OIC’S MESSAGE

By Flt Lt Ford

‘Ey up. This is my first full issue of EXCALIBUR after taking over from Flt Lt Jo Cartmell midway through putting together the last edition, so I must start by thanking her, and the editor Sgt Lenny Austin, for making this such an enjoyable and seamless ‘ship’ to steer.

Our last issue was the first with our limited print distribution and a greater online footprint, however it’s great to still see so many contributions from around the Station. I hope that you find the online publication of EXCALIBUR an enjoyable and easily accessible read, although you will still be able to find us in print around the station. Wider awareness can sometimes be a casualty of a busy job or workplace and, with the pace of life at Leeming being what it is, I hope that you continue to find EXCALIBUR an interesting overview of our station community.

A special thank-you to our individual contributors this issue – because of you we have articles ranging from carrier-based operations to Call of Duty; from skiing to SUMAN PROTECTOR.

I unashamedly asked for 34 Sqn’s Higginson Trophy to feature as this edition’s front cover photo – this was not just to make sure that OC 34 Sqn is robustly fined at the next dinner night. I am of course biased; however this was a significant achievement for the Sqn and, I believe, indicates a wider trend within the RAF (and UK defence) that recognises the value of innovation and pioneering spirit. This is an ethos at which RAF Leeming is at the forefront.

Straight and true!

Advertising: Ken Kemal Tel: (01536) 334 225

Email: ken@lancemediagroup.co.uk

Designed by: Jo Glen