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Royal Canadian Air Force personnel will hold at the Sea King retirement parade at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in British Columbia on Saturday.

12 Wing Commanding Officer Colonel Sid Connor will host various dignitaries and Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, will be the reviewing officer for the parade.

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The event will take place at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, in Patricia Bay, BC, near Victoria.

The Sea King has operated for 55 years in Canadian military service. As part of the celebrations, there will be a fly-past, according to the Canadian Forces.

The RCAF noted that the helicopters were procured mainly for anti-submarine warfare but the aircraft’s roles have expanded since it came into service in 1963.

The Sikorsky Cyclone helicopter is being brought on line to replace the Sea Kings.

The retirement of the CH-124 Sea King fleet will be completed by Dec. 31.