when the aluminium smelter closed in september 2009, it reduced its workforce from 450 to 80; this has been a major blow to the island's economy, especially to holyhead. the royal air force station raf valley (y fali) is home to the raf fast jet training school and 22 sqn search and rescue helicopters, both units providing employment to about 500 civilians. raf valley is now the 22 sqn search and rescue headquarters.