Honington Herald - Spring 2024

FANCY A HOLIDAY ON YORKSHIRE’S EAST COAST?

Our welfare break gave us the quality time we needed as a family.”

- Al Dyer

Our holiday home is available for breaks all year round.

Why not apply to stay in our holiday home for serving RAF personnel and RAF veterans? Situated only a 15-minute walk from the traditional seaside town of Bridlington.

It’s the ideal destination to visit for a holiday with kids or for some peace and quiet.

The four-bedroom chalet bungalow is wheelchair accessible, with a disabledfriendly bathroom. A real home from home, with everything you need for a memorable holiday.

To find out more and apply, visit: rafbf.org/thefolly CALL 0300 102 1919

Welcome to the 2024 Spring Edition of the RAF Honington Herald. You’ll note it’s packed with articles, and has a theme of change running throughout its pages. The change in weather (for the better, I think and hope!) is certainly obvious to us all, as are the longer days and lighter evenings. As always the whole force folks here at Honington have been busy on Station, actively supporting the Resident Units in all that they do and ensuring that Force Elements can train, deploy and recover across numerous areas of the UK and beyond. My Station personnel and I wish 1 Sqn RAF Regiment all the very best for their forthcoming deployment to Cyprus and look forward to welcoming you all home later in the year.

At the end of January AOC 2Gp, AVM Suraya Marshall, conducted her Annual Formal Inspection. This was the AOC’s opportunity to inspect the Station, meet our people, and discuss the challenges that many of us face in the work place. She was afforded the opportunity to see and experience what our ASF and CRF Resident Unit personnel do, on the range, in the CQB and when securing Military Air Transport assets. I absolutely realise that these events do not just happen, and so would like to offer my thanks to all involved in organising, running and hosting the AOC and her team, who thoroughly enjoyed being at Honington and having the chance to meet so many of our people.

There are a number of office moves afoot on Station, with the RRU moving into the Medical Centre, TDF into what was the RRU and Gp Capt Wolfie Smith’s Land Activity Safety Team moving into what was the TDF offices and eventually the open plan offices along the corridor. I’d like to welcome Wg Cdr Nathan Foster, OC 20 Force Protection Wing, and his team, and a warm welcome

to Lt Col Rob Porter, who takes post as Commanding Officer of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN). When the music finally stops, I hope that having TDF in a more centralised Station location will encourage our personnel to make the most of the learning and training opportunities offered by the team. Please do pop in and see Sarah Pentony and FS Taff Lane for a chat. Thinking about everything that the RAF offers, and what forms part of the ‘Offer’, I’m absolutely conscious that our people have never been so busy and so tasked. But I’m also continually impressed by those who still find time to volunteer to run the numerous committees, clubs and sporting activities on the Station. These all provide huge benefit to our overall wellbeing, whether it be the embryonic Station history room, sub aqua, boxing, motocross, the Station allotments or the Mess Committees, to name but a few.

It is great to see the medical Co-Responder team returning to Honington, with a new response vehicle and their unwavering dedication to providing local medical assistance in conjunction with the East of England Ambulance Service. They are actively seeking volunteers for what I’m sure you’ll agree is a hugely worthwhile and rewarding cause. Our resident aircraft squadron, 611 VGS, has achieved the significant milestone of gaining approval from AOC 22Gp to commence flying RAF Air Cadets. This will enable Air Cadets from across the region (who usually have to travel to Lincolnshire) local access to air experience flying here at Honington at weekends and during the school holidays.

As an ex-RAF air cadet myself, the Air Cadet organisation is close to my heart as it offers our young people challenge, excitement, adventure and an opportunity to development confidence and leadership skills, not to mention the chance to fly in gliders and powered aircraft! Whilst on the topic of flying and aircraft, please

do remember to keep off the airfield and if walking dogs on Station please keep them on the lead (unless in either of the 2 dedicated dog exercise areas). The airfield here is now classed as a Tier 1 (the highest military airfield classification) and we are hosting greater numbers of wide bodied aircraft and rotary traffic.

We have a significant turnover of Station personnel, including the retirement of our Station Engagement Officer, Sqn Ldr Mark Fixter. Mark arrived on Station back in July 2018 and has overseen and reported on many of the engagement activities on Station and in Suffolk over the years. I would particularly like to thank him for his time, effort and dedication in maintaining the links with the local community, and of course for his editorial skills in producing the Herald! I wish him all the very best for his next endeavours.

And last, but by no means least, Padre Jo Critchley is set to depart Honington for the delights of RAF Leeming. Most recently she has been working hard to set up the Station’s Well-Being Hub, in what was the RRU Annex cabin, and what will become a superb hospitality area to sit, chat, and put the world to rights – ideal for a Wellness Wednesday activity! And since her arrival in May 2020, Padre Jo has been utterly superb, providing support and encouragement to our people and their families. Her energy and enthusiasm knows no bounds and she never fails to do the very best for our people and ultimately the Honington Community. I will certainly miss our chats, meetings and discussions, and I know that Gp Capt Hamilton, the Station Commander at RAF Leeming is gaining an absolutely superb addition to this Station team. Good luck Jo!

RAF HONINGTON HISTORY ROOMS NEED YOU

Tucked away behind the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre is the lowly Building 191A, the unassuming location of Dispersal Storeroom No 6, but one that is looking to become the revitalised Station History Room ‘Under New Management’.

A small team of just 8 volunteers is looking to deliver a different story to that of the RAF Regiment Heritage Centre and considering that the Station opened in 1937 there is a tremendous amount to tell. The widely varied past of RAF Honington under RAF and USAAF beginnings of WW2 through the V-Bomber and Fast Jet ages and its role since 1994 of RAF Regiment and latterly RAF Police presents a huge palate of material and a chronological timeline to do justice to.

The building is in urgent need of renovation, much of it being done self-help, before a planned opening at the end of 2024. It hasn’t really seen much love and attention since before Covid as the images show.

Anyone interested in supporting the team over the coming months is welcome to contact WO Margrave in C&RF Ops Spt. Likewise if you like many offices have done you discover historical material and artefacts that need a good home then don’t hesitate to make contact.

PADRE’S PEACE

There’s the age-old question in the methodist Church, of which I am an ordained Minister: “How many Methodists does it take to change the seats around? ...”Change??? We don’t do change!”

Everywhere I go on station I see changes happening: HR03, C&RF, 20 Wing arriving, 1 Sqn prepping to deploy, Learning Centre move, the sunshine finally making an appearance, and an Assignment Order on my desk telling me that I too will be seeing changes in the

not too distant future too.

It also means the Chaplaincy Team remaining at Honington will be about to change! Claire Ruston, the ever reliable and focal presence as Clerk remains in situ, but she will be joined by Padre David Young who is relocating from Lossiemouth, and

Padre Rachel Cook returns from Op Shader deployment.

Both experienced Chaplains, and keen to get stuck in to support the whole workforce here at RAF Honington – I will allow them to make their presence known in future Heralds!

There are some other changes too: The Community Larder, which has been located inside St Edmund’s Church, will be finally moving to its permanent space in the store room outside the church – this will mean 24/7 access to it for drop offs and collections. There will be a couple of lidded clear boxes in there which will be for the non-perishable donations (to keep pests at bay!) and the fridge will be sited in there too for perishable food.

Change may fatigue us at times, but without change we do not mature and develop as individuals or as a military institution. Without change, we would still be sending pilots into the air in aircraft that were made from wood and canvas; without change we would be wearing our No. 1’s to work (!),

The Well-Being Hub

We are also creating a Well-Being Hub in the port-a-cabin between MT yard and Station Gym. This facility will allow us to offer hospitality space for Well-Being Wednesdays as well as for courses and conversation…keep watching for more information about this an official launch in March 2024.

without change we would not have the vibrant diversity we cherish in our workplaces, without change we would be unable to learn from the mistakes we make as humans. Change can improve things when done well, and with the greater good in mind.

Change can challenge us to continue to stive to be the best versions of ourselves, and that is no bad thing! If we cease to strive, we cease to do anything worthwhile. So I encourage to look for the good changes around you – as the seasons change from winter into spring and summer…notice the changes of nature as you come to work…colour and vibrancy; notice the longer days as the sun rises earlier and sets later allowing us to feel refreshed and topped up on Vitamin D!

And as always, when change overwhelms you or you feel life is a bit tricky, come and have a chat with us at Chaplaincy…we might be changing people, but the ethos remains the same.

To serve and not be served.

NEW DEPLOYMENT GUIDES

Deployment Information, previously known as deployment pack ups, often varied in content and quality from station to station. The RAF HIVE Service introduced three new Deployment and Detachment Support Guides in November 23, offering one resource to access deployment information for RAF Service Personnel and, most importantly, their family members.

Now accessible to all Serving personnel and their families and unlike previous versions, these new guides have been tailored to specific groups: one for Serving personnel (SP), one for family members (such as parents, spouses, or partners), and one for

Serving personnel with children. Additionally, each guide will be customised by local HIVE staff to provide unit-specific information on the support available to family members of deployed personnel.

These refreshed guides mark the beginning of a wider review, aimed at enhancing the support provided to our serving personnel and their families, during detachment and deployment. This in turn, heralds the beginning of a wider review of communications to RAF families, primarily through RAF HIVE. Through recent families’ forums conducted by RAF Community Support Staffs from HQ Air Command at a number of our Stations across the UK, RAF Community Support recognises a need to get ‘back to basics’ with a refresh of communication channels

and methods of reaching out to families, to ensure they are well informed and able to engage with the RAF whenever possible.

RAF Honington new Deployment Guides can be obtained in hardcopy from the HIVE Information Office. Alternatively, soft copies can be forwarded via email. We are currently exploring how these can be made available online externally.

There are many forms of welfare and wellbeing support available for our personnel and families living either on or off unit. The RAF HIVE Information Officer (HIO) - Amanda Bailey is on hand to support our people and their families by providing timely and accurate information and assistance.

Lance media Group Ltd

HOW TO CONTACT

HIVE Information Centre

Email: HON-StnHIVE@mod.gov. uk Tel: 01359 268610

Located within the Community Centre (offsite), Poplar Close, Honington, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 1LJ.

OPENING HOURS:

Monday - Thursday 0830 - 1630 Fri - 0830 - 1600.

Station specific guides are available in digital or hard copies from your unit RAF HIVE Service https://www.raf.mod.uk/ serving-families/hive-finder/

RAF Honington returned briefly to its days as a flying station hosting a daytime visit by an A400M Atlas as a part of its Annual Formal Inspection by Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall.

ANNUAL FORMAL INSPECTION

The AOC enjoyed a packed programme focused on meeting Station personnel and view wider capabilities provided by the airfield and our Resident Units.

No 1 (Tactical) Police and Security Squadron gave the Air Officer Commanding a first-hand experience of its Military Air Policing Operations capabilities both pre-flight and airborne to ensure the safety of the aircraft from pre-flight screening and security to managing incidents in the air. 1 Squadron RAF Regiment relished an opportunity to immerse the Air Vice-Marshal into their Ground Close Combat role with a GPMG shoot on the 25m Range and then immersing her into the noise and rhythm of the Closed Quarters Battle range.

Now returned to its full 10 000 feet of usable runway, Honington’s airfield is being used ever increasingly to demonstrate the Air Combat Employment

opportunities at the Station in this case supported by Tactical Air Control Party and Firefighters from RAF Brize Norton. Attack and

Support Helicopters are frequent visitors at Honington with a recent night flying and ground handling exercise seeing both C-17 and A400M Atlas aircraft enjoying the austere conditions presented at deployed airbases.

Air Vice-Marshal Marshall hands over her Air Officer Commanding 2 Group role at the end of Feb and we wish her well for her next appointment.

gsl1sthoningtonraf@gmail.com

Martin Brooks 07531560 701

1st Honington Scouts urgently seeks to recruit new volunteers to help grow its very successful team and also enable it to accept new scouts.

If you can help with general support or can look at wider support in managing the 1st Honington Scouts then please get in contact with Martin and Judy Brooks.

©2018 The Scout Association. Registered charity numbers: 306101 (England and Wales) and SC038437 (Scotland)

RAF HONINGTON AND EEAST

Did you know that the MOD offers use of the wider estate to generate income from external parties? This can raise millions of pounds into the Defence Coffers and routinely happens here at RAF Honington.

Before anyone has a bright idea however, we limit the use to significant activities on long term ‘licences’ using the airfield mainly and undertake a rigorous process to confirm the task and who is doing it. What this means as an example is that Public Bodies such as the East of England Ambulance Service Trust can use our space to provide driver training for their Ambulance Staff. They can operate without interaction and limitations of public roads and carryout other training such as reversing as if at a hospital.

We also have users that include testing of Motor Vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, collision and pedestrian avoidance to your and me, and if you are ever on the runway (legally of course), you will see that there are 2 and 3 lane road markings as well as roundabouts and junctions marked on the surface.

Turning back to the East of England Ambulance Service Trust. RAF Honington until recently has had a dedicated team of volunteers performing Co-Responder duties

in their spare time. During Covid we saw a build-up of Rapid Response Vehicles as well as Ambulances with the added resilience of extra crew members from the Station. This is now being regenerated with a replacement vehicle being stationed here for emergency callout.

If you have interest in becoming a Co-responder or have past experience then look out for more details on this exciting but challenging role to help those in emergency across our region.

RAF CRESTA AND INTER-SERVICES CHAMPIONSHIPS

Switzerland for the Inter service Cresta championships testing their nerve, courage, and skill with the RAF Cresta team.

The Cresta Run is a natural ice run built from scratch every year with snow which is then iced as from the inception of the Run in the winter of 1884/85. It starts in St Moritz and winds its way down a narrow valley to what was the village of Cresta, approximately 3/4 mile (1,212m) in length with a drop of 514 feet (157m). The brave athletes transform themselves into human torpedoes in the smoothly polished ice channel and race down the ice headfirst on their stomachs at breath taking speeds in excess of 70 mph on a toboggan weighing 35 kilograms the finish line.

The RAF personnel are in good company with some distinguished RAF riders of the past including Billy Fiske, the first American pilot killed in World War II as a volunteer on 601 Sqn the “Millionaire Squadron”. Wg Cdr Andy Green, Green is an established driver of land speed record cars and holds the current land speed record which he achieved in Thrust SSC. Last but not least Hugh Trenchard, 1st Viscount Trenchard who arrived in St Moritz to begin a Swiss convalescence. Boredom saw him take-up bobsleighing as it did not require much use of his legs. Initially he was prone to leave the run and end up in the snow, but after some days of practice he usually managed to stay on the Run. It was during a heavy crash from the Cresta Run that his spine was somehow readjusted, enabling him to walk freely immediately after regaining consciousness. Around a week later, he won the St. Moritz Tobogganing Club’s Freshman and Novices’ Cups for 1901, a remarkable triumph

for a man who had been unable to walk unaided only a few days before.

The Cresta Run has two start points. The Top Route starts above the old Catholic Church of St. Mauritius at the Kulm Hotel and leads over 1,214 metres with a fall in altitude of 157 metres to the finish. The Junction start point is located at the Cresta Clubhouse, making it a quarter shorter. Riders starting from the Top Route have already reached a speed of nearly 60 mph by the time they reach the Junction.

After 2 weeks of intense training the daring duo had their own success on the Run with Cpl Underhill placing 12th in the Silver Spoon from Junction with a cumulative time of 143.20 over 3 courses. Flt Lt Blenkinsop went on to win the Harland Trophy from Top with a cumulative time of 153.06 over 3 courses. A good show around by the RAF team

and the rest of the service riders. If anyone is interested in trying their hand (or luck) then why not contact either of our 2 brave souls – after all, its officially a sport, on duty, and part of the service deal!

© Crown 2023

Image credit: Blenkinsop

Image credit: Blenkinsop

611 VOLUNTEER GLIDING SQUADRON

Congratulations to 611 Volunteer Glider Squadron who have achieved the major milestone of AOC 22 Group approval to start flying RAF Air Cadets in the coming weeks.

The Squadron has been working very hard to achieve currencies and experience of the airfield as the images show and not always in the best Suffolk weather.

COMBAT STRESS

44 MILE ULTRA MARATHON CHALLENGE

They say no good story starts with a salad, in this case this is certainly true.

Over the summer of 2023 I was left to my own devices bored and scrolling through Facebook, as you do, I came across an advert

from Combat Stress looking for people to participate in their Ultra Marathon. A total of 44 miles spanning the length of the D-Day beaches and finishing down at the infamous Pegasus Bridge all in conjunction with the 80th D-Day Anniversary.

The route starts at the Pointe du Hoc (Omaha), where Colonel Rudder led an elite group of 200 rangers up the chalk cliffs using ropes and ladders. After dispatching the German sentries at the top of the cliff, their mission was to find and destroy large battery guns.

The route continues along the cliff top, through Gold, Juno and Sword beach passing evidence of the German defensive lines still visible to this day. Descending towards Arromanches a small village that played an important part and what is left of the Mulberry Harbours. Ouistreham will soon be in sight where the route connects up to the Orne canal where Pegasus Bridge will be in range. This was where the Horsa gliders, part of three airborne division deployed during the night of the 5 June. Led by Lieutenant Brotheridge, the small platoon of commandos charged across the bridge. Their missions was to take it intact, in order to aid the main landing force which would be arriving in the morning from Sword beach.

It didn’t take me long to convince myself to sign up, as I stated I should never be left to my own devices, thinking this would be an amazing challenge and something to really be proud of to participate in. Having never run further than 5km…ever…the next morning I knew I had to get my training started. I contacted a good friend of mine (after they stopped laughing on the phone for about 5 minutes) who has done several marathons, they soon put me on a good training programme to ensure I had the best possible chance of achieving my goal.

To date I have completed two 10km races and one 36Km challenge, all yielding very positive results and proving my training is coming to fruition. I have a Half Marathon to round of this year’s training at Brecon followed by a few more in the New Year and looking to complete an Ultra Marathon in April before the big race day.

Pictured left: Selfie end of Race to Remember 36km run

Combat Stress are one of the leading UK Charity for veterans’ mental health. Over a century they have been helping former servicemembers dealing with issues like PTSD, anxiety and depression. During 2023 the helpline was contacted over 16,000 times with an age range from 26 – 83 from over 14 different conflicts.

This will be a fantastic event to complete and raise money for Combat Stress, a charity who does so much for all our Military personnel. If you would like to donate please do so here https://events.combatstress.org. uk/fundraisers/victoriatrafford/ dday44challenge and if you see me running around please do give me some encouragement, especially this time of year.

Garmin New Forest 10km run

Duxford Dash 10km run

Omaha Beach at sunrise © Shutterstock.com

TRAINING WING

TG 3-23 EL ALAMEIN GRADUATION

Congratulations to the newest members of the RAF Regiment to have graduated from RAF Regiment Training Wing.

The graduation of 32 members of Trainee Gunner Course 3-23, El Alamein Flight was accompanied with music from the Band of the RAF Regiment.

Commander Combat & Readiness Force, Group Captain Weekes was the Reviewing Officer and congratulated the new recruits on their future roles within the RAF Regiment.

Flight Lieutenant Davies was the Parade Commander with Warrant Officer Hopper and Flight Sergeant Brookes as Parade Marshals. The King’s Colour for the RAF Regiment was paraded by Colour Bearer Flight Lieutenant Elliot supported by Warrant Officer Leete.

Chaplain Rev (Sqn Ldr) Critchley delivered the blessings and loved ones watched with pride from the side-lines of the Parade Square. Squadron Commanders and Warrant Officers from receiving RAF Regiment Units also met the new arrivals and their families after the event.

Cpl Burrows - Cpl Bradfield Trophy AS Carbine - LAC Beard Trophy Wood - Champion Shot

Wilkins - Drill and Deportment Wood - Frank Silvester Trophy

Falcus - Ramsay Physical Development Cup

PRE-PARACHUTE SELECTION COURSE

RAF Regiment Training Wing RTS(A)

The 3 week RAF Regiment Pre-Parachute Selection Course remains as physically and mentally challenging as ever with the aim to prepare, condition and select volunteer personnel on their physical aptitude, endurance, determination, and fitness to conduct military tasks under the conditions of physical hardship, rigour and stress related to duties on Airborne Specialist roles within the RAF Regt.

Thirty students attempted this punishing programme at the end of 2023 which consists of numerous loaded marches, runs, PT circuits, log and stretcher events. By the end of week two the student numbers were significantly reduced with the weary surviving group progressed to the testing week of the course conducted at Sennybridge Training Area. To be successful, all of the remaining students must complete every test within the allocated times. It finishes with a 10 mile loaded march which all 16 students successfully passed. These individuals have now earned the right not only earn their military parachute wings but are now eligible to apply for specialist roles within the Tri-Service community.

RAF FORCE PROTECTION CENTRE

The RAF Force Protection Centre has sprung back from the Christmas grant period into another busy quarter of support to operations, defence leading innovation experimentation and a magnitude of training courses to RAF personnel.

The Development Squadron hosted personnel from throughout the RAF and industry to conduct Exercise BATTLE LAB aimed at connecting various digital sensors using encrypted radios into an operations room. This leading project successfully demonstrated again how innovative technology and capabilities can improve Air Force Protection by increasing

Situational Awareness to the commander.

In the Collective Training Squadron, a Command and Staff Training course was conducted using the Synthetic-Complex Air Ground Environment (S-CAGE) facility for 1 Squadron RAF Regiment. A collection of bespoke scenarios were delivered on command and control and to facilitate Watchkeeper training as part of Pre Deployment Training for their upcoming deployment to Cyprus. Sqn Ldr Ouvrard and Flt Lt Crutchlow recently conducted a visit to RAF Akrotiri to gain better understanding of the area with a view of identifying areas for improvement within this course.

Training Squadron’s latest Remote Piloted Aerial Systems course saw 12 students from across the RAF including 1 and 15 Squadrons RAF Regiment joining Battle Space Managers and pers from 90 Signals Unit for the 4-day cse. Having learnt to operate the Parrot Anafi system, they can now operate it in accordance with the stringent Military Aviation Authority policy which enables them to operate this platform in a controlled

environment in support of Global Enablement Operations. Flight Sergeant Shaw also recently conducted conversion training for trained operators on the Skydio X2D. Following the training, the operators returned to their units. FS Quinlan of the Knowledge Hub has attended the NATO Evaluator course at the NATO School Oberammergau, Germany. This multinational course sees personnel from several nations and specialities come together and qualify to be able to act as Evaluators in the TACEVAL programme. This programme ensures interoperability to the NATO standards, highlighting an evaluated force’s strengths, identifies areas of concern, makes appropriate recommendations and also ensures that best practices are shared amongst allies.

The Force Protection Centre’s hard work has been recognised by the RAF Regiment Commandant General, Air Vice Marshal Smeath, who endorsed the inaugural awarding of the Batt Trophy. In response to this, Wg Cdr Alcock, OC FPC, said: “The success of this achievement has truly hinged on all individuals across the Centre,

uniting as one to deliver a product that is seen as exceptional. The citation covered the successful delivery of core outputs, support to operations, exercises, training, sports, AT, assistance to the wider community, Honours and Awards, ceremonial, visits and other such activity. You will all recognise the areas where you have made significant contribution.”

Outside of work, Flt Lt Crutchlow, Flt Lt Price and AS1 Castle completed a Nordic Skiing Foundation course in Zweisel in Germany. Sgt Burns and Cpl Waugh also completed an Alpine Skiing course in Southern Germany through the Joint Services Adventurous Training opportunities available to all personnel.

1 Squadron RAF Regiment

The Winter months has seen 1 Squadron RAF Regiment engaged in multiple task lines and commitments, while balancing the training requirement for the upcoming deployment to Cyprus.

Before the Christmas break, a select group of Gunners embarked on a rigorous Cold Weather Operators Course in Estonia, honing their skills in challenging Arctic conditions. Recently, our commitment to operational readiness remains steadfast as our personnel undergo intensive Public Order Training equipping them with the tools to manage any situation with professionalism and precision. As the Squadron progresses through 2024, we assisted in the Annual Formal Inspection by Air Officer Commanding 2 Group.

Cold Weather Operators Course

Amidst the frosty landscapes of Estonia, the Gunners of 1 Squadron undertook rigorous training and endured harsh Arctic conditions to enhance their proficiency in extreme environments. Each Gunner embraced the opportunity to expand their skill set and strengthen their resilience using techniques to master cold-weather survival to navigating challenging terrain,. By demonstrating their mental and physical resilience, they exemplify the Squadron’s commitment to readiness and versatility in any Operational theatre.

Annual Formal Inspection by Air Officer Commanding 2 Group

1 Squadron RAF Regiment grasped the opportunities to showcase its capabilities and skill sets to the Air Officer Commanding 2 Group during her recent Annual Formal Inspection. Amidst the review, the Squadron facilitated an opportunity for AOC 2 Gp to immerse herself in the frontline experience which

enabled her to fire a General Purpose Machine Gun on the 25-metre range and provided a first-hand insight into the firepower at their disposal.

Air Vice-Marshal Marshall also enjoyed a Close Quarters Battle demonstration that highlighted the Squadron’s proficiency in urban combat tactics. Through these immersive experiences, 1 Squadron

RAF Regiment ensured the Air Officer Commanding departed with a deeper appreciation for the capabilities and dedication of its personnel.

PUBLIC ORDER TRAINING

The start of February 2024 saw the Squadron’s Gunners engage in rigorous Public Order Training. Through simulated scenarios and intensive exercises, these dedicated

personnel honed their skills in crowd control, riot management, and de-escalation techniques. With a focus on professionalism and restraint, they are trained and equipped to handle a public disorder scenario with confidence and composure, ensuring the safety of both civilians and personnel alike. During recent times, Public Order skills have been an increasing necessity, with a focus not only on Public Order tactics, but the soft skills used to de-escalate a scenario. The week

of training was thoroughly enjoyed by the Gunners as the demanding scenarios built camaraderie throughout the Squadron.

CONCLUSION

The past 3 months have been a busy and testing time for the Squadron, but the determination of the Gunners has prevailed. A Live Fire Tactical Training package at Castlemartin Ranges will be the final test and opportunity for training before the Squadron deploys to Cyprus.

2623 Sqn

2623 Squadron RAuxAF Regt

With the coming of the New Year, 2623 Sqn ‘The Wolf Squadron RAuxAF continued to deliver realistic operational training while still taking the time to enjoy a full package of social activities. With the Squadron on a high following its deployment on Ex SHAMROCK WOLF to the dubious pleasures of Magiligan’s Point in Northern Ireland, focus turned to the Christmas festivities. The Christmas Dinner was held in the Squadron Bar and maintained an ‘Italian theme’. Gangsters of various types turned out, although Cpl Smith-Watkins did a good number as an Italian Resistance fighter circa 1944…. Following an Italian salad starter and a reasonable amount of pizza and Chianti local entertainment was provided, including a chorus written (and delivered) by LCpl Henty and his team, a visit by a celebrity and a fire breather.

Training for the New Year has seen the re-arrival of the General Purpose Machine Gun (Cpl Birch was delighted!) and a focus on conducting counter Special Forces Operations in the CAGE., emphasised by range work to ensure each member of the Squadron is a capable marksman with the General Service Pistol. Pistol work is always popular, although it always takes time on the range to dispel the myths created by Hollywood!

Members of the Wolf Squadron had their hard work recognised formally in the New Year’s Honours list; the Wolf Squadron Trg Team earned the AOC 2 Gp Team commendation for

their efforts and Cpl Bown earned the AOC 2 Gp commendation. The Squadron Trg Team was recognised for delivering a challenging and dynamic programme through the year against a backdrop of uncertainty as the training of Ukrainian soldiers eats up large amounts of training estate. Whilst Cpl Bown earned his award for his dealing with an incident during an exercise in Austria where his quick actions prevented an instructor from becoming a more serious hypothermia casualty. Cpl Bown’s subsequent stepping into the role of instructor to take up the slack created by the casualty on the instructional staff ensured the exercise achieved its training aims. With members of the Squadron being sought after by Regular Squadron to deliver training,

and

personnel preparing to deploy on operations and the preparation of an exciting training programme the Wolf Squadron is a busy and vibrant

place

looking forward to the challenge of the New Year!

GEBEORGAN UND WERIAN!

Pistol firers on the range

The Italian themed Christmas Function

Air Cdre Sir Charles Bowman discusses the results with AS 1 Bailey

Practicing the GPMG Teams

GPMG training

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