Excalibur Autumn 2022

Tailored car insurance to meet the needs of the

family

earned outside of the UK T&Cs apply. See policy documents towards the bottom of the forcesmutual.org/car webpage.

Lines are open: Mon - Fri 9am

Mutual Car Insurance is

Royal & Sun

Insurance Ltd.

*The 10% discount is available online only. It is applied to the basic premium when you buy a new car insurance policy. The discount is not available on optional extras and minimum premiums apply. The discount will be automatically applied to your quote. The offer applies to new car insurance policies purchased online. The discount can be withdrawn at any time and is provided by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942.

Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL. For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

FOREWORD

BY STATION COMMANDER GROUP CAPTAIN GARETH PRENDERGAST, BA (HONS), LLM, MSC, RAF

With the summer almost behind us we can look back on a remarkable time. We were finally able to march through Bedale with the Freedom Scroll and belatedly receive the Firmin Sword of Peace. I hope that you all enjoyed the Families’ Day as much as me and we are already in the early planning stages for next year. Deconfliction from the end of the school term is at the top of the lessons identified list! As ever, the most persistent feature is change and I am delighted to welcome two new members to our Station Executive team, Wing Commander Emma Watkins is our new Commander of the Base Support Wing and Wing Commander Mo Abdallah arrives as our new Commander of the Operations Wing. We also welcome Wing Commander Simon Reade as the commander of the Operational Training Centre and last, but definitely not least, Group Captain Ola Fashade as Commanding Officer of 90 Signals Unit. I am very excited in working alongside each of them and the other members of the Command team to ensure

the very best for the people and capabilities of RAF Leeming.

The end of August brings the start of our Exercise programme on base and this year is no different with support to multiple military users which will culminate with the wellestablished Ex YORKNITE with the Swiss Air Force. It is important to remember that these exercises are preceded and supported by a significant amount of work and accompanied by the Whole Force team. I am very grateful to all of you that help make Leeming the most desirable destination for exercises.

At the end of September, a contingent of personnel from the Station will be heading out to San Diego to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to showcase the sustainability and resilience work of Leeming. There are some clear overlaps with work here and in southern California and a desire to exploit expertise on both sides of the Atlantic. The visit will be capped off with an official ‘twinning’ of the two stations that we hope will strengthen the relationship and lead to joint

success. As the Living Lab evolves at Leeming, there is still plenty of opportunity to get involved, whether serving, civil servant or living on the patch, and learn about how we are using the base to act as a hub of innovative environmental and resilience focussed solutions for the RAF and beyond.

Closer to home, I have had the privilege to further deepen relationships for the RAF and the military out across different communities. Several Station personnel and their families attended the Hindu festival of Rakshabandhan, celebrating the mutually supportive relationship between those that protect and those that provide support culminating with a delicious meal and much singing. Adding to the occasion was the presence of young, Catterick based, Gurkha recruits at the outset of their military career.

After much discussion and negotiation, Leeming has moved into 2 Group and under the command of Air Vice Marshal Suraya Marshall as part of the Air Command Operating Model

(ACOM). I do not expect us to feel significant change at the point of execution for most on Station but we are also becoming a ‘Sector Command’ with some additional responsibilities to RAF Boulmer and RAF Spadeadam. The team is looking at how we make ourselves more effective because of these changes but there is an element of us being comfortable with some ambiguity in the early stages and keeping each other informed if something doesn’t feel right.

There is plenty going on and plenty still to come in the remaining year. I really value feedback from all at RAF Leeming and look forward to further positive engagement, particularly where we can make improvements. I am really proud to see people, including families living on camp, taking advantage of being part of committees and willing to sacrifice a little of their time to support the broader Leeming family. Thank you – it really is what makes being at Leeming so special.

Straight and True!

It is with a deep sadness that we bid farewell to Her Majesty the Queen and goes without saying that we are entering an extraordinary period for our nation. The constant nature of Her Majesty in our lives has ended and we will take time to mourn and heal. Over this period there will be many different feelings that we will each experience and we will support each other throughout. For those of you fortunate enough to have shared time with Her Majesty or participated in events, I encourage you to share these experiences with others and celebrate an amazing life. Throughout this time I know that we will remain steadfast in our support to the King, Royal Family and Nation.

RAF Leeming Contact Houses

Providing a home from home experience…

Home Improvements…

The

RAF Leeming Contact House Committee have been very busy over the past few months. The positive news is that a number of home improvements have occurred within the three houses that the committee currently manage. They include items such as new SMART TVs and furniture s well as some deep cleaning and re-organising, all intended to enhance the experience of Service Personnel and their families during their stay.

None of these recent upgrades could have occurred without the help and enthuaism of the committee volunteers. The committee members really are the Contact Houses greatest assett. The Contact Houses SharePoint is the hub of all information. We encourage anyone who wishes to book one of the houses to visit the SharePoint site: you can check availability, read the terms and conditions and find all the relevant booking forms / information. Each house has its own dedicated House Manager. Part of their role is to listen to any issues that may arise during your stay and they have the ability to get your issues heard and discussed at committee meetings.

The Contact House Committee would like to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has recently used the houses and for keeping them clean and tidy. We recently introduced a selfclean policy, which helps to keep the costs as low as possible and also increases availability as we have reduced the time between occupants marching in / out. Thank you to everyone who has embraced this new policy. We have also had a few occupants who have cut the grass and tended to the gardens during their stay. Once again, a big thank you as this really helps!

We have included some photographs of some of the recent improvement work that has

occurred over the last few months. Until our next article, enjoy your stay and please keep sending your comments and suggesstions to the Committee.

For general enquiries, if you would like to get involved or if you would like to request a booking, please contact the Committee at:

LEE-contacthousing@mod.gov.uk

- FS Paul Goodfellow

- RAF Leeming Contact Housing Committee

“They are such a valuable asset and they really do change the lives of SP and their Families. I personally find it the most rewarding secondary duty that I’ve ever had. “

Flt Sgt Paul Goodfellow

Bedale Welcomes Leeming Aviators

Aviators from Royal Air Force Leeming paraded an Illuminated Address through the North Yorkshire market town of Bedale to celebrate the Station’s close relationship with the local community.

The auspicious occasion was made all the more special by the presentation to RAF Leeming of the Firmin Sword. The Award celebrates the most valuable humanitarian contributions by the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, and Joint Service Units to establish friendly relations between the British Armed Forces and communities at home or overseas. Each sword takes 30 days to make in a process of forging, etching and polishing dating back hundreds of years.

Residents of Bedale and the neighbouring community supported personnel as they march through the city to the rousing sound of the Band of the RAF College Cranwell. The salute was taken by the Mayor of Bedale, Cllr Amanda Coates and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Nigel Corner, who also presented the Firmin Sword to RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain Gareth Prendergast. In 2020, RAF Leeming proudly passed the RAF’s first NATO assessment of capability for

16 years. However, the world was soon hit by the COVID-19 Pandemic and the station flew to the support of the NHS. The Aviation Task Force helped develop the Track and Trace application, while others deployed on Operation RESCRIPT.

RAF Leeming also collaborated with agencies on Operation PANTHER, a complex contamination investigation lasting six months. It saw the recovery of over 64,000 artifacts

posing a serious health risk to the public across the UK.

Despite harsh terrain, treacherous weather and Coronovirus restrictions, RAF Leeming aviators conducted themselves with great professionalism and teamwork, epitomising the RAF’s workforce spirit to pull together and deliver success amid complex challenges.

The operation formed cooperative relationships between all agencies involved, including the local

joint North Yorkshire Police and MOD Police, while strengthening operating procedures for future civil-military work and showcasing a few ways the RAF defend the public in the United Kingdom.

Cllr Coates, said: “It’s been absolutely lovely to see. The parade was wonderful – I know personnel have rehearsed and rehearsed and I loved every second of it. I received a very warm welcome when I moved to Bedale 24 years ago and I want members of the Royal Air Force to feel the same welcome I did.”

RAF Leeming Station Commander, Group Captain “It is an honour for RAF Leeming to be presented with the Illuminated Address in recognition of the incredibly close relationship that we have with the area. To combine this with the award of the Firmin Sword of Peace that recognises the contribution and relationship that RAF Leeming has with the civil authorities and communities of North Yorkshire makes the occasion all the more special. I look forward to further deepening our close bonds.”

The Royal Air Force Annual Road Safety Rose Bowl Award goes to…

RAF LEEMING IN JOINT 1ST PLACE!

A fantastic effort from the MT (Motor Transport) team who have devised numerous creative ideas and have put into action a variety of Road Safety initiatives throughout the previous year. Successfully encouraging and promoting Road Safety to station personnel and dependants is their prime aim.

These ideas do not just happen overnight, a lot of consideration and planning goes into making them relatable and thought-provoking for the targeted audience.

They have delivered a broad range of Road Safety initiatives over the past 12 months, many of which were fun-based and interactive and involved members of our community, including our local schoolchildren. The MT team had opted to utilise the Halfords gift vouchers, which they had received as a prize from last year’s Annual Road Safety Awards, to purchase bike lights for every school-aged child within the RAF Leeming community.

MT facilitated a myriad of events, collaboratively working with North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Defence Fire & Rescue Service, North Yorkshire Police, the Medical Centre, the RAF Police, and the Station Media Team. These essential professional relationships have been at the heart of the Road Safety programme and have flourished.

A big thanks goes out to all those who participated in the events, it is now evermore important that we continue to deliver Road Safety initiatives and reinforce the importance of promoting a

safe driving and riding culture. I hope you continue to support the efforts of the Road Safety team

and participate in more thoughtprovoking and interactive events planned for 2022/23.

If you want to know more about the events planned for 2022/23 contact your Road Safety rep in your section or contact MT Trade Training.

Back in February we had three named storms within the space of one week – Dudley, Eunice and Franklin. This brought gusty winds in excess of 50 KT as well as some snowfall. Dudley in particular was responsible for a no-fly day, but it did mean that everyone was able to stay safe. More recently, during July, we had the UK heatwave which saw temperatures rising above 40°C for the first time ever. At Leeming, we reached a maximum

temperature of 38.8°C on 19 July this year, which is a huge 4.3°C higher than our previous record of 34.5°C on 25 Jul 2019!

Joe and Graham, who have been training with us since March, officially qualified as Operational Meteorologists during July. Joe is heading to Boscombe Down and Graham across to Aldergrove. To celebrate and wish them well, the team went over to Bill’s to enjoy a curry on the hottest day of the

year! Lauren had the exciting opportunity of working as one of the onsite meteorologists at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the atmosphere was vibrant and thankfully the weather behaved itself. We will sadly be saying goodbye to Jenny for a while at the end of August when she heads out to work in sunny Gibraltar for 6 months. This will leave Bill, Joe and Lauren holding the fort for the foreseeable future.

Squadron

‘Win First, Fight After’

The last few months have seen a lot of changes.

34 Sqn has been ordered to re-role from its armoured vehicle capability to the exciting new specialisation of Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (or C-UAS for short). This new role will see the unit spearheading the RAF’s answer to the rapidly evolving threat posed by drones, and the Sqn has seen a flurry of activity as it transitions. The new role will see the Sqn crewing a number of different systems and weapons capable of disabling, jamming or destroying UAS, with some also being capable of defending against attacking aircraft and ground targets. The Sqn’s gunners must now familiarise themselves with a range of deployable radars, observation equipment, directional emitters and missile launchers – quite a leap from armoured vehicles and dismounted tactics.

34 Sqn’s role change is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a vital capability. The Sqn has greeted the new mission with pride and enthusiasm. With the first live C-UAS deployment overseas now underway at time of writing, the future promises to be busy.

The RAF’s C-UAS capability is in its infancy and as a result, the Sqn has provided a number of personnel to form what is hoped will become the 2 FP Wg C-UAS Concepts, Training and Standards Unit (CTSU). Having to quickly become subject matter experts in such a new and high-tech field has been a significant undertaking, but the CTSU team have risen to the challenge.

‘‘34 Sqn’s role change is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of a vital capability’’

As well as building their own knowledge and skills, CTSU has also commenced training the rest of 34 Sqn and wider 2 FP Wg on the new equipment and even provided a team in support of the Commonwealth Games.

From new ground to familiar territory, personnel from B Flt deployed to Cyprus in May as part of Ex OLYMPUS CLOUD – a 2 Gp CBRN defence exercise. After a period of acclimatisation to prevent heat injuries, B Flt, alongside Fire, Medical and Airfield Ops personnel, carried out CBRN survey, decontamination and incident management exercises on a range of aircraft from the Air Mobility Force. Already notoriously uncomfortable, wearing CBRN protective gear was made tougher by the soaring temperatures, however the training was a valuable insight into the challenges posed during a CBRN incident.

June also saw the Sqn’s return to Hangar 5 and the departure of Sqn Ldr Anthony Casson - handing over command to Sqn Ldr David Rayfield, who has joined the Sqn from Army HQ. With his feet barely touching the ground, the new OC found himself undertaking the role of Parade Commander for the RAF Regiment’s Freedom of Richmond parade. The parade was inspected by AVM Mick Smeath, Commandant General of the RAF Regt, along with the Mayoress of Richmond and other local dignitaries before marching through the town with bayonets fixed, accompanied by the Queen’s Colour and the Band of the RAF College. The parade finished inside the magnificent ground of Richmond Castle before being hosted by the Borough

Council for a delicious and generous buffet lunch. The parade was a proud day for all involved and great opportunity to engage with the local community and develop the relationship between the Borough, Regiment and RAF Leeming.

In July, troops from C Flt participated in Ex KUKRI DAWN – a helicopter mobility exercise for No 28 Sqn from the RAF’s Chinook force. As well as practicing the preparation, rigging and transportation of underslung loads (all of which fortunately survived the ordeal), the gunners also completed several tactical exercises, including personnel recovery missions and raids. The exercise refreshed C Flt’s experience of helicopter-borne operations and was a stomachchurning introduction to low-level tactical flying for some of the newer gunners.

This experience was taken to the next level, when C Flt then deployed on Ex RED FLAG RESCUE in the US alongside other RAF Regt personnel from the ALI Cell. Over three weeks, the gunners trained alongside the USAF’s ParaRescue specialists – conducting several JPR (Joint Personnel Recovery) rescue missions and undergoing training in various extraction techniques and advanced first aid. As the only non-US exercising personnel, the gunners impressed their counterparts with their level of tactical skill and commitment. The strength of their performance has invigorated interest in developing JPR within UK defence, whilst the Ex was extremely enjoyable and a great opportunity to work alongside and learn from worldleading specialists.

As the next quarter of 2022 begins, the Squadron finds itself as busy as ever and we are looking

forward to the challenges of the next few months.

Feu de Fer.

by Sgt Louis Hayward, SNCO Recruiting, NRSW

NORTHERN RESERVES SUPPORT WING (NRSW) RECRUITING & ENGAGEMENT

The NRSW is responsible for RAF Reserves recruiting and Phase 1 Training delivery for the three RAF Reserve Sqns based in the North of England. These are: 607 (County of Durham) Squadron; 609 (West Riding) Squadron, both based at RAF Leeming, and 611 (County of Lancashire) Squadron based at RAF Woodvale, near Southport. They have all had a busy spring and summer attending recruiting and engagement events across the AOR.

Fully supported by Part-Time Volunteer Reservists (PTVRs) from all 3 Sqns, the NRSW Recruiting Team consists of FS Vic Rose, Sgt Louis Hayward and Cpls Drew Kirk and Steve Gorst. They have attended numerous events covering the whole of the North of England, including Teeside Air Show, the National Armed Forces Day (AFD) Flagship event at Scarborough, Leeds

AFD, Southport Air Show, an Emergency Services event in Leeds, a Families Day at Komatsu and Durham and Blackpool Military Shows to name but a few. Fortunately, the weather has been very kind this year with beautiful sunshine in the main, ensuring an excellent turnout and a constant flow of enquiries from people looking to explore the opportunity to work in rewarding

and demanding roles alongside full-time Regular colleagues. If you are nearing the end of your Regular Service and have an interest in continuing your RAF Service via the RAF Reserves, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the NRSW Recruiting team. Vacancies are currently available at all three Sqns in a variety of professions/roles for Other Ranks (ORs).

RAF LEEMING IN PICTURES

RAF LEEMING IN PICTURES

RAF to RAuxAF – Five Years on 607 Sqn

WO Phil Stanley of TG17 (now People Ops) who joined the RAF in Oct ‘78 and retired to York in Dec ‘16 after 38 years of service. During my RAF career I served at RAF Swinderby, RAF Chivenor (now Royal Marines), RAF Saxa Vord (three times), RAF Church Fenton, HQ STC, Episkopi (twice), RAF Innsworth (twice), British Embassy in Moscow, 5 Sqn Coningsby (Tornado F3s), Ascension Island, SHAPE (Belgium), Chicksands, HQ Air and finally RAF Leeming. A total of 18 postings covering diverse areas of HR, Intelligence, Programming/ADP duties, Crypto, Fast Jet Sqn, Embassy duties, Education/Training and TG17 Trade Advisor. I also deployed on many exercises around the world with tours in Afghanistan, Qatar and Italy.

Retirement came in Dec 16. ‘What next?’, I thought to myself; a civilian job? No chance! Reserves? No way did I want to become a reservist. I was persuaded by the then XO of 607 Sqn (Sqn Ldr Alfie Hall) to join the Sqn in an SME capacity. Here I am, in my 6th year on 607 Sqn as a Part Time Volunteer Reservist (PTVR).

607 Sqn originally formed in 1930 and was disbanded in 1957. It was reformed in 2015 as a RAuxAF Sqn based at RAF Leeming. The Sqn can mobilise their personnel to assist RAF regulars at home and abroad though the use of Reserve Service Days or mobilisation. The professions the Sqn currently train, manage and deploy are predominantly Logistics roles

(Chefs, Drivers & Suppliers) but also include Intelligence Analysts, People Ops and Qualified Ground Technicians and Electricians.

My first task as a Reservist was on Ex Red Flag in Las Vegas followed by Ex Frisian Flag with 31 Sqn in Holland. Several exercises followed in California with the Airborne Delivery Wing (ADW) on Ex Square Dance, Blue Valkyrie and Quick Glass. The then Prime Minister the Right Honourable Theresa May ordered the Chief of the Ais Staff to rejuvenate an Air Defence capability at RAF Saxa Vord the radar had been removed in 2006 due to the peace dividend). With 3 tours at RAF Saxa Vord (Shetland) under my belt, and being married to a local Unst girl and knowing all the locals, HQ Air thought I was the ideal person to act as the RAFLO for Programme TARTARUS. I spent all of 2018 in Shetland as part of the team helping to achieve that Air Defence capability. Further ADW exercises in California followed by a month at HQ Air assisting with establishments. I then spent 2 months at RRH Buchan prepping for a follow on Air Defence Radar Infrastructure programme called HYDRA. I conducted recces to RRH Benbecula and RRH Brisley Wood for HQ Air, then spent 2 months at China Lake (USA) with 41 Sqn RAF Coningsby. COVID 19 hit and the 41 Sqn Det were returned to unit on 1 Apr 20. A call to assist with Op RESCRIPT found me at HQ Standing Joint Command (HQ SJC) (Aldershot) for an initial 4 months. HQ SJC processed all requests for

military assistance received from Resilience Forums located around the UK. HQ SJC deliver J1-J9 direction and provide the respective policy. Five mobilisation extensions later, I finished that task in Jan 22.

I’m now back on Programme HYDRA at RRH Neatishead (near Norwich) where a new radar building is being built. The TPS 77 radar currently at RRH Trimingham will move back to RRH Neatishead in Jan 23. The main reason for

this programme is to modernise the Air Defence infrastructure, contract out the capability and return a significant number of TG4 posts back to the RAF. Initially, I had a 5 year PTVR contract. Currently, I am on a one year contract which is renewed every year. I’m very content as I can pick and choose what roles I dao and when I do them. Does this work for everyone? No, it doesn’t. Does it work for me? Yes, it most certainly does!

by WO Stanley, SME Flt, 607 Sqn

To Advertise in this publication please contact Ken on 01536 334225 or

(West Riding) Squadron

In line with No.2 Force Protection Wing and 34 Sqn RAF Regt, 609 (WR) Sqn is switching focus to become a Fixed Site Counter-UAS Squadron. This is a complete change of direction in 609 Sqn’s role and will require all Sqn members to retrain to allow them to support 34 Sqn and 2FP Wg operationally. Whilst a lot of planning is taking place for this the Part Time Volunteer Reserves (PVTR) have continued to train in their core role as RAF Police and RAF Regt. In addition, Sqn personnel remain mobilised in support of operations and are encouraged to participate in FD and AT for their personal development; below are Sqn members’ own accounts of the last few months...

MOBILISATION TO II SQN RAF REGT EXERCISE KUKRI DAWN

Since joining the RAF Reserves in 2021 it has been my main goal to deploy in support of a Regular Sqn. The opportunity to fully immerse myself in RAF Regiment life, to test myself and learn additional skills whilst working alongside Regular RAF Gunners was one I knew I would relish. So, when I received an email about an opportunity to be mobilised and detached to II Sqn for 6 months I applied without hesitation.

I knew II Sqn would be a massive challenge, I had heard from other members of 609 Squadron who had supported them in the past that the pace of life is fast, the standards are high and the Sqn Training sessions tough.

During my first month at II Sqn I was on the ERASMUS team providing a Quick Reaction Force in support of the Military Provost Guard Service and Station Guard Force on station. As well as general ERASMUS taskings such as security patrols, vehicle searching, and control of entry points, II Squadron are tasked with a range of other security focused tasks around Station. Due to Brize Norton being such a busy hub for the RAF we were often asked to patrol the airfield and escort VIPs, making it different from the ERASMUS at other RAF stations.

During this initial period, I also had the opportunity to integrate into sqn life and with the other Regular members of the squadron. Sqn PT takes place every morning at 0800 and usually varies between a timed TAB (‘Tactical Advance to Battle’ – a march at a set pace with webbing, bergan and rifle), interval runs and circuit training. The sessions are tough, and the overall physical fitness standard is extremely high. The current

training phase is designed to prepare those attending the next Pre Para course in September. Sqn PT is an excellent opportunity to meet people from other flights and test yourself against them.

I have been able to proactively use my stand down from ERASMUS to acquire additional skills, courses and competencies and arrange appointments for other administrative tasks such as vaccination appointments and medicals: I am now fully prepared to deploy. These opportunities to up-skill are particularly valuable to me as a Reservist as it would be hard to organise such personal development around civilian life.

I look forward to continuing to develop my skills and experience in the coming weeks and months whilst mobilised. Future training opportunities scheduled in the coming weeks include a fiveday navigational exercise and Ex WINGED HELI in September which will be my first opportunity to conduct Live Fire Tactical Training and field craft in the Brecon Beacons.

The time I have spent so far with II Sqn has given me a greater appreciation of my role as an RAF Regiment Gunner and the opportunities afforded to me.

Written by AS2 Clark

exercise is planned and delivered by the Joint Helicopter Force to test the skills of pilots and aircrew.

This

To make this training as realistic as possible, 34 Sqn RAF Regt and its Reserve squadron, 609 (WR) Sqn were tasked with providing exercising troops and equipment. With some careful planning this also meant the participating RAF Regt Gunners could gain some valuable training experience while supporting the wider RAF.

As a Reservist it is a fantastic experience to be involved in such an exciting exercise.

The exercise was broken down into four main scenarios…

The first was a Joint Personnel Recovery scenario to rescue a downed pilot. After quick confirmation, the recovery of personnel was under way with support from Attack Helicopters and ISTAR platforms. A box formation with a central commander was used to allow the rescuing chinook to be able to quickly ingress and egress. The second scenario was to move personnel and equipment from one location to another. This translated into the Chinook

carrying an underslung WOLF Land Rover and our patrol, simulating the rapid deployment of FP Force personnel into the Area of Operations. As nonaircrew, it was impressive to see how loads are underslung and transported. The third scenario built on this with more complex locations and the inclusion of a quad bike alongside the troops inside the cab.

The final scenario was to conduct multiple Vehicle Check Points (VCPs). From an RAF Regt Gunner’s perspective this was the most engaging scenario as we were dropped off and picked up multiple times around Catterick Training Area, each time targeting specific vehicles with our VCPs.

Written by AS1 Reid

COMBINED INCIDENT TEAM (CIT) TRAINING

Our

CIT training weekend took place on Catterick Training Area where we were based out of a Forward Operating Base. We were joined by our RAF Police colleagues from C Flight who were integrated into our sections. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn from each other on how each of the roles is important to the CIT role.

Day one began with lessons on range cards, VCPs and Control of Entry along with vehicle and person searching with

each section having the chance to practice the lessons. Later we went into grenade lessons with everyone involved having the chance to throw a practice grenade, something that was new to some Sqn members. This led into the next lesson, trip flares which gave Gunners and RAF Police the opportunity to set trip flares up and initiate them. After this we went into practicing fire and manoeuvre, working in pairs to begin. This was excellent practice not only to refresh the Gunners but also to show the RAF Police how we react to effective

enemy fire and how to move and fire effectively to close with and destroy the enemy.

This practice continued up to section level, beginning with each section patrolling until contacted and launching a section attack. Both sections successfully achieved this and a debrief was held afterwards to discuss learning points and answer any questions. As evening approached both sections put their control of entry training into practice, with 1 Section taking the first shift and 2 Section taking the

overleaf...

SQN

609 (WEST RDING)

second. This was a fantastic opportunity to put the lessons from earlier into practice, including reporting on vehicles and personnel conducting hostile reconnaissance by videoing and photographing our location.

On day two, 1 Section took control of the main entry point whilst 2 Section conducted a clearance patrol along the outer perimeter of the FOB (Forward Operating Base). 2 Section’s task changed following a report of two unidentified persons, possibly setting up an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) in along the

main road to the FOB. As 2 Section moved onto this task they were contacted by enemy fire. Charlie Fire Team laid down suppressive fire whilst Delta manoeuvred along the flank to close with the enemy. One enemy was taken prisoner, with the Gunners handing over to the RAF Police to take control of the CPERS, to secure evidence and start the formal investigation. Once complete a debrief with 2 Section and the training team was held to discuss the actions taken and what could be improved upon, this after-action review was a great learning tool as everyone

EXERCISE NORTHERN ASCENT

To mark the 80th anniversary of the RAF Regiment an ambitious and strenuous 800-mile mountain bike Expedition was planned which followed the route of The Great North Trail, a newly established offroad long-distance ride. The expedition took place from 9 to 28 May 22 and was broken down into four legs, each leg had a different team and was supported with instructors and support staff.

The trail runs from the southern tip of the Peak District, Derbyshire through the Pennies, the Scottish Borders to the Highlands where riders have two options - John O’ Groats to the Northeast or Cape Wrath to Northwest. Cape Wrath was chosen as our destination however, it also involved a precarious ferry crossing to

the peninsular! The route was perfectly planned to encourage participation from RAF Regt Reserves in the North of England and Scotland, and I was fortunate enough to be able to represent 609 Sqn on the fourth and final leg.

After two car journeys, four trains and a minibus transfer, I arrived at my starting location in the small Scottish village of Laggan. Due to some alterations in the program, I had been invited to arrive a day early, which was fantastic as it allowed me to ride with team three on their final day of riding before the handover to team four the following day at Fort Augustus.

The next five days would be a point-to-point journey that would see us riding along the full length of Loch Ness via off-road

reflected on what they did.

Written by LCpl Jordinson.

Everyone from A, B and C Flight put a huge amount of effort into all the lessons and scenarios under the direction of the fantastic 609 training team. Everyone is looking forward to keeping a hand with their core skills as we switch to our new Fixed Site Counter-UAS role.

trails on the first day to arrive at a student hostel in Inverness. After Inverness, the route became much more remote riding through Glens and over mountain passes. The scenery and weather were wild and dramatic. Where possible we would periodically rendezvous with the support team during the day, each night they greeted us at the accommodation which was a mixture of camp sites and hostels. We quickly established an evening administration routine cleaning and servicing the bikes ready for the next day and then getting ourselves and personal kit sorted before a hearty evening meal.

As with any expedition it is all about the journey and the people you meet along the way. It was a privilege to spend time with fellow Gunners from other squadrons. Having common ground and determination to complete objectives is just one of the things I love about the RAF Regiment family. The hard work of the boss, instructors and the support team made overcoming the daily challenges a rewarding experience.

The Great North trail proved a fantastic way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the RAF Regiment. With all the ups and downs of the different teams over the four legs the last day would turn into an incredibly distinct way to complete the objective - 24 miles on a gravel track with 700 meters of climbing. However, the main issue was with Cape Wrath being a peninsular, meaning we had a large body of open water to cross first. A small ferry operates an ad-hoc service taking a handful of people across. Unfortunately for us, the wind was too strong for it to be able to sail until later in the day at best. Thankfully, the spirit of the RAF Regiment was displayed by members of the team who managed to get us a lift across on two MOD speed boats that operate in the area due to the RAF range on Cape Wrath. Safely across the water, the team could cycle the remaining distance to the light house at the most north westerly point of mainland Britain.

Written by LCpl Doughty

RAF Leeming Saddle Club

Beginners Day

Every year the RAF Leeming Saddle Club host a 3-day riding camp to challenge and develop riders in the disciplines of dressage, showjumping and crosscountry jumping. The aim of the camp is to prepare our members for grassroots level camps and Inter Station League fixtures over the summer – all run by the RAF Equitation Association.

This year, Leeming Saddle Club held their annual Summer Camp in May at The Hollies Riding School in Richmond. The Hollies offers a large sand outdoor riding arena complete with covered viewing area, a grass field with colourful show-jumps as well as extensive cross-country fields with a multitude of challenging solid fences at varying heights. This provides a venue that can be adapted to the type and level of training and competition required to challenge our riders.

On day one of the camp, all riders and ground support were briefed on important safety requirements before being split into two groups based on experience levels. They then met their instructor, Yorkshire-based Sarah Russell. During the morning, dressage lesson riders were asked to communicate with their horses with the goal of eliciting flexibility and suppleness from the horse, and thus attentiveness to their rider. The dressage lesson is the first opportunity for riders who have hired a horse from The Hollies to familiarise themselves, and for Sarah to assess whether they will be a good match for the duration.

In the afternoon pole-work lesson, both horse and rider built on their communication to walk, trot and canter over show-jumping poles laid on the ground. The layout of these poles in sequence or perpendicular to one another encourages the horse to be more mindful of their environment and remain straight on approach to jumps while assisting them to engage important muscles which aid in carrying their rider more effectively. The theory of riding a horse over poles on the ground is simple; however, it is not always the same in practice: some horses develop uncertainty or become fearful. For Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett and her recently purchased mare, Ash, the pole-work lesson

challenged their communication and trust in one another: to Ash the poles were ‘scary-horseeating-monsters’. Through Sarah’s calm and patient approach, Katie was able to guide Ash consistently over the poles by the end of the lesson.

On Tuesday morning, the riders worked on control and accuracy over single show-jumps before building up to a course of fences. These exercises require the horses to trust the split-second decision making their riders make when navigating turns and approaches to the jumps; when confidence and technique falter it often results in the show-jump poles being knocked down. In a competition this will add penalties to your score. Having only recently taken up English-style riding, Mrs Kelsey MacDonald had never jumped a horse (intentionally) in her life; Sarah’s simple and clear instruction were exceptional in helping Kelsey and her hire horse, Patch, over small jumps 20 - 30cm high. With encouragement and support from other riders and RAF Leeming Saddle Club members assisting from the ground, Kelsey and Patch completed a full showjumping round by the end of their lesson: based on the grin on Kelsey’s face in all her photos we expect she’s been bitten by the jumping bug!

In the Wednesday afternoon

cross-country jumping lesson, horses and riders made their way around the extensive field of solid wood fences at The Hollies Riding School. Starting on smaller fences the riders were guided through exercises by instructor Sarah to build accuracy and confidence: there is little room for error when horse and rider are cantering (or galloping) towards a solid log fence. For some riders the hardest aspect of cross-country can be the mental challenge of tackling instinct and the fear of accidents or falls. It had been over 15 years since Sqn Ldr Madi Timlin last rode a cross-country fence after a particularly nasty fall (her foot was caught on the stirrup and she was dragged underneath the horse): “The biggest improvement for me was also a goal I didn’t realise I had… the first (crosscountry) training session really triggered me in a way I hadn’t expected.” Following the lesson Madi was determined to tackle her fear during the last crosscountry riding lesson.

On Wednesday morning riders were taken back out for more cross-country schooling with the aim of stringing together multiple fences, similar to riding a course during a competition. For Sqn Ldr Madi Timlin, this lesson substantially boosted her confidence, “With the help and encouragement of our really special club, I managed to do more… I am

really proud of tackling my fear of the water (source of the accident and my trigger) and achieving a really nice jump out of it”. Other riders were demonstrating huge improvements in determination and confidence over larger fences and more technical combinations requiring athleticism from both horse and rider.

It was all for play on Wednesday afternoon where riders competed against one another by riding a dressage test and a show-jumping round: the marks from their dressage test and show-jumping were then combined to determine the overall placings. Under the watchful eye of British Dressage Judge, Peta Ackerley, horse and riders performed a dressage test

For Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett and her recently purchased mare, Ash, the pole-work lesson challenged their communication and trust in one another: to Ash the poles were ‘scaryhorse-eating-monsters’.

Through Sarah’s calm and patient approach, Katie was able to guide Ash consistently over the poles by the end of the lesson

- a set pattern in walk, trot and canter in a 20-metre x 40-metre rectangle arena. After completing their dressage test each rider was provided an additional 10 minutes of instruction from Peta: this was positively received by all, including Sqn Ldr Madi Timlin, “…it was a great experience to have the opportunity to discuss my performance with Peta. This is something that most riders would never experience in a normal test, and it makes a huge difference to discuss the test rather than just reading a judge’s comments.” Riders then quickly moved from the dressage arena to the showjumping field to undertake a challenging show-jumping course set at a minimum of 30cm with some jumps up to 60cm.

When the scores were tallied it was clear that riders were feeling competitive, but only one could be crowned the winning combination. From a nervous start on Day 1 to confident and bold on Day 3, Sqn Ldr Katie Blackett and her mare Ash clinched first place much to everyone’s delight.

The RAF Leeming Saddle Club was pleased to receive a glowing testimonial from BAE Systems Contractor, Miss Tori Gatty: “The 3-Day Summer Camp at The Hollies Riding School was a fantastically run event for all. I took my loan pony ‘Sandy Sue’ who hasn’t been to

anything like this before but was a little star. I went in with the goal of making her a more well-rounded pony with the opportunity to do some show jumping, not just the cross country, and she loved it! There were many challenging moments where she decided to rear to show that trotting and pole work was too boring! She wanted to be cantering around the fields over all the jumps! It was a great environment for us

as a pair to work with one another as well as supporting each of the other members on the camp throughout the duration. Sandy improved significantly and I felt I had improved also with managing her pace and ensuring we listened more to one another. This is a camp I would recommend to other members of the RAF Leeming Saddle Club! The best part was the support and encouragement from other members throughout.”

The RAF Leeming Saddle Club are always eager to meet anyone interested in horses or riding: previous experience not required as we cater to all levels: contact OIC Sqn Ldr Liz Dawson or DOIC FS Ange Polgreen for more information.

RAF

medals this year within Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU OR ‘BJJ’?

BJJ is the martial art of taking down and submitting your opponent using primarily joint locks or chokes: this sounds simple but is less so when your opponent is trying to do the same thing!

It is one of the most brutal yet intellectual forms of fighting. And every year, RAF stations around the globe from RAF Akrotiri to RAF Lossiemouth send their best competitors each month to compete in the RAF Inter Station Championships that runs from August to March. It concludes at the RAF Championships where we compete to discover who is the best the Royal Air Force has to offer.

WITH THAT SAID, HOW DID WE DO SO WELL?

Most competitors had a 6-week camp, training every day. The station PTIs put bespoke circuits on for us and we contacted other local clubs to train together to expand our arsenal and sharpen the tools at our disposal. We trained all day, then studied and observed to reinforce the learning throughout the sessions. But it takes more than just a couple weeks of hard work: the club has a consistent and driven turn out every week. This is what ultimately brings home the medals for usour members turn up and train hard!

WHAT EXACTLY DID WE WIN?

Five Gold medals, seven Silver medals, one Bronze medal, three

RAF Champs and one promotion to blue belt. Take a visit to the RAF Leeming Gym to see the trophy we brought home! It was a whitewash: the other stations were not even close, as you can also see from the RAF BJJ League table below. To see so much success from blue to white belt across a wide range of weight divisions shows our training methods are paying off.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The RAF champions will go on to fight at the Inter Services against the best of the Army and the Royal Navy, with the potential for the winners to represent Her Majesty’s Armed Forces across the globe. The future is bright for us at our RAF Leeming BJJ club. However, we cannot rest on our laurels, there is much more to learn and far more to accomplish.

Written by SAC Lewis Briggs

Yorkshire UAS News

It has been another action-packed summer for Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron (YUAS): students have been extremely busy with adventurous training, flying and training camps. We have relocated to a new home at RAF Leeming, recently inhabiting the building previously occupied by 100 Squadron. We have been sure to alter the décor in the building, ensuring the black and yellow presence of Yorkshire!

Several YUAS students have spent the summer progressing through the elementary flying training syllabus, with three students successfully achieving the milestone of their first solo flight. They have further experienced more advanced aspects of Tutor flying, including aerobatics, formation flying and navigation.

In July, YUAS held its principal leadership exercise, Lead Ex. Students received a comprehensive array of lessons encompassing leadership and teamwork, a day of Human Factors training and some excellent fieldcraft skills taught by RAF Leeming’s 34 Squadron. Additionally, prior to the final leadership exercise, the squadron partook in a day of adventure

training to stretch their comfort zones. Lead Ex was ultimately successful in advancing the leadership skills of YUAS students, in conjunction to providing valuable experience to those students progressing onto Modularised Initial Officer Training (MIOT) in the future.

Earlier this summer, two students represented Yorkshire and the RAF as service stewards at the Wimbledon Championships - a role undertaken by the military since 1946. YUAS students served on multiple courts over the duration of the Championships, including famous Centre Court. They thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to steward at Wimbledon - open every year to all UAS members.

Students further represented YUAS at the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 in Scarborough. Yorkshire were tasked with manning the Eurofighter Typhoon replica. The day provided a great opportunity to demonstrate the capability to the public and showcase what the Royal Air Force and YUAS do.

This summer has also seen YUAS members visit other RAF stations, with trips to RAF Brize Norton and RAF Benson. Through these visits. YUAS students gained a greater appreciation for wider the roles and functions in the RAF outside of Leeming. YUAS received tours of several squadrons and aircraft types, with the highlight undoubtedly being a pax flight in a Puma over central London.

In early July, four YUAS students went to JSASTC Gosport to work on their Day Skipper and Comp Crew qualifications. A demanding week, the course taught students the basics of sail handling and skippering in one of the busiest marine areas in the UK. YUAS are looking forward to returning to Gosport for their own unit sails, and to send more students through the RYA syllabus.

Moreover, a further highlight of

the YUAS summer calendar was a week in Snowdonia where several students spent time working towards their Summer Mountain Foundation qualification, the first step to becoming a qualified mountain leader. They spent four days trekking through the picturesque mountains, developing their navigational skills and understanding the function of adventurous training in the military. Following the expedition, there was further enjoyment to be had as students were able to partake in some sailing and sea kayaking on the Menai Strait.

More recently, Yorkshire held its annual Squadron Challenge. The purpose of which is twofold: firstly, to challenge the students; secondly, to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The challenge saw one group take on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks challenge, a 40km hike. Meanwhile, the second group completed a 100km bike ride, departing RAF Leeming in the morning, and finishing in the Yorkshire Dales later that day. Upon completion of the challenge, YUAS spent time rock climbing in the dales, before returning to Leeming.

Having said farewell to members not returning, the squadron now looks forward to recruiting new members in the forthcoming university fresher’s fairs and, with a new senior team and GTI, to continue to deliver training into the autumn.

Thank you once again to everyone on station that has helped us out over the summer – as students we value the opportunities to get to know and train alongside the rest of the whole force and we hope we can continue our good work alongside you.

QUEEN ETHELBURGA’S COLLEGIATE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2022

Following their successful introduction in 2021, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate will again be running its weeklong, high quality summer short courses as part of the 2022 Summer@QE Programme. Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) provides the perfect backdrop for summer fun and positive mental and physical wellbeing, in its beautiful but dynamic environment on its rural campus in the North Yorkshire countryside just outside of York.

Those with a passion for performance will enjoy our Musical-in-a-Week Workshops. Taking place in The King’s Theatre, QE’s full-scale professional venue, children can take on the challenge of learning and performing some well-known musicals in just one week, working alongside industry professionals. From Monday 8 – Friday 12 August the theme will be The Greatest Showman, and from 22-26 August the theme will be Matilda. The workshop is open to children from 6 years upwards and performances will be held on the Friday afternoons for friends and family.

Inspiring the imagination, the Visual Arts Week will offer budding artists the opportunity to explore a different artistic medium each day. Open to children from Year 6 upwards, the course will take place from Monday 15 –Friday 19 August.

Practical Science Week will offer a 5 day course exploring the wonderful world of science. Open to students from Year 6 upwards, the course will take place from Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August.

Each of the 5 day short courses across August run from 09:00 – 16:00 daily and include a hot lunch and snacks daily. Each 5-day course costs £250 per child and is non-residential.

As well as the subject-specific 5-day courses, QE will also be host over the summer to its resident multi-activity camp, Camp QE. Running throughout the summer holidays for children aged 5 (school Year 1) to 13, Camp QE offers and action-packed daily programme for children. Every day is different and combines and broad selection of outdoor sports, outdoor games, indoor sports, indoor activities and arts and crafts. The camp runs from 09:00 to 16:00 each day, and free wraparound care is available from 08:00 to 17:30. Included in the price is a hot lunch and snacks each day.

This summer, for the first time, Camp QE will be offering residential stays as well as day and weekly camps, to suit your summer plans. Running each week from Monday 25th July until Friday 19 August, themes for 2022 will include Jurassic Week, Commonwealth Games Week, Blast from the Past Week, and Big Cities Week. A full week for Camp QE costs £250 per child (non-residential), £370 per child (residential) or £55 per day (non-residential) or £90 if including a stay overnight (residential).

This summer, for the first time, Camp QE will be offering residential stays as well as day and weekly camps

Fee-Free Mortgage Advice Service

Provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Ltd

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or remortgaging, you can leave your mortgage search in the hands of the Fee-Free Mortgage Advice Service provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited.

Expert guidance from start to finish You get your own mortgage advisor to guide you every step of the way. They’re experienced at arranging mortgages for the Military, so you can be confident they’ll recommend the right mortgage for you and your circumstances.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual acts as an intermediary for the purposes of introducing its customers to Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited, part of Tenet. You will not receive advice or any recommendation from Forces Mutual. Such services will be provided by Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited who will provide Forces Mutual with information about the services you have received. Forces Mutual will receive 18.6% of any lender procuration fee from Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited in connection with the provision of mortgage broking services.

A mortgage is a loan secured against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. You may have to pay an early repayment charge to your existing lender if you remortgage.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: 55 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0RL.

Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited is an Appointed Representative of TenetConnect Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference FRN: 149826. Tenet Mortgage Solutions Limited is a company registered in England and Wales under company number: 09111571 and whose registered office is at 5 Lister Hill, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5AZ. For your security, all calls are recorded and may be monitored.