Prince William Heads to Falkland Mission, Increases Pilot Workload Since Marriage
Prince William, who is a pilot for the Royal Air Force, will be deployed to the Falkland Islands next February to serve on active duty as a search and rescue pilot.
The successor to the British crown will leave his wife, Catherine Middleton, for six weeks to participate in the normal crew rotations, where he will provide day and night rescue cover around the military base. Only three other pilots monitor the entire area year-round that is home to a population of around 3,000.
The Falklands are the subject of great dispute between the United Kingdom and Argentina, with both sides claiming control over the region. The conflict escalated into a war in 1982, where 600 Argentinean and 255 British soldiers were killed. Since then, the population has expressed its desire to remain British.
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Tensions have remained high, however. Argentina’s president, Cristina Kirchner, even claimed British Prime Minister David Cameron’s remarks about the Falklands remaining British as “mediocrity bordering on stupidity." The South American country is reluctant to give up rights over the land.
Next year marks the 30-year anniversary of the war, which is certain to raise some issues. Argentine officials have called it an “insensitive” decision, but the U.K. government is said to be standing firm behind the Air Force and the heir’s deployment.
William, who is trained as a Sea King helicopter pilot, will be back in Britain before June so he can participate in the 60-year Jubilee celebration for the Queen.
The mission will allow him the opportunity to rise up the ranks and seek promotion for a higher position at the Air Force, the BBC reported.
William has often described himself to be very serious about his pilot career. The prince has also increased his workload since marrying in April.
