The return of RAF police from one of the final missions in Afghanistan was marked at a homecoming event on Monday.
Regular and reservist personnel involved in Operation Herrick 20 – the final mission in Helmand Province – were honoured at a parade at RAF Henlow.
Addressing the troops, Air Vice-Marshal Sean Reynolds said: “It’s an honour and a privilege to welcome you back.
“You make it look very easy, but I know how much grit and determination it takes to make that transition and take forces out of Afghanistan.”
The troops marched in front of family and friends as the band played in a giant hanger.
Flying officer Mark Ranstead was deployed in Afghanistan in April and will now return to his job as a policeman.
He said: “I feel an array of emotions coming to this event. The experience changed me a lot. It’s a relief to be back home and to be able to walk along the street without fear of a bomb going off underfoot.”
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