617 Squadron - famed for its daring raids on German dams during the Second World War - has flown its last mission in Tornado GR4s in Afghanistan before disbanding.
Based at Kandahar airfield the squadron has flown around 400 missions on their current tour.
The Squadron's Officer Commanding, Wing Commander David Arthurton, says the operations have reflected the changing situation in the country.
"Today, in the skies over Afghanistan 617 Squadron completed its last flight as a Tornado Squadron. It is fitting that this milestone event occurred on Operations, delivering decisive air power much as our forebears did in 1943. Back then the Squadron was employed on offensive operations whereas today we're trying to set the conditions for enduring security and peace. I think there are many parallels -- the team spirit that existed back then endures to this day and I think the focus on getting the job done is exactly the same."
It is not the end for the Dambusters. They will reform by the end of the decade to fly the new Joint Strike Fighters - the Lightning II.
Picture: Crown Copyright 2011 / Royal Air Force / Sergeant Ross Tilly
