The Sea King helicopters will move to RAF Kinloss

D Flight 202 Squadron will switch from RAF Lossiemouth in Moray, Scotland, to purpose-built accommodation at RAF Kinloss in May 2005.

Group Captain Steve Hillier, station commander at RAF Lossiemouth, said: "Obviously the station will be sad to lose such an important unit.

"The move is the most cost-effective option to provide improved accommodation which will guarantee the future support of a vital, life-saving capability."

The squadron responds to an average of 250 emergency call-outs each year.

RAF Kinloss is already home to the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre, a Nimrod squadron and the RAF's busiest mountain rescue team.

'Economic sense'

Group Captain Garfield Porter, the station commander, said: "We are delighted to welcome the helicopters here.

"It makes both practical and economic sense and they will be a real asset to this station, completing our portfolio of air, land and sea rescue assets."

Up to 60 air crew and ground staff will be involved in the move.

The squadron has been based at Lossiemouth since 1972.

Its two Sea King helicopters have attended more than 5,000 incidents in Scotland and beyond during that time.