Flying off into the Sunset….
Last month, the Guyanese Defense Forces said goodbye to their Short Skyvan, 8R-GGK. The aircraft itself had been acquired by Guyana in 1987 but was not officially transferred to the GDF until 2001.
Service Record of the Skyvan
During its life, the aircraft was used for relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. It helped transport a detachment of Guyanese soldiers to the island of Trinidad as part of a regional peacekeeping force after the failed 1990 coup attempt. It was even used as the presidential transport for the President of Guyana on a number of occasions as well.
The Retirement Ceremony
A small ceremony was held at Air Station London to retire the Skyvan, where it would be placed on display. Though Guyana is not exactly known for its military might, this particular aircraft most certainly put in the work for this South American nation.
~NC
