Senior aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, stationed at RAF Honington, was killed in Afghanistan on Monday.

An airman from RAF Honington with “the brightest future ahead of him” has been named as the latest victim of the war in Afghanistan.

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Senior aircraftman Ryan Tomlin, 21, of 2 Squadron Royal Air Force regiment was killed on Monday while on a partnered patrol in central Helmand province.

He was wounded by small arms fire in an insurgent attack and airlifted to field hospital at Camp Bastion, but died from his wounds.

This evening, commanders at RAF Honington paid tribute to the gunner for his enthusiasm, professionalism and talent.

Wing Commander Jason Sutton OBE, commanding officer, said: “Senior Aircraftman Tomlin was one of the finest men on my wing and his loss has come as a terrible blow to all of us, especially his comrades on his beloved 2 Squadron, Royal Air Force Regiment.

“Bright, gifted and an absolute master of his craft, he had the complete trust of those who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”

Originally from Hemel Hempstead, SAC Tomlin joined the RAF in October 2008 and moved to RAF Honington in June 2009.

He completed a tour of Afghanistan in 2010, stationed at Kandahar, and returned for a second tour in October 2011.

His family – mother Diane, father Kevin and sister Michelle – called him “our true hero and shining star”.

They said: “Ryan loved and lived life to the full.

“He gave his life at a very young age doing the job he loved. Ryan will be sorely missed by his family and friends and everyone who loved him.

“We will remember his cheeky grin and great sense of humour. Ryan will be forever young and never forgotten.”