More than 120 personnel from RAF Benson are to be deployed for military exercises in the Gulf on Wednesday.
They will join 20,000 other British troops in Oman on exercise 'SAIF SAREEA 2' in what is the UK's largest peacetime deployment since the mid-1980s.
A joint force, comprising warships, armoured vehicles, and combat and support aircraft is being assembled for the combined Anglo-Omani exercise.
Personnel from RAF Benson's 33 Squadron will be sent to various locations in Oman until November 15, along with members of the base's Support Helicopter Force Headquarters and other support staff.
In the initial deployment, four Puma helicopters and six crews will be deployed to the Thumrait region of Oman.
RAF Benson spokesman Flt Lt Sally Barber said the aim was to "demonstrate key elements of the joint Rapid Reaction Force concept" by co-ordinating and sustaining a large force overseas.
She said: "Oman generously hosts regular exercises and both our armed forces benefit from training together in this way."
The role of RAF Benson's helicopters will be to provide casualty evacuation support for the entire exercise. Pilots, navigators and crewmen from 33 Squadron will provide 24-hour cover for the exercise, and will be at 30 minutes' notice to move during the day, and one hour stand-by at night.
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