RAF Lossiemouth IX(B) Sqn return to Moray from Operation Biloxi in Romania
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Personnel from RAF Lossiemouth have handed over their role in a NATO security mission based in Romania.
Operation Biloxi saw the 121 Expeditionary Air Wing stationed near the Black Sea.
During their mission the Typhoons from Lossiemouth's IX(B) Sqn launched nine times against suspect aircraft.
Wing Commander Stephen Lamping admitted the deployment to Romania had not been straightforward.
He said: "The initial phases were significantly constrained by Covid-19, and the recovery to the UK was heavily impacted by the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
"However, I am proud to say that the personnel of 121 EAW have stepped up and delivered, both in the air and on the ground.
"Working with the Romanian Air Force and wider regional allies we have proven our commitment to NATO and enhanced stability in the Black Sea region."
During the deployment RAF personnel also trained with various other allied and partner forces.
The Typhoons were joined in June by the German air force’s 71st (Richthofen) Wing and Romanian MiG-21 LanceRs to conduct a joint training scramble.
The Air Wing also worked with the Turkish, Bulgarian, Hungarian, American, Dutch, Ukranian, Italian and French military.
Seven personnel have been presented with the Romanian air force's Emblem of Honour.
This award is given to selected foreign military personnel who have impeccably fulfilled their mission.
One of the recipients is Flight Sergeant Ailsa McDermott.
She said: "The Romanian people have been very welcoming and accommodating during our time here."
Welcoming the squadron back to Scotland was Group Captain Chris Layden, who is the station commander at RAF Lossiemouth.
He said: "I’m delighted to welcome IX(B) Sqn back from their very busy and successful tour in Romania.
"This was their first operational deployment as a Typhoon squadron.
"The whole station is proud of what they achieved, standing shoulder to shoulder with our NATO allies to help preserve security in a vitally important region."
The RAF has handed over to its duties to the Canadian air force.
It plans to return to Romania next year.
