70th ANNIVERSARY OF AIRBORNE FORCES

That this House pays tribute to those who served in Airborne Forces since its inception in 1940 and the 7,000 who serve today in its current formation as 16 Air Assault Brigade; records with admiration the sterling service undertaken during the past 70 years; notes that the current airborne capability goes well beyond paratroops and includes air assault forces deliverable by helicopter and aircraft, together with a wide range of vital support roles undertaken by professional and dedicated service personnel; and sends its best wishes to the men and women of 16 Air Assault Brigade as they prepare for the Brigade's fourth deployment to Afghanistan, the third to Helmand province, in the knowledge that they will uphold the proud record of the Airborne Forces.