617 Sqn in the Middle East

31 May 2013

Royal Air Force personnel from 617 Squadron take part in a multinational exercise from 906 Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) in the Middle East.

Exercise Shaheen Star 4, a Combined Air Operation (COMAO) exercise, was conducted over the skies of the Middle East during May 2013. 617 Squadron squadron from RAF Lossiemouth commenced flying on 3 May for three weeks, culminating in a large scale exercise. In addition to host nation, the exercise involved aircraft types from the United States Air Force (USAF) and the French Air Force (FAF), all being supported by the ground element from the Australian Defence Force (ADF).


The COMAO allowed 617 Squadron to train in high-end war fighting scenarios against 21st Century threats with other nations. In turn, this forged coalition relations as equipment and personnel were tested to the limit.The detachment Commander, Squadron Leader Mark Still, stated: “The exercise satisfied and exceeded it’s aims of increasing the squadron’s capability. It also provided the opportunity for 617 Squadron to enhance UK Defence relations in this region through personal liaison with the Host Nation, USAF, FAF and ADF.” Corporal Sean Williamson, a squadron avionics technician, stated: “Our primary role is to provide fast air cover for troops on the ground. This exercise has allowed us to train these skills in a similar environment to Afghanistan, as we prepare to deploy there later this year.” 617 Squadron return home to RAF Lossiemouth at the end of May in order to continue training and begin preparation for their deployment on Operation Herrick at the end of the year.

Editor: Flt Lt Tim Peakman.
Photography: Cpl Babbs Robinson.

Dambusters Week

15th,16th &17th May 2013

May is a very busy month for commemorating one of the most famous events in Lincolnshire’s rich aviation heritage, the 16^th of May will be the 70^th anniversary of the DamBusters Raid, mounted from RAF Scampton just north of the City of Lincoln.
On 15^th May Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire are holding a Gala Charity showing of the original 1955 black and white ‘DamBusters’ film at the Kinema in the Woods, Woodhall Spa.  The cinema is one of the oldest in the country and the film was made primarily on location in Lincolnshire.  The event will be followed by a reception at the Petwood Hotel, which was the officers mess for the DamBusters Squadron following the move to Woodhall Spa.  The whole evening is completely sold out.
The RAF will be holding its own tribute to Guy Gibson and the airmen of 617 Squadron with a Sunset Ceremony at RAF Scampton on 16^th May which will probably be broadcast live by the BBC.
Then on Friday 17^th May Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire has organised a service of Commemoration in Lincoln Cathedral.  This event is being attended by people from all over the United Kingdom and from overseas.  So popular is this event that all of the tickets have been taken up.  If you are visiting Lincoln that afternoon do look out for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster which will fly in tribute over the Cathedral after the service.
All in all it will be a busy week in Lincolnshire for aviation heritage

600 (City of London) Squadron Remember Fallen in The Netherlands

07 May 2013

A group of Royal Air Force Reservists from 600 (City of London) Squadron laid wreaths on the graves of volunteer airmen from their Squadron who lost their lives fighting in the skies over Rotterdam during the Second World War.

On the 10^th May 1940 six Blenheim fighter aircraft from 600 (City of London) Sqn flew a fateful mission to Rotterdam that resulted in just one aircraft returning and leaving seven airmen dead.
Warrant Officer Shobha Earl of 600 Sqn could see how the volunteers in 1940 were probably very similar to the Reservists of today,
“They as Auxiliaries then were probably no different to what we are now. They had a call to help the RAF, they’d been trained to do a job and they probably never even gave it a second thought.
“I imagine they would have said ‘right, we’re on duty, we’ve been given a job, crack on, let’s do it’. And to honest that’s we do these days. All the Reservists that volunteer do it because they want to do it and they’re mad keen for it”.
Unlike many war graves, the airmen that died were buried in church cemeteries close to where their aircraft crashed and their graves have been tended by local communities ever since.
One of the airmen killed was Pilot Officer ‘Bob’ Echlin from Ottawa who moved to England in 1936 to become an insurance underwriter for Lloyds of London and later joined the RAF as a volunteer auxiliary. His aircraft came down near the village of Piershil in The Netherlands and he was buried by the Dutch Army with full military honours in the village’s Dutch Reformed Church.
It remains the only war grave in the cemetery and is fiercely protected by the villagers to this day. In the past The Commonwealth War Graves Commission offered to move the grave to an official war cemetery. The village refused saying “But he is our airman”.
Senior Aircraftman ‘Doc’ Looseley was chosen to lay the wreath,
“It was a huge privilege to lay a wreath, simply these guys are heroes.”
Servaas Stoop, Mayor of Korendijk, which includes the village of Piershil, explained why Pilot Officer Echlin’s grave is so important to the local community,
“Year after year we remember the sacrifices all the people that maintained freedom in the World and Robert Echlin was one of them and he shall be remembered for all time. We are proud that we can maintain his grave.”

Each year in early May, The Netherlands holds ceremonies of remembrance to commemorate the 10^th May 1940, the day the country was invaded by Germany, and the 5^th May 1945, the day the country was liberated by allied forces.
Detachment Commander Flt Lt Dwayne Dawson recognised the value of knowing the Squadron history,
“This is where reality actually hits us. We read about the history of the Squadron and we see it in books but when we come and see where the events took place it gives us a real solid connection. It also gives us lessons for the future and raises the standards we need to be able to deliver should we ever face similar challenges ourselves.”
600 (City of London) Squadron is today based at Royal Air Force Northolt in West London and regularly sees its volunteer Reservists deployed on front line duties in Afghanistan and other parts of the World.
Editor: Pilot Officer Peter Lisney
Photographs:
WO Shobha
Senior Aircraftman ‘Doc’ Looseley
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Top Air Officer Visits Scottish RAF Stations

CAS Visits Scotland

Top Air Officer Visits Scottish RAF Stations

Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer has paid tribute to the role of Scottish-based airmen and women in defending the UK and its interests abroad.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, made his comments during visits to two key stations north of the border – RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and RAF Leuchars in Fife –where he met veterans of the conflict in Afghanistan and some of the aircrew and support personnel who guard the UK’s airspace round-the-clock every day of the year.
Air Chief Marshal Dalton said:
“I have greatly enjoyed my visits to both Royal Air Force Lossiemouth and Royal Air Force Leuchars and have been genuinely humbled by the selfless dedication and commitment of our people, both Royal Air Force and civilian, some of whom have recently been honoured for their bravery and outstanding operational service in Afghanistan.
“As the Secretary of State confirmed in March, as part of modernising the United Kingdom’s Defence Forces our frontline Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon squadrons - which provide vital air defence and airspace assurance of the United Kingdom - will move to RAF Lossiemouth to be joined by another new squadron in due course, and RAF Leuchars is to be transformed into a camp for UK troops and their families. I am proud of our personnel at both these stations and of the contribution that they have made and will continue to make on operations and to the security of British interests at home and abroad.”
While at RAF Lossiemouth Sir Stephen met personnel who have recently returned from Operation Herrick including members of 12 (B) Tornado GR4 squadron which recently completed its second tour of duty in south Afghanistan, serving at Kandahar Airfield, earlier this year.
The Squadron is currently in preparations to deploy to Afghanistan later this year and recently returned from Exercise Red Flag in the Nevada desert where it honed its advanced war-fighting skills with Coalition allies from the American and Australian Air Forces.
RAF Lossiemouth is also home to 617 “Dambusters” Squadron which this year marks 70 years since its formation and is also preparing to deploy to Afghanistan to relieve 12 (B) Squadron.
Sir Stephen also met RAF Regiment gunners from 51 Squadron two of whom - Sergeant Roy Geddes MC and Corporal Kurt Lee – were recently awarded military honours for their bravery in defending Camp Bastion from an attack by 15 armed insurgents in September last year.

On the second day of his tour Sir Stephen moved on to RAF Leuchars where 6 Squadron has recently been putting its state-of-the-art multi-role Typhoon jets through their paces in a ground attack role by carrying out training sorties dropping inert weapons off the Scottish coast.

Other Typhoon aircraft at the station carry out its primary role by operating the jet in its fighter role as part of Quick Reaction Alert - providing crews and aircraft at high states of readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to police UK airspace and to intercept unidentified aircraft.

RAF Leuchars Typhoons have also been participating in Exercise Joint Warrior, the largest international tactical exercise held in Europe, practicing missions ranging from Close Air Support, which means protecting troops on the ground, right through to Defensive Counter Air operations where the jets defend airspace and points of interest such as naval assets.

Air Officer Scotland and RAF Leuchars Station Commander, Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew said:

“The visit allowed the Chief of the Air Staff to speak to the highly-trained, quality personnel who sustain the operational outputs at RAF Leuchars every day of the year. ACM Dalton has also been able to witness the excellent work that they we are doing in support of the growth of the Typhoon Force and RAF transition in Scotland.”

At the end of his tour of Scottish RAF stations Air Chief Marshal Dalton said:
“As it has been proved many times in the past, the RAF is agile, adaptable and capable. This is especially true of the Royal Air Force’s fast jet fleet which will soon see the Lightning II join the now battle proven Typhoon and the sterling Tornado GR4. This highly capable fast-jet force will enable the Royal Air Force to continue to fulfil its paramount duty, the control of the air over the whole of the UK and, when necessary, defend and promote our interests overseas in this uncertain world.”
Editor: Simon Mander

Photographer: Cpl Dave Blackburn RAF

Images:

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton talks to Station personnel

Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton is to visit RAF Lossiemouth, accompanied by Lady Dalton. The purpose of the visit is to apprise CAS of developments and achievements at RAF Lossiemouth, and update him on the stations mission, tasks and priorities.
Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill (left) Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton (centre) and Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew (right) pose for a photo to promote the upcoming Armed Forces Day on the 29th June 2013
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Personnel from RAF Wittering have laid a wreath beneath the waves of the Gibraltar coast during Exercise Chariot Rock.

RAF Divers Remember Liberator Fallen

24 April 2013

Personnel from RAF Wittering have laid a wreath beneath the waves of the Gibraltar coast during Exercise Chariot Rock.

The wreath was laid in memory of those killed in the crash of a Liberator bomber on 4 July 1943. This bomber was carrying General Wladyslaw Sikorski, the Polish Prime Minister in exile at the time, and his family back to the UK from a morale raising visit to Polish troops serving in the Middle East with the 8^th Army.
Flt Lt Tim Taylor (51) from Bristol who laid the wreath, said:
“A key objective of Ex Chariot Rock was to remember those that have gone before and I am delighted that we were able to do that today.”
WO Goodwin (47) from Falmouth who accompanied him, added:
“The site of the crash is very close to Spanish waters and a Gibraltar Port Police launch kept a close eye on the expedition throughout the day’s diving.”
The Sub Aqua Diving expedition, Exercise Chariot Rock took place in Gibraltar over Easter. Using the excellent facilities at Gun Wharf a team from RAF Wittering, Marham and Coningsby Sub-Aqua Clubs spent 2 weeks diving a variety of wrecks around the peninsula.
Gibraltar has a rich and varied maritime history, much of it tied to our own. It was to Gibraltar that Nelson’s fleet recovered after the Battle of Trafalgar. The bay where Nelson’s body was landed after the battle was one of the dive sites and has in the past turned up ink wells dating back to the Napoleonic Wars period. The conditions in the water were on a par with the UK in the summer, the weather out of the water more than making up for the limited visibility.
Editor: Flt Lt Donald Earl
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Flt Lt Eric Clarke MID flew with the Waddington Flying Club at the age of 100 years and 1 day, beating the club’s previous record for the oldest person airborne by 1 day.

High Flyer

24 April 2013

Flt Lt Eric Clarke MID flew with the Waddington Flying Club at the age of 100 years and 1 day, beating the club’s previous record for the oldest person airborne by 1 day.

During the Second World War Eric flew with 49 Squadron at RAF Scampton as a Wireless Operator/Air Gunner on Hampden, Manchester and Lancaster aircraft. Eric completed a tour of operations with Bomber Command and went on to train new aircrew for the rest of the war. Eric’s flight today was in a Cessna 172, much smaller than the heavy bombers he flew in the war, but the sights and sounds brought back many memories. As he flew over his old base at RAF Scampton, Eric related how his last landing there had been on returning from his last operational flight and he pointed out the hangar that was 49 Squadron’s home at that time.
Following his flight Mr. Clarke said
“I’ve had a wonderful day, everyone has been so marvellous”
Yesterday, Eric celebrated his 100^th birthday at the Doncaster Mansion House with a full civic reception and was awarded the Bomber Command Clasp by Air Marshall Sir Graham Miller KBE. Although many people pointed out that Eric must be the oldest surviving Bomber Command Veteran, he was keen to point out that there was no proof of this. However, after today’s flight he was happy to concede that he was the oldest one still aviating.
RAF Waddington Flying Club member Flight Lieutenant Gary Mennell said:
“It’s been a real privilege to fly Eric today. He’s a truly inspirational airman”
Editor: Lindsey Askin
Photograph:
Ready to go!
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Search and Rescue Trainees caught up in Live Rescue

24 April 2013

A Griffin helicopter of the Search and Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) at RAF Valley has completed an actual Search and Rescue off Anglesey, in North Wales.

The crew, made up of Instructional staff from the Defence Helicopter Flying School, based at RAF Shawbury, were airborne on a training flight as ZJ703 (a Griffin HAR 2), callsign Pedro 84. The helicopter departed RAF Valley at 1315 on Friday 19 April 2013 on an opportunity deck training sortie as part of the crew development phase of the Albanian SAR course. Shortly after departing RAF Valley the staff Winch Operator, Mr Taff Chaplin spotted 2 canoeists in distress a short distance off South Stack lighthouse. He directed the aircraft Captain, Mr John Harrison, to the scene where they found that one of the pair had fallen out of his canoe and was too cold and exhausted to climb back in. Having checked that Rescue 122 (the C Flight 22 Sqn SAR 1^st Standby Sea King) was not immediately available (C Flight conceded that Pedro 84 was best placed to complete the rescue) the staff crew took over and Mr “Chic” Pritchard was deployed to recover both canoeists to the aircraft. Although cold and exhausted the canoeists were otherwise unharmed and were dropped off with the coastguard at Holyhead. Pedro 84 then returned to the scene to assist the Treaddur Bay Inshore Rescue Boat and the SMIT Tamar (SARTU training boat) in the recovery of the canoes and equipment. Although the Albanian students were not directly involved with the rescue itself this was a good opportunity for them to see how a SAROP can unfold and how the techniques they have been learning is applied to such a scenario.
Students move to SARTU on completion of their course at RAF Shawbury, having completed over 14 months flying the Squirrel and then the larger Griffin helicopters. The training at SARTU then allows them to move on SAR Flights across the UK.
Editor: Sqn Ldr Hope
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

A charity run in aid of the NSPCC and Royal Air Forces Association took Royal Air Force members from 99 squadron back to their roots in Yatesbury.

99 Sqn raise money for NSPCC

23 April 2013

A charity run in aid of the NSPCC and Royal Air Forces Association took Royal Air Force members from 99 squadron back to their roots in Yatesbury.

The Squadron, which operates C17 heavy-lift transport aircraft, is based at RAF Brize Norton, but was first formed at Yatesbury in 1917 as a bomber squad during World War One. The run, organised by Flight Operations Manager, Sergeant Marc Cowling, started at Yatesbury and used 3 teams to cover the 39 mile journey back to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
The first leg of 13.1 miles was the fastest, completed in 1 hour 33 minutes. Sergeant Daz Mitchell said;
“It was meant to be a nice gentle jog to start off with, but Sergeant Chris Clark set a pretty fast pace, and we all managed to keep up.”
The second and third legs were completed in equally respectable times of 1 hour and 45 minutes and 1 hour and 56 minutes. Sgt Chris Hazell said,
“I normally run with Witney and Brize Norton running clubs. It was great to run today with members of 99 Squadron and raise money for charity. It’s been a real challenge but I’ve enjoyed it.”
Sergeant Cowling who has been a member of the Royal Air Force for 17 years, said,

“There are a lot of keen runners on the squadron and there are a lot of proactive people who like doing things for charity. Once I realised where the squadron was formed and how far away it was, the idea just came into my head. The NSPCC is a charity that helps provide invaluable support to many vulnerable children. The work they do is truly amazing and really does change lives.”
In January 2012, Sergeant Cowling raised £1,000 for the NSPCC through a 24-hour snooker marathon and for this event he is hoping to double the amount of money raised with a target of £2,000. The current total is £1500, therefore, should you wish to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/Marc-Cowling1.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

A Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Typhoon F2 from Number XI Squadron at RAF Coningsby is pictured escorting a Russian Bear-H aircraft over the North Atlantic Ocean. QRA procedures entail aircraft being held at continuous ground readiness, so that they can take off within minutes - without pre-warning - to provide air defence.

 Photo of the Day

A Chinook helicopter airlifted one of the RAF's historic aircraft to a new jet museum yesterday, Monday 22 April.

RAF airlift Britain's first jet fighter to new home

23 April 2013

A Chinook helicopter airlifted one of the RAF's historic aircraft to a new jet museum yesterday, Monday 22 April.

Located at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire, home of NATO’s Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC), the aircraft, an early 1950s’ Meteor, was lifted by a Chinook helicopter and moved to its new home at the Jet Age Museum, located at Gloucestershire Airport in Staverton.
The Meteor was once the ‘gate guardian’ for the Imjin Barracks site in its former life as RAF Innsworth. Following the RAF station’s closure in 2008, transfer to the British Army and reopening as Imjin Barracks in 2010, the Meteor was moved to a new location next to HQ ARRC’s Installation Briefing Centre.
Imjin’s Meteor was recently purchased by the Jet Age Museum and is slated for restoration and inclusion in its exhibits, which will focus on the region’s extensive aircraft production history and affiliation with the aviation industry.
The Gloster Meteor was both the UK’s first jet aircraft and the Allies’ first operational jet fighter. The Meteor’s development was heavily reliant on its ground-breaking turbojet engines, developed by Sir Frank Whittle and his company, Power Jets Ltd.
Development of the aircraft began in 1940. The Meteor first flew in 1943 and commenced operations in July 1944 with 616 Squadron of the RAF. Although the Meteor was not an aerodynamically advanced aircraft, it proved to be a successful and effective combat fighter.

Several major variants of the Meteor were made to incorporate technological advances during the 1940s and 1950s. Thousands of Meteors were built to serve in the RAF and other air forces and remained in use for several decades.

Royal Air Force Typhoons have appeared in new markings for the first time today.

Typhoons in new Colours

23 April 2013

Royal Air Force Typhoons have appeared in new markings for the first time today.

The Typhoons are now operated by 41 (Reserve) Test & Evaluation Squadron (TES) at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The aircraft were inherited from 17 (R) TES, a squadron that has now begun to prepare for the introduction of the Lightning II aircraft into RAF service.

41 (R) TES has a distinguished history, dating back to its formation in 1916. The squadron was formed at St Omer in France, and to this day the squadron carries the Cross of Lorraine, the symbol of the French town, on its aircraft.
After a distinguished wartime period, including service in the Battle of Britain where one of its members became the highest scoring British ace, Flt Lt Eric Lock, the squadron had a post-war career that included operations with a large variety of aircraft, including the Phantom, Harrier, Jaguar and Tornado.
The modern squadron is equipped with Tornado GR4 and Typhoon FGR4 aircraft. The squadron is responsible for testing and evaluating aircraft, equipment and operating practices for the front-line squadrons.
Wing Commander Mark Rodden, the current squadron boss said, “Today marks the start of another phase of our history. While Typhoon is already a world-class aircraft, we will continue to develop the platform to maximise its potential. The Typhoon is the latest addition to a long line of thoroughbreds that have worn our markings”.
Photograph:
Royal Air Force Typhoons.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

47 Squadron Long -Range Search and Rescue Call-Out in the South Atlantic

Rescue on the High Seas

23 April 2013

47 Squadron Long -Range Search and Rescue Call-Out in the South Atlantic

In the evening of Monday the 11^th of February 2013 a Spanish registered fishing vessel, the Pesca Vaquiero, operating in international waters outside of the 200 nautical mile limit of the Falklands Outer Conservation Zone (FOCZ) passed a request for assistance to British authorities in the Falkland Islands (FI). A member of the vessel’s crew – an Indonesian sailor – had been taken ill with severe abdominal pains and was diagnosed with suspected appendicitis. Due to the gravity of the situation and, faced with the prospect of a critically ill casualty on board, the captain of the ship elected to sail direct to the Falklands in the hope of facilitating some form of rescue operation by UK Search and Rescue (SAR) assets based at Mount Pleasant Airfield (MPA).

The SAR assets based at MPA consist of 2 RAF elements; a Hercules C130J of 1312 Flight manned by crews from 47 Squadron, and a Sea King helicopter of 1546 Flight manned by crews from across the RAF’s SAR force. These were alerted to the situation at approx 10.00 pm on the 11^th and an emergency meeting was immediately convened between the crews to come up with a rescue plan. The Sea King, with an operational range of approximately 230 nautical miles radius, was the only asset with the capability to extract the casualty at sea so the first challenge for the crews was to work out roughly when the vessel would be within reach. This entailed waiting until the target vessel had entered the FOCZ and resulted in an initial launch time of approximately 8.00 am the following day. With a cruise speed of more than double that of the helicopter, the Hercules was planned to launch 30 minutes behind the Sea King in order to overtake en-route and reach the location of the vessel 30 minutes before the arrival of the helicopter on scene. The Hercules was also scheduled to carry a RAF Spanish translator to assist with on scene communications with the fishing vessel.

A Qualified Helicopter Instructor with the Central Flying School (Helicopters) at RAF Shawbury has achieved a flying milestone in passing an incredible 6000 hours of flying

Helicopter Instructor Reaches Flying Milestone

22 April 2013

A Qualified Helicopter Instructor with the Central Flying School (Helicopters) at RAF Shawbury has achieved a flying milestone in passing an incredible 6000 hours of flying.

Flight Lieutenant Jim Hobkirk is a Qualified Helicopter Instructor with Central Flying School (Helicopters) at the unit. He spends his days training future Qualified Helicopter Instructor pilots on the Squirrel helicopter, completing the essential training over the skies of Shropshire.
Jim completed Secondary Education at Stamford School in 1988 and undertook Initial Officer Training at Cranwell before training as a pilot. His early service saw him operate the Westland Wessex in Northern Ireland on Operation BANNER from 1991. In 1994 he was posted to HQ 1 Gp as a Mobile Air Operations Team Leader during which time he served in the Balkans on Operations GRAPPLE and HAMPDEN. In 1998 he converted to the Boeing Chinook on which he served all over the world including again in the Balkans on Operation PALETINE, and in Sierra Leone on Operation PALLISER. In 2002 he trained as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor at RAF Shawbury where he then served on the Defence Helicopter Flying School on 60(R) Sqn flying the Bell 412 Griffin. Following the award of his A2 QHI category he was posted in 2005 to the Support Helicopter Standards and Evaluating unit as the Chinook Pilot, where he was responsible for operational and instructional standards on the RAF Chinook force in particular, but the wider Support Helicopter force as a whole. During this time he also served in Iraq on Operation TELIC on the AgustaWestland Merlin and in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK on the Chinook. He was posted in 2008 to 32(The Royal) Sqn onto the AgustaWestland 109E operating in the VIP and Communications role.
In 2011 he returned to the instructional field on posting to the Central Flying School (Helicopter) Sqn operating the Eurocopter Squirrel, where he teaches front line helicopter pilots of all three services to instruct. Hobkirk is posted in June 2013 to the Central Flying School Exam Wing where he will assess and standardise the instructional standards of all Tri-Service helicopter instructors and those of selected other national armed forces. He is married to Sue (a SSAFA Coordinator and Caseworker) and has 5 children and 3 grandchildren. His interests include walking, gardening and rugby.
Flt Lt Hobkirk received his special certificate, marking his milestone, from the Officer Commanding CFS (H), Lieutenant Commander Neil ‘Donny’ Gamble.
Editor: Sqn Ldr Hope
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Auxilliary Squadron Memorial Unveiled at Leeds International Airport

Auxilliary Squadron Memorial Unveiled

22 April 2013

Auxilliary Squadron Memorial Unveiled at Leeds International Airport

A World War 2 Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron that was formed almost 80 years ago, returned to the place it began it’s life for the unveiling of a new memorial to the Squadron’s flying history and to recognise it’s new combat role; 609 (West Riding) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force was formed at the old the RAF station of Yeadon, known today as Leeds- Bradford International Airport (LBIA),
John Parkin, the Chief Executive of LBIA said: “We made a promise to 609 (West Riding) Squadron some time ago and we wanted to make sure their memorial recorded their history and recognised their present day achievements appropriately.”

The previous 609 (WR) Squadron memorial had moved around the airport several times, but as LBIA recently undertook an extensive and on-going building program, the final positioning of the memorial became more realistic. John added “we wanted a prominent and permanent location for the memorial at the airport that is growing at quite a rate, the position we have chosen in conjunction with the 609 (WR) Squadron Association means just about everyone of our customers visiting the airport will see it”.

The RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show team is excited to announce that a Chinook and an Apache helicopter from the MOD Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) will be coming to the event on Sunday 9th June.

RAF Cosford Air Show Confirm Eye-Opening Helicopter Displays

22 April 2013

The RAF Cosford 75th Anniversary Air Show team is excited to announce that a Chinook and an Apache helicopter from the MOD Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) will be coming to the event on Sunday 9th June.

The Chinook helicopter, operated by the Royal Air Force primarily to support troop movements, will be joined by an Apache attack helicopter from the Army Air Corps. Although operated by different services, the two aircraft are far from strangers as they operate alongside each other regularly whilst on overseas deployments. The heavily-armed Apache helicopters usually work in pairs to act as escorts for the Chinook and the personnel onboard, offering an extra layer of protection whilst being transported.
The focus of the displays will be to demonstrate the outstanding work carried out by the Medical Emergency Response Teams (MERT) who are frequently called into the firing line on military operations in order to save the lives of injured personnel. In addition to the MERT demo, both the Chinook and Apache helicopters will show off their stunning individual flying displays that promise to thrill the crowd with dazzling performances of agility and grace.

Flight Lieutenant William ‘Bill’ Kenrick has been celebrating recently after clocking up a staggering 7000 flying hours, equivalent to over 9 months in the air

7000 Flying Hours

22 April 2013

Flight Lieutenant William ‘Bill’ Kenrick has been celebrating recently after clocking up a staggering 7000 flying hours, equivalent to over 9 months in the air

Bill is currently based at RAF Benson as a Training Officer with the Operational Conversion Flight of 28 (Army Co-operation) Squadron. His day job sees him training Royal Navy pilots to operate the complicated, state-of-the-art Merlin helicopter ahead of the transfer of the aircraft to the Commando Helicopter Force.

52 year old Bill joined the RAF as a pilot in 1979 and has since undertaken numerous tours flying a variety of helicopters including Pumas at RAF Benson and RAF Odiham, Gazelles at RAF Shawbury and Merlins at RAF Benson. Due to his expertise, he has also completed two tours at RAF Benson as part of Joint Helicopter Command’s Standards and Evaluations Flight that ensures the highest standards of airmanship are maintained across the Joint Helicopter Command fleets.
As well as UK tours, Bill has also completed operational deployments to Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot, as well as environmental training in areas such as Belize in Central America and Norway. In 2010 his contribution to the Royal Air Force was recognised by a Personal Commendation from Commander Joint Helicopter Command.
Bill, who celebrated his Silver Wedding Anniversary with his wife Rosalind in September 2012, hails from Abingdon in Oxfordshire and has two grown up children, Peter (23) and Lucinda (19). Prior to joining the RAF, he attended Kingston Grammar School in Kingston-upon-Thames before completing a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering at Bath University. Whilst his day job requires him to be confined to a cockpit for relatively long periods of time, Bill is also a keen motorcyclist and cyclist and regularly attends Abingdon Airshow.
Bill was greeted by colleagues and RAF Benson’s Station Commander, Group Captain Nigel Colman, as he landed at RAF Benson after clocking up more than 7000 flying hours. Bill commented, “I am proud to have been a part of the successes of the Support Helicopter Force over the years and I hope that my teaching and examining has helped people stay safe in some fairly hostile environments. I’ve managed to have a great deal of fun along the way, but this is tempered by the realisation that I’ve spent the equivalent of a fortnight Instrument Flying!”
Photograph: SAC Phil Major RAF
Flt Lt Kenrick (right) is presented champagne by Gp Capt Colman (left) after achieving 7000 flying hours
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

Air Cadets Strike Gold with Sir Chris Hoy

Group Captain Sir Chris Hoy

22 April 2013

Air Cadets Strike Gold with Sir Chris Hoy

The Royal Air Force Air Cadets are delighted to announce that six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy has accepted an invitation to become an Ambassador for the Organisation.
Sir Chris has close family ties to the RAF, has flown in a Typhoon aircraft at RAF Leuchars, and has already demonstrated a very keen interest in the Air Cadet Organisation – a modern, dynamic, air-minded youth organisation which offers fun and challenging opportunities.
With an excellent reputation as a hardworking, high achieving sportsman and an outstanding team player, Sir Chris is seen as an ideal Ambassador for the Corps, complementing the cadets’ core values of teamwork and excellence. His pedigree as one of the most successful, iconic British Olympians makes him the ideal role model for young people and the adult volunteers who support them.
In accepting this prestigious appointment, Sir Chris will assume the Ambassador rank of Honorary Group Captain, and having recently announced his retirement from professional cycling, he will hopefully find time to spend with cadets and volunteers at major events and competitions.
Speaking about the appointment, Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, said:
“We are thrilled that Sir Chris has accepted our invitation to join the Corps as an Honorary Group Captain and we can’t wait to see him in uniform and supporting some of the many exciting cadet activities on offer. We know that cadets and volunteers alike will welcome this appointment as something truly special for the Corps and we look forward to working with Sir Chris over the coming years to promote the cadet experience”
Sir Chris responded by saying:
“I am thrilled to be invited to be an Ambassador for the Air Cadet Organisation. I am really impressed by the wide range of activities on offer to the cadets and by the commitment of the adult volunteers who support these young people in achieving their potential and becoming good citizens. I particularly like the emphasis on sport and competition across the Corps and I look forward to attending events as and when my schedule permits. If I can’t be there in person, I will be there in spirit and I send my very best wishes to everyone in the Corps.”
Editor: Ashley Nettleton
Photographer: SAC Ash Reynolds

Friday 19 April 2013

BAe 146 C.MK 3 aircraft delivered to the UK Royal Air Force

 

MAJOR CONVERSION PROGRAMME INCLUDES ENHANCED INTERIOR FLEXIBILITY WITH FOUR DIFFERENT INTERIOR OPTIONS

 

Prestwick, Scotland, BAE Systems Regional Aircraft has delivered on time and on budget two BAe 146-200QC (Quick Change) aircraft that have been converted from commercial to military configuration for use by the Royal Air Force.

After a period of familiarisation and operational trials, both aircraft have now been declared as Released To Service (RTS) by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence.

Known in RAF service as the BAe 146 C Mk.3, the two aircraft have been converted under a £15.5 million contract awarded to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft at Prestwick under an Urgent Operational Requirement (UOR) to augment tactical aircraft numbers, particularly the Lockheed C130 Hercules force, during the upcoming extraction phase of Operation Herrick, the current Afghanistan campaign.

Ceremony to Mark Joint Forces Command Reaching Full Operating Capability

Joint Forces Command

19 April 2013

Ceremony to Mark Joint Forces Command Reaching Full Operating Capability

A ceremony has been held today to mark the creation of a new military command, which will improve the way the Ministry of Defence prepares for and conducts operations.
Joint Forces Command (JFC) reached full operating capability on 2 April and yesterday an event was held at its home, Northwood HQ, to celebrate the occasion. Reaching full operating capability means that JFC is now fully-manned and able to fulfil the entire range of its responsibilities in support of Defence’s objectives for current operations, future contingencies and for the longer term.

The creation of JFC - which brings together more than 30,000 military and civilian personnel to ensure that joint capabilities are correctly prioritised and prepared for operations – is regarded within the MOD as a significant milestone in the ongoing process of Defence Reform.
In addition to thousands of personnel working in Cyprus, Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands and the British Indian Ocean Territory, JFC also includes the Defence Academy in Wiltshire and Defence Intelligence and cyber capabilities. A number of units have also been transferred to the Command to ensure better training and coherence for a range of specialities, from medical specialists to linguists and military surveyors. A key aim of the establishment of JFC is to create a more direct link between front-line experience and top-level planning.
Commander Joint Forces Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, and the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne MP, were the ceremony’s key speakers.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, who was appointed in December 2011 to establish the Joint Forces Command, said:

“I am very pleased that we mark the full operating capability of the Joint Forces Command in record time. This new Command, an essential element in the transformation of UK Defence, is already making its mark around the world. As the first commander, it is quite clear to me that this is an idea whose time has come.”
Philip Dunne MP said:
“Joint Forces Command reaching full operating capability is an impressive achievement and it is right that we recognise the efforts of all those involved in such a complex and challenging process.
“Historically, the capabilities that now come under JFC have not had sufficient attention because they do not fit well with any single service. But the JFC concept is a recognition that these capabilities are far too important to fall between any cracks.”

The creation of JFC was recommended by the Defence Reform review, led by Lord Levene, as part of the most significant programme of change across the Ministry of Defence in a generation. The report was published in June 2011.
Around 10,000 sailors, soldiers and airmen currently deployed on operations, including in Afghanistan, continue to be commanded by the Permanent Joint Headquarters, part of the new organisation. Both are based in Northwood. A key task for the JFC is to help ensure that lessons learned on operations are absorbed into the development of future concepts and capabilities, helping the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force to build on their strengths in the future.
Photographs:
The unveiling of the Joint Forces Command badge by Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne (right) and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.
Recipients of Joint Force Command Commendations receiving appreciation from fellow recipients.
The unveiling of the Joint Forces Command Commemorative Garden, opened by Lord Ivan Mountbatten and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013

RAF Waddington joined forces with multiple civilian agencies to test and prove RAF Waddingtons personnel and systems of contingencies in coping, containing and resolving a major incident.

Exercise Silver Siren

19 April 2013

RAF Waddington joined forces with multiple civilian agencies to test and prove RAF Waddingtons personnel and systems of contingencies in coping, containing and resolving a major incident.

The scenario known as Exercise Silver Siren was based around the highly unlikely event of an E-3D aircraft crashing on to RAF Waddington Airfield. To add to the already dramatic scene the scenario also included the aircraft colliding with a fuel bowser causing a simulated fireball and smoke plume. As the Station responders got to grips with the incident, the emergency services and the local authority arrived on Station as they would in a real incident. To command and control the incident the Station’s senior officer’s joined forces with their opposite numbers from Police, Fire, Ambulance and Local Authority whilst the Police, Fire and Ambulance forces on the ground worked with Station personnel at the various scenes. To enable the coordinators to replicate a ‘real situation’ smoke systems were utilised, bloodied casualties were strewn across the airfield and RAF Cranwell Theatre Club acted (quite convincingly) as distraught next of kin.
Wing Commander Alun Roberts who commanded the Crisis Management Cell at RAF Waddington during the exercise said:
“Reducing risk as far as possible and then being able to respond to an incident is a major focus of work at all Military bases. This controlled exercise allows us to test the Station’s Major Accident Plan to ensure it meets Major Accident Control Regulations (MACR) and also affords the opportunity to bolster the professional relationships and coordination between RAF Waddington, and the Lincolnshire Emergency Services”

Through the professional and determined efforts of both military personnel and our civilian counterparts the MACR Competent Authority who monitored the exercise throughout deemed it a success and declared RAF Waddington competent in the management of a Major Incident. Now a distant memory, the airfield has returned to normal and its business as usual for RAF Waddington.
Photograph:
Exercise Silver Siren.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013