http://www.aviation-news.co.uk 41Above: Tornado GR1s joined 617 in January 1983, and the Dambusters went on to fly GR1Bs and GR4s before standing down in March 2014. It
served operationally in several war zones during its time with the Tornado, including both Gulf Wars, and over Afghanistan. Tornado GR4 ZA365
‘AJ-Y’ was attending RIAT 2003. Key Collection
Below: After distinguished service with the Tornado, No.617 began preparing for the next stage of its illustrious career – as the first operational
squadron to be equipped with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. It is expected the unit will have been ‘stood up’ at RAF Marham in
Norfolk by the time of the 75th Dams raid commemorations on May 16/17 this year. (Also see page 48 for an exclusive interview with 617’s new
commanding officer.) © MoD Crown Copyright 2016/SAC Tim Laurence38-41_dambusters_through_the_decadesDC.mf.indd 41 04/04/2018 13:04