Whenever the air hums with the sound of helicopters in southern Afghanistan, Jamie Green will have played a guiding role.

The RAF squadron leader, from Sutton, is responsible for coordinating multi-national flights across the Helmand province.

Balancing limited resources, he must synchronise up to 300 moves each day, helping troops to launch combat operations.

Sqdn Ldr Green, 30, a veteran of three previous Afghanistan tours, worked as a city trader for two years before hearing the call of the RAF.

He said: “I was fascinated by aircraft but my eyesight was not good enough to be able to fly, so I joined as an officer.

“I enjoy knowing that my job has a direct effect on the troops on the ground.

“The most satisfying part is seeing the end result: a flying programme that, with work moving people around and rearranging schedules, has managed to got everyone to where they need to go in time.”

The former Sutton Grammar School pupil had previously been posted to RAF Kinloss, the Aeronautical Rescue and Coordination Centre.

He supervised several high-profile UK search-and-rescue operations, including assisting crews responding to the Glasgow plastics factory explosion of 2004.

Sqdn Ldr Green is now scheduled to return to Sutton in October, where he will be greeted by his parents, Pauline and Barry and his brother Robbie.

He said: “When I get back home I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends. Most of all, I am looking forward to seeing my fiancée - a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.

"We are getting married in October before going on honeymoon to New Zealand for four weeks, which will be great.”

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