at Headley Court
Here reigns courage, humour, compassion and, above all, hope for the future.
Prince William to be posted to RAF Valley after successful completion of training
A speech by Prince William at the Sun newspaper’s Military Awards, 2009
Often, your loyalty to one another will mean the difference between life and death.
A message by Prince William and Prince Harry for Armed Forces Day
They work selflessly with honour and distinction, in the most challenging circumstances imaginable.
An article by Prince William for the Armed Forces supplement in the Sunday Telegraph
I do feel there is truth in the view that society can learn much from British military values and ethos.
A speech by Prince William at the Annual Passing Out Parade at Hendon Police Training College, Hendon, London
I would like to say how much I admire you all for your dedication and application in successfully passing this course.