AIRMEN back the war zone have been on parade to be honoured for their efforts.

Royal Air Force communications specialists at RAF Leeming, just returned from Afghanistan, were presented with their Operational Service Medals by Air Commodore Simon Richardson.

The members of 3 (Field Communications) Squadron, Tactical Communications Wing, 90 Signals Unit, carried out a six-month tour in operational bases all over Afghanistan.

Air Cdre Richardson said: “It’s easy to think that operations in Afghanistan have become routine and mundane but that is not so.

“Modern warfare relies completely on intelligence and information to commanders in a fast moving environment.

“Hours are long on operations, systems are complex and temperamental. Personnel from 3 Squadron displayed their professionalism, discipline and courage.”

One of those presented with a medal was Senior Aircraftsman David Morrison, who was away from his three-year-old daughter Sadie for the first time.

“I’d been to the Falklands before she was born, but this time was very different – I missed everybody at home,” he said.

“We Skyped for a while but Sadie started getting upset by it so we had to stop. We worked very long hours and it was hard work, but I’m glad that I got to serve in Afghanistan.”