Lions Roar - Winter 2022

The official quarterly publication of Royal Air Force Benson

From the Editor… Publishing Team

article for this edition, we have had a record number of submissions, and a huge variety from all round the Station. If you would like to submit an article for the Spring edition, please send via email to ‘benlionsroarmagazine@mod.gov. uk’, remembering to include any pictures that you would like to be featured. 500-700 words is perfect, but shorter articles will also be considered. Also, please minimise military acronyms wherever possible! Have a very Merry Christmas!

wrote

Sgt Al Dixon Lion’s Roar Editor

PUBLISHER

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ALL CORRESPONDENCE AND FEATURES TO… Sgt Al Dixon Flt Lt Dent

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DISCLAIMER:

This publication is copyright Lance Media Group Ltd and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Media Group Ltd. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Media Group Ltd cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Royal Air Force or the Ministry of Defence. All images © UK MoD Crown Copyright 2016 unless otherwise stated.

Foreword from the Station Commander... Lion’s Roar

Editorial Team

OIC/EDITOR

Sgt Al Dixon 33 Sqn

DEPUTY EDITOR

Flt Lt Amy Dent

28 Sqn 33 SQN REP

Flt Lt Mullins 28 SQN REP

SAC Peter Davidson x7722

LS REP

I have been fortunate to spend a significant portion of my 20-year career here at RAF Benson. I was a Junior Officer on 28 Sqn in 2004 when we were operating Merlin helicopters, during which time we deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Jordan, Norway, and Morocco.  I returned to the Station in 2012 for a tour as a Flight Commander, again on 28 Sqn, and more recently I served as Officer Commanding 33 Sqn from 2018 to 2020. So, it is a Station that I feel I know well, and one that I have a close affinity for.  As such it is an honour and a privilege to return as the Station Commander and Puma Force Commander.

Looking back over the past 12 months, the Station has gone about its business with the typical professionalism, energy, and enthusiasm that we have all come to both know and respect. Achievements throughout this period include the permanent deployment of Puma to Brunei, multiple deployments to Cyprus ahead of the permanent move next year, highly successful deployments to KENYA (INUA ASKARI) and Lithuania (PELEDA) as well as the ATF3 held at readiness in support of the Caribbean Hurricane Season.

But beyond this, we have achieved much for our people. Support to families of deployed personnel has continued with monthly Sunday lunches as well as trips including Legoland, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Blenheim Palace Light Trail. The Community Support Team have introduced new initiatives such as weekly tea bars visits, a baby and parent support group plus weekly Citizens Advice dropin sessions, assisting families in accessing financial support. FDS continue to support AT and FD opportunities for personnel across the Station with multiple ‘off-theshelf’ packages available. Work continues to improve the offer for the coming year, with the addition of Stand-Up Paddleboard and mountain biking programmes.

The infrastructure team has worked hard to secure funding to address

numerous legacy minor works and deliver a capital works programme that will see long overdue improvements to several critical technical buildings. The team has also secured more welfare funding than ever and are progressing a challenging programme of works that will directly benefit our people and their families. Finally, our Sodexo Industry Partner alongside our Service catering personnel have also delivered some fantastic events, which have been much enjoyed across the unit.

It’s also important to recognise individuals who have stood out professionally. Huge congratulations to AS1(T) Payne for winning a gold medal at the recent World Skills championships, and to Flt Lt Harris for her receipt of the Commander JHC Commendation in recognition of her outstanding work in support of the OCU. A big ‘well done’!

As we enter into the Christmas period, I hope that everyone at Benson, be that regular or reserve, service or civilian, is looking forward to a wellearned break. For me, Christmas is a time of reflection, a time to recognise how fortunate we are, and a time to truly invest and reconnect with friends and family.

On the behalf of the Station Executives, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your professionalism, your commitment, and your dedication to the critical outputs of RAF Benson.  But beyond this, it is your approach and your willingness to overcome the day-to-day challenges that we face that truly makes the difference.

On a final note, I wish you your family and friends a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Fg Off Becky Bull OC M&T Flt, Ext: 7428

EXPEDITION & SPORTS REP

Post vacant BSW REP

Plt Off James Liddell

SEO, Ext: 7245

OPS WG REP

Flt Lt Tom Barber Ext: 8139

606 SQN REP

Flt Lt Peter Legg 606 Sqn Media, Ext: 7238

JHSS REP

Flt Lt Matty Snape x 7549

PHOTO & IMAGERY REP

SAC Conor Morgan Ext 7265

CARTOONIST

FS Dave McCrindle 28 Sqn x8072

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

It was with great pride that I assumed the role of Station Commander and Puma Force Commander from my predecessor Gp Capt Nick Paton at midday on 4th November.

1563 Flight in Brunei

Endemic to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna, Borneo is a tropical rainforest paradise that 1563 Flt now call home. On Borneo lies the small Islamic country of Brunei, which is home to the UK’s Easternmost base. At any one time, more than 1500 personnel can be located here, with the majority made up by the resident 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Endemic to some of the rarest species of flora and fauna, Borneo is a tropical rainforest paradise that 1563 Flt now call home. On Borneo lies the small Islamic country of Brunei, which is home to the UK’s Easternmost base. At any one time, more than 1500 personnel can be located here, with the majority made up by the resident 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles. With the transition from Bell 212 to Puma now underway, the detachment predominantly consists of RAF Benson based personnel but the permanent residential is growing steadily, welcoming members of the wider RAF into their ranks.

New homes are slowly being decorated, absorbing the starkness while waiting their UK shipping. And with swimming pools installed, the eat-swim-sleep cycle of Bruneian down time is becoming habit.

There has also been time for exploring. From Saltwater Crocodile and Probiscis

Monkey boat tours, to paying respects to the graves of 230 Sqn personnel on the Malaysian island of Labuan where the Sqn was based in WWII. These graves hark back to a period of Sunderland Flying Boats and harsh Japanese rule of northern Borneo – the skeletons of Japanese soldiers captured during the liberation of Brunei have only recently been removed from the cage in which they died overhanging a local river. With innumerable Asian landmarks all within a short flight, it will be a struggle to see them all in a single tour.

Before operating in this abundant but inhospitable Jungle environment, all members of 1563 Flt at risk of isolation must complete a survival course involving 48 hours and at least 1 night out under the canopy. This provides the skills and knowledge to endure until rescue if an aircraft were to land with an emergency in the jungle interior. Set against the chorus of jungle sounds, deafening at dusk and dawn, the course teaches animal and insect preparation, basic shelter and water procurement – a task as easy as filling up from a tap when the heavens open!

Once accustomed to the heat and prepared for the ground environment, the crews have been learning and adapting to flying operations. Inaccessible by land, helicopter is the only way in or out. Infil and extraction are done to clearings in the 200’ trees often not much larger than the rotor blades, uniquely concentrating the mind by night!

This remoteness also necessitates highreadiness MEDEVAC to ensure UK troops exercising in the Jungle training areas can reach medical facilities within reasonable timeframes. This is the priority task for 1563 Flt over the next 6 months.

Supporting this endeavour are 4 experienced RAF paramedics who bridge the medical gap between jungle extraction and medical facility recovery, deploying from heights of to 200 feet above the jungle floor and winched down to assess, stabilise and pick up the casualty.

30°C temperatures and 90% humidity commit heat stress to being the biggest threat to exercising troops underpinning rapid extraction to higher level care. Frequently requiring winch recovery from holes in the canopy not more than a few meters wide, the capability is fundamental to enabling the safety that allows this distinct training to take place. From an aviation perspective, there is one dominant threat – the weather.

The rapidly changing monsoon climate creates fog, cloud, heavy rain and thunderstorms with a speed implausible to the temperate, arctic and desert experience of the aircrew. Familiarising and respecting the local effects are the foundation which will shape the safety and success of our operations in Brunei and the region.

The first live MEDEVAC was completed on 4 Nov and with the casualty recovered and in hospital within 45 minutes of call-out, the bar has been set high for our enduring capability!

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Flt Lt Fitchett

Marking the southern extent of the South China Sea, sits the World’s third largest island.

Stags and Scorpions!!!

Following the announcement that the mighty Puma will be deploying to take on the role currently assumed by the Griffin helicopters on 84 Sqn, Puma crews from 33 Sqn have been preparing in earnest for their new role across the Mediterranean in sunny Cyprus!

This deployment has taken the form of an ‘upskilling programme’ which hopes to take the sting out of our arrival in Cyprus!

Why have we been ‘upskilling’?

The primary aim of this programme is to familiarise Puma Aircrew with the layout of operational areas in and around RAF Akrotiri, develop a functional understanding of the role of 84 Squadron and the challenges they face in advance of the Puma’s permanent deployment to Cyprus in Feb 2023. Additionally, the programme has been used to enhance the Puma Force knowledge of how UK Operations integrate across the region. This integration spans from daily interactions with the Republic of Cyprus and surrounding nations conducting trooping and VIP moves, to Search and Rescue operations and multi-agency/multi-national efforts to conduct firefighting across the island. The programme has taken place over a three-month period, in which crews have spent two weeks flying in the Griffin HAR2 with 84 Squadron. The crews had to undergo the onerous and painstaking task of gaining a working knowledge of the best restaurants, bars & beaches and how best to manage a day at the water-park; all vital to the future happiness of families out in Cyprus!

Akrotiri. The training programme covered a broad range of topics to provide context and helped to hone skills that may later form part of the Puma role.

What is ‘upskilling’?

The programme provides the opportunity for Puma operators of all experiences to gain a valuable insight into winching operations and firefighting; both nascent skillsets that are relatively new to the Puma Force, but more familiar to the crews on 84 Sqn. The Search and Rescue & Firefighting training that is routinely conducted by 84 Squadron was used as a vehicle to give the Puma crews an insight into the training requirements and the standards expected. Elements of this training are likely to form some of the evolving role that the Puma Force intend to provide in their future at RAF

How was the training conducted?

The training began with basic recoveries from land-based sites and progressed to crews recovering training aids from the sea. The landbased serials were akin to those that are now routinely trained at RAF Benson, however the difficulty quickly racked up, with all members of the Puma crews discovering the challenges of attempting to recover casualties from both the water as well as along the cliffs that surround the island. The limited references for the pilots and the challenging mission control as well as winch control for the Crewman emphasised the difficulty of this new skillset. Despite some of the more difficult conditions and constraints, our mighty Puma crews were up to the task and coped well in this challenging new environment!

Our crews were also exposed to Deck Operations on large ships transiting to and from Limassol harbour, which saw aircrew winching down onto moving craft to facilitate preparation and emergency medical evacuation. It also provided an opportunity to get a photo with a bemused ship crew, who kindly agreed to facilitate the training.

Additionally, the crews were trained in the niche role of airborne firefighting! This requires 84 Sqn aircraft to drop large ‘buckets’ of water, which have been filled at nearby reservoirs

or from the sea, onto the frequent wildfires that plague the island over the course of the summer months. Our crew was also able to witness some live firefighting callouts in pursuit of this task, and how our aircraft and crews seamlessly integrate with the various other firefighting assets on the island.

What next?

Overall, the training programme has been an excellent exposure to some of the variety of tasks and requirements that can be expected in Puma’s new role on 84 Sqn. It is the outline of these roles and the real-world exposure that has helped to shape the evolving mindset of those in the Puma Force who are preparing to deploy out to Cyprus early next year.

Due to formally hand over the role on 31st Mar 2023, Cyprus Flight of 33 Squadron continue their preparations to develop a flying skillset and mentality for their ever-developing role and the challenges that may lie ahead at RAF Akrotiri. The programme has been an incredible success with the motivations of crews rejuvenated as we look forward to this exciting new chapter in the story of the Puma Force.

Flt Lt Cumming

STEAM Event

On the 4th of October 2022, RAF Recruiting & Selection (R&S) arrived at Thorpe Park in style and had no parking to pay! The Partnerships Director Graeme Lawrie MBE, for ACS International Schools brought together the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) event which saw ten thousand young people from schools across the South East descend upon a privately hired Thorpe Park for the day.

RAF R&S began planning with 28(AC) Squadron to see how the RAF in the South East could engage with young people enthusiastic about STEAM. For Outreach and Engagement in R&S South East, the reach that this event would provide for the service in the area would be unprecedented given that a typical daily visit to an average secondary school could yield around 1000 young people maximum!

be taken elsewhere. The sole Chinook was also required for training and as such, the plan changed again.

Once Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) Commitments were satisfied that all rules were adhered to and that the Air Safety Teams for RAF Benson and RAF Odiham were happy, the “task” was approved and in came RAF Benson’s own Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS). The Mobile Air

product to the flying crews. This enabled a safe and informed landing into the site at a much-reduced risk to all involved, including the general public!

To deliver service personnel, not based at RAF Benson to a landing site, not in the Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) directory takes a lot of engagement with key stakeholders and risk owners. Initially the concept was for staff instructors on 28(AC) Squadron to conduct mixed type formation training of a Puma and a Chinook to deliver the personnel, then display the aircraft on the ground with a selection of station personnel to display what is required to deliver two helicopters to Thorpe Park. As always, no plan survives contact! The Puma’s shift in focus towards imminent redeployment to Brunei and Cyprus meant resources had to

Operations Team (MAOT) personnel within JHSS once again became the eyes of the crews at ground level prior to arrival. A thorough recce was carried out in an unfamiliar and unusual setting to provide a

The single Chinook could not remain on the ground for the whole event due to other training requirements but did return to pick up the passengers! There was a short period when the helicopter was shut down to engage and interact with the young people to inspire the potential recruits of tomorrow. The event was supported by Queen’s Colour Sqn RAF Regiment, the Band of the RAF and No 2 Mechanical Transport (MT) Sqn.

Many photos were taken, ITV news reported, and it became the most successful event of its kind with a 99.7% satisfaction rating shaping ten thousand young people’s impressions of the Royal Air Force and RAF Benson. Gp Capt R&S wanted to pass on their immense thanks to 28(AC) Sqn, JHSS, RAF Benson and JHC for their flexibility and support.

VTX

FS Pickett

263, Quicquid agas age

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

RAF Recruiting at Thorpe Park.

Station Net Zero Committee

As I write this, the 27th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP 27) is underway in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The UNFCCC is the parent convention of the 2015 Paris Agreement, which sets an aim to keep the global average temperature rise this century as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

A rejuvenated RAF Benson Net Zero Committee has been reflecting on the progress Defence is making in the climate change sphere and where we stand as a committee on the path to net zero. In 2019, the UK Government made a legal commitment to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050; Defence accounts for 50% of the UK central Government’s emissions.

UK Defence has set its own strategic approach which addresses three key areas; Adaptation and Resilience, the changing nature of operations and geopolitical instability which climate change may cause; Global Leadership, leading the response to emerging geopolitical and conflict-related threats that are exacerbated by climate change; and Sustainability and Net Zero – which is where the Net Zero Committee looks to contribute.

Whilst leaving the other two areas to the academics and military commanders, RAF Benson’s Net Zero Committee is supporting the Sustainability and Net Zero pillar through; gathering evidence, research, promoting cultural change in our working practise and liaising with our community to reduce our environmental impact on our neighbours.

RAF Leeming is leading the charge to Net Zero, with the aim to be so by 2025. In due course, Leeming will share its successes and the hurdles along the way. They have been able increase their green space to capture carbon from the atmosphere and install solar energy panels, all without disruption to airfield operations.

In the meantime, the Net Zero Committee has invited academics from Oxford University to evaluate our starting point towards net zero, to challenge our working practises and identify novel means of improvement. In the not too distance future Benson can expect electric vehicle charging points for Service vehicles. Though few of them initially, some will be available for general use - a step in the right direction. The Committee is designing a survey to establish the need and desire for further electric vehicle charging points, and to gather evidence to hasten the introduction of more. Additionally, the Committee is supporting a renovation project of Ewelme brook, restoring the natural landscape in our close community.

The committee is seeking enthusiastic individuals and inquisitive minds to build their membership, diversify their lines of enquiry and increase their influence across station. If you are interested in joining, please contact Flt Lt Tom Mullins of 33 Sqn. For those with perhaps a more niche interest in the net zero sphere, educational field trips with a final stop at the Pub are also on the agenda!

ST Helen's Tel 01993 256 345 Free delivery

The problem: without better ventilation the Bell Ringers were unable to meet Covid mitigation measures - and the bells fell silent for most of the pandemic. Not anymore! For those folk in the village, when you hear the bells, its thanks to GEF!

Flt Lt Mullins

Simple to make the window you think? Not when it is a special building needing permissions, design approval, and some exacting specifications. Add to that an old Victorian main frame, not flat and not uniform in shape. Matt had his work cut out - literally! But four months down the road, with numerous visits to the church tower to ‘fit and fix’, and hours of his own time in the workshop, the job was done. Well-done Matt!

This superb item is one of many contributions that RAF Benson has made to the village over the years, and it is much appreciated.

Bell Tower Captain Mr John Tchighianoff, together with his venerable team of village Bell Ringers, is seen here congratulating Matt Dawson for his fine efforts. Matt is on the right in uniform looking smart and angelic.

Church • TYRES, EXHAUSTS & BATTERIES • LASER WHEEL ALIGNMENT • WHEEL BALANCING • PUNCTURE REPAIRS • AIR-CON SERVICING 01491 824145 FORCES DISCOUNT GIVEN www.wallingfordtyres.com Ayres Yard, Station Road, Wallingford OX10 0JZ

General Engineering Flight (GEF) at RAF Benson, and in particular AS1(T) Matt Dawson, have received a well-deserved ‘thank you’ from Benson Village Parish Council Church and the village Bell Ringing Team, for the fantastic work they displayed in manufacturing the opening church window for St Helen’s Church, shown in the photographs below.

Flt Lt Pete Allan

RAF Visit

RAF Association members from both Rugby and Wantage Branches visited RAF Benson on the 19th of Oct 22 to experience a front-line unit in its current form. The visit was 2 years in the making due to COVID-19 restrictions and was the request of the Rugby RAFA Branch in memory of Flying Officer Stephen Realf. The visit started with a shock of capture, where the visitors were greeted off the coach by a Drill Instructor and were ordered to march (poorly) to a Chinook aircraft of 28 Sqn for a group photograph. This was followed by a visit and an in-depth capability display.

33 Sqn was the next part of the visit where the guests were treated to an excellent tea break in the aircrew crew room, followed by a tour around a Puma aircraft.

The RAF Benson Ethos and Heritage Facility provided an opportunity for the visitors to view the Station in its former glory, look at passed achievements,

and look at the transformation in capability to today’s RAF.

Lunch was served in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess in the presence of OC Base Support Wing. The phrases: ‘It weren’t like this in my day!’, and ‘you lot don’t realise how good you have it’, were heavily overused! RAFA members provided very positive feedback on the high quality food on offer and the excellent service provided, as always.

Last, but definitely not least on the agenda was a visit to the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS). The visitors were treated to an in-depth presentation of their current commitments and capabilities. Afterwards was a chance for the visitors to look at some of the specialist equipment utilised by JHSS and talk to Sqn members.

The visit was the final wish of a 25-year-old Flying Officer Stephen Realf, who passed away as a result of an aggressive brain tumour in 2014. In his will, Stephen directed that a proportion of his estate be given to the Rugby RAFA

Branch for the purposes of keeping his veteran friends in contact with the RAF of today. The RAF Benson RAFA Committee was honoured to support this wish, and welcomed the visit of the Rugby RAFA Branch members.

The visit could not have been a success without the support from all Sqn’s, Sections and nominated personnel to showcase RAF Benson output. A massive thank you to all involved!

If any personnel wish to be part of the Station RAFA Committee or become a RAFALO, please contact the Secretary – AS1 Jessica Swinford-Smith (MT) for more details. A very high profile and worthwhile Associated Duty.

For more information on roles, welfare, support or fundraising, visit RAFA.org.uk

FS Gaz Kane

Station RAFA Committee Chair, Visit ProjO FS MT

Royal Air Forces Association Rugby and Wantage Visit.

KERNOW EAGLE

July was my first experience of adventurous training with the RAF. I chose to attend Kernow Eagle for 5 days on 2529 July. The week was led by the Robson Resilience Academy at RAF St Mawgan.

We were a group of 6 from RAF Benson and made up a third of the group. The weather was glorious, and we were ready for a week of challenging skill and teamwork.

It was my first visit to RAF St Mawgan and after our Monday brief our time was our own. Sqn Ldr Bucknell took some of us on a little walk around the very quiet base. It was interesting and he shared some good stories about how the base has changed over the years.

Our first activity was survival and lifesaving skills down on the beach at Newquay Bay. We started learning techniques on how to get into the water, and how to keep moving forward against the waves. We had a go at trying to approach a swimmer in distress and then practised saving one another. We then had a competition where we had to go out and around our instructor using the life raft. This was very frustrating as the waves would push you sideways, sweeping you away from your target in a matter of minutes.

After lunch we were coasteering. As a group we had spoken about this and how we were feeling. Initially I was ok and managed to jump from the first two

RAF St Mawgan Fear, Frustration, and Relaxation.

heights, but while waiting to jump from the highest one the instructed said ‘mind that rock’. This threw me and meant that I was no longer comfortable, and the fear set in. We moved around and tried some other jumps which I liked. It was very noticeable how my emotion changed depending on the surrounds of the jump. This was something that the instructors wanted us to be aware of.

Wednesday saw us surfing at Watergate Bay; this was the activity I was most looking forward to. Watergate Bay was massive, however quickly became very busy with holiday makers and other people learning to surf. We spent a while on land learning the drills to stand up, before being let loose to have a go. Our group was varied in skill level, some people picked the skills up very quickly, and others took a bit more time. Like Tuesday, we had to battle against the waves to get out far enough to get a good spot to start riding the wave. Frustration set in again, especially once you had a go and then fell off within seconds and had to swim out again. After lunch we spoke about our feelings and emotions and how we could implement the lessons into everyday life; we discussed working as a team or alone, and not being too proud to ask for help. As we got more confident, we would forget about our technique drills and end up falling off the board or nose diving, however, when we are asked for feedback

from the instructor we improved; this can be true in life too.

Very quickly it was Thursday, and our last day of activities. Paddleboarding was the most relaxing of all the actives in my opinion. We all took to the technique very well, probably because we had done the hardest activities in the days before and our kinaesthetic awareness was more acute. It was also the hottest day by far and we had to dip into the sea every now and then to cool off. We went to a secluded beach where we saw a sea lion enjoying himself, bobbing along in the sea, before paddling to Charlestown where we enjoyed a bit of site seeing, including seeing where Poldark was filmed. We all reflected upon how lucky we were with the weather and how calm and relaxed the day had been.

Over the three days we had all experienced very different emotions in a short space of time. It is import in life to try and be able to recognise when our emotions are spilling over our own capacity to control them and find ways to bring them back down to a place where we can think clearly. HeadFit is an app which all Military personnel can use to assist with this. On our last evening we visited Rick Steins Fish & Chip restaurant on Fistrel Bay and witnessed a glorious sunset, ending a wonderful Kernow Eagle experience.

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Tonia Green

Station Photo Day

On the 23 of Sep 22, RAF Benson personnel came together for a Station photograph to commemorate the whole Force effort over the past few years, which has seen thousands of Service personnel navigate a complex COVID-19 environment, successfully support the extension of Puma HC Mk 2 past its original out of service date, and aptly deploy around the globe, including most recently deployments to Brunei and Cyprus.

After an excellent day of snapping photos, RAF Benson’s Photographic Section have produced a range of superb images, all of which showcase the RAF Benson effort, be that at Station Level, Wing Level or Section Level.

Flt Lt Vanessa Fields

The hop (not so short, trust us!) to the far east island of Borneo saw Flt Lt Miller and MAcr Attridge, two JHSS Mobile Air Operations Team Leaders (MAOTLs), deploy once again to the jungle training areas of British Forces Brunei (BFB).

ARMY EXPO 22

This time they partnered up with the Airborne Sappers of 9 Parachute Sqn, Royal Engineers (9RE) to optimise and validate Helicopter Landing Points (LPs) for the much-anticipated arrival of the Puma into theatre.

The initial phase consisted of joint planning between 667 Sqn Army Air Core who were flying the Bell 212 (which retired from service in Sep 22), the MAOTLs and 9RE to produce a schedule of works. This was followed by jungle in-situ guidance to the Sappers at each LP before assuring their work for Puma and extracting by helicopter. Work was fast paced in temperatures in the mid-30s with up to 95% humidity at times, making it a hot and sweaty task when bouncing from LP to LP to meet the tight schedule. Such a compact schedule brings to mind “the plan is nothing, but planning is everything!”.

In what often resembled a scene from ‘Planet Earth’, both MAOTL’s were

ferried across ‘the sea of broccoli’ that is the Bruneian jungle as part of their daily commute to work. On arrival in the jungle the one thing that immediately hits you apart from the heat is the noise; if it’s not the cacophony of cicadas and the continuous ‘fire alarm’ bugs, it’s the clouds of ‘mini-bees’ that swarm on to anything and everything that stands still for a moment. In rare moments of quiet, the mumblings of the MAcr could be heard saying things like “this one time on Pumas” and “back in the day” or the excited enthusiasm of the Flt Lt every time he spotted anything that remotely looked like it might try and bite, sting or eat him! All good things come to an end and with the task complete it was time to return to Benson and leave 1563 (Puma) Flight to start heading into the jungle LPs and get ready for their new role supporting the BFB Garrison.

Flt Lt Scott Miller

The Army Expo for 2022 was held at Copehill Down Village with a number of ‘stands’ demonstrating the latest military technology, including the Challenger 3 tank, Boxer and the new Apache.

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) were tasked with supporting the ‘Warfighter’ stand lead by 1 Aviation Brigade Army Air Core. Designed to demonstrate the integration of Joint Helicopter Command and 16 Air Assault Brigade, a combination of Wildcat and Apache helicopters began the demonstration assisted with Pyrotechnics. This was followed by an insert of troops by a Chinook at Copehill Down.

As part of the demonstration, VIPs were invited on board the Chinooks to gain an appreciation of airborne assaults and experience what it’s like being a modernday soldier.

Aircraft safety briefs were delivered by JHSS at the Deptford Down airstrip. The drive, which required the use of a JHSS Land Rover, was extremely challenging, and pushed the skills of the Driver to the limit!

On the third day, the Chief of the General Staff and guests from the Treasury arrived via Chinook. The landing area south of Copehill Down was recce’d by JHSS in advance of the Expo, which provided reassurance that the aircraft was safe to land. JHSS also assisted with Ground to Air communication and set up the landing point which allowed for a smooth transition to the awaiting transport.

Overall, JHSS successfully supported the Expo, having received extremely positive feedback from the VIPs who attended.

“I’m not a celebrity, get me back in there”

Held Annually, the Army Expo is a 5-day event to showcase the British Army, allowing engagement between industry partners, senior military ranks, and government officials on next generation capabilities.

Fg Off Ben Wightman

ASTRA AWARDS

The Royal Air Force celebrated the innovative ideas and creativity of our whole force at the Astra Awards on 27 October 2022.

Astra is the RAF’s journey to the next generation Air Force, and our people, their ideas, and their innovations are at the heart of its success. Our ability to think differently, challenge the status quo and innovate will be fundamental to our success. The Astra Awards celebrate the innovative achievements of individuals and teams across the RAF and provide a platform for networking, with each other and with our Industry Partners.

Hundreds of people from across the whole force, including Service Personnel, Civil Servants, Industry Partners and representatives from RAF Charities gathered in Sunderland Hall at the RAF Museum for an evening of sharing ideas and celebrating Astra achievements.

Astra has had many successes in the past year and the Awards recognised some of the most inspirational people, ingenious ideas, and the incredible impact they’ve had on operations in the UK and overseas.

The award winners were:

• Astra Ecosystem Award (sponsored by Fujitsu) – RAF Benson

• Astra Innovation Award (sponsored by Harmonic) – Project BLUEPRINT, RAF Police Astra Innovative Award (sponsored by Inzpire) – Flight Sergeant Fleming, RAF Lossiemouth

• Astra Sustainability Award (sponsored by Jacobs) – Project BIOFUEL, RAF Northolt

• Astra Contribution to Operations Award (sponsored by Lockheed Martin UK)Project ARISTAEUS, RAF Honington

• Astra Ambitious and Imaginative Award (sponsored by BAE Systems) – Corporal Hancox, RAF Brize Norton Technology Innovation Centre

• Astra Ambassador Award (sponsored by Thales) – Corporal Lightfoot, RAF Lossiemouth

• People’s Choice Award (sponsored by Babcock) – Corporal Reed, RAF Lossiemouth Astra Core Team Award (sponsored by Leonardo) – Project CADMIUM PLATING, RAF Wittering

• Chief of the Air Staff’s Creativity Award –Sgt Jones, Centre of Aviation Medicine

Air Vice-Marshal Simon Edwards, the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Strategy), said: “Every organisation is on a journey, from where it is today to where it’s going. The Royal Air Force vision is to be the most operationally successful, agile and, most importantly, innovative Air Force in the world. Astra is the name we’ve given to the journey that we’re on and innovation is key to that. When I speak to people involved in Astra, there’s a real buzz. We’re really proud of all of the Astra Sprints that have been brought to life and it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate the fabulous success stories at the Astra Awards.”

Astra Ecosystem Award, sponsored by Fujitsu Winner: RAF Benson

The RAF Benson Ecosystem is active and thriving, working across all aspects of Station life and, across all ranks. They have consistently demonstrated innovation and inclusivity, with ambitious initiatives and Sprints, seeing the projects through from proposal, to testing, and implementation across the busy operational unit. No idea is too big or too small, and the whole force consistently work together to drive changes that bring us closer to a next generation RAF.

RAF Benson wins ASTRA Ecosystem Award.

• It’s our free online platform exclusively for RAF personnel and their partners.

• Covering a range of self-directed topics tailored to life in the RAF.

• The course can be accessed anonymously, either as a couple or separately.

• It aims to equip you with the communication skills and strategies to get the best out of your relationships.

We also provide relationship counselling and mediation support.

SC AN ME W IT H YO UR CA ME RA

The

Benevolent

Morning Sport

“08:04 in the morning and we’re being beasted”, he muttered as we finished the intense warmup of our Tuesday morning mandatory Air Traffic Control (ATC) circuits session.

It had been less than a month since our bi-weekly section sport sessions had turned into weekly PTI-led circuits, and they were not for the faint of heart. Every session entailed generous helpings of press-ups, burpees, sprints, and the occasional bear crawl. Safe to say, the change of pace didn’t go down well. In fact, it often came straight back up, in a liquid, on the grass outside the fire exit.

Herein lies the obvious dichotomy: we need fit, healthy war fighters, however, taking people’s time away from their primary role will surely reduce their output, won’t it?

For ATC, it was a long road that took that dreaded one-hour circuits session at 8am on a Tuesday and turned it into a coveted, fun, sport-session.

Pre-COVID, our mandated circuits were ill-attended and cancelled frequently, with all manner of excuses… low staffing, very early flights, the dog ate our motivation… Truly though, we needed to address the root of the problem.

The problem was WHY?

Why is it important to get together as a Sqn and have a run around?

Why is it important to socialise in a non-work environment where rank is neutralised?

Why is important to develop relationships between team members that have depth and texture?

Only the masochistic few enjoyed a 110% effort circuits session at 8AM, and it was an event that the majority sought to dodge in one way or another. Also, it was an individual activity. There were limited ripple-effect benefits that found their way into the workplace.

We came to the realisation that our morning phys’ sessions were about a lot more than just raising the heart rate and burning some calories.

Since crafting a culture of sportonly sessions in our Tuesday morning slot, the changes have been dramatic. Attendance has been massively improved, with people even trying to shift swap to join-in, even when on night shift. There

is an excited anticipation when warming up and picking teams. It’s also a complete leveller of the work-environment playing field that rank would usually dominate.

We play many different sports which are ‘led’ by different people each week, and find we have the most fun when there aren’t really any experts; we are all just as equally terrible – Uni-hoc, Ultimate Frisbee and Badminton to name a few. Recently we have teamed up with another Sqn and roped them into our session to boost the numbers even further!

At the time of writing this, I’m injured and can’t participate in our weekly sessions.

I honestly miss them. However, it does give me a unique viewpoint each session from the side lines. I see conversations and invites to station sports teams. I see junior individuals adopting leadership roles due to their abilities. I see two Squadrons breaking down barriers. I see our team healthily battling adversities for an hour. I see friendships develop through interaction sparked by sport. I see people pushing themselves physically, not because they have to, but because they WANT to.

8AM sport on Tuesday morning wakes us all up for the day. Not only are we firing productively on all cylinders by the time we get to work, but we are also better equipped both physically and mentally for the challenges of the day.

Mandatory sport sessions you say? Try and take it off us!

“This is rats mate” panted Luke, the Sergeant next to me.

Sgt Jedd Williams

Defence Road Safety Awards

The aim of the DRSA is to promote safe driving standards and recognise effective road safety campaigns and initiatives delivered across Defence through the award of the prestigious Rose Bowl trophy. The idea is as true today as it was at its introduction, as vehicle-related accidents remain the second largest cause of non-operational fatalities and injuries after training. Every year this event is met with multiple submissions from all over defence competing through raising awareness of road safety within their organisations/units.

The award is open to all MOD Units, organisations, and contractors. It requires them to input a submission detailing all the road safety campaigns they have run on station over the year, and the events they have held during Road Safety Week itself. The competition comprises three different categories. Category 1; major units that have an active road safety team of 4 or more personnel, Category 2; minor units, that have an active road safety team of 1-4 personnel, and Category 3; nominations.

There are two awards within the nominated category: ‘Innovative’ and ‘Recognition’. Innovative is given to a unit, team, or individual that has demonstrated or illustrated an innovative idea towards Road Safety. Recognition is given to an outside organisation that has supported and contributed to Defence Road Safety. The last award given is a commendation from the judging panel to a unit, team, or individual

that has shown a significant contribution and innovative campaign which improves

Judging panel citation: “This year the judging panel agreed that the submission from RAF Benson was well laid out and illustrated. It was very clear that the unit road safety team had been extremely proactive throughout the year. Evidence showed that analysis of accident statistics was key to enable the road safety team to target and plan road safety initiatives. The road safety team is highly commended for a well thought out submission which demonstrated a high level of internal and external proactive engagement. Internally, through changing road layouts, and externally, through engagement with the local community, providing education, raising awareness, and promoting road

the driving standards and safety of their road users.

On the 5th of October, four personnel from RAF Benson travelled to the Defence School of Transport, Leconfield, to attend the Defence Road Safety Awards. For our Road Safety submission for the 2021 Rose Bowl competition, RAF Benson placed 3rd overall.

safety for all. The road safety team are congratulated for their achievements and for their efforts RAF Benson are awarded 3rd place.”

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

The Defence Road Safety Awards were introduced in 1998 to increase the profile of road safety within Defence.

AS1 Swinford-Smith

Cogswell Memorial

‘Lady Luck’ was with us again for the unveiling of the new Cogswell Memorial.

On October 26th at 11.00am, Major Dave Shealy of the United States Air Force (currently serving as an exchange officer at RAF Benson), Squadron Leader Sam Bennett (RAF Odiham), and members of the Alresford branch of the Royal Airforce Association, came together to unveil a new memorial to WWII American pilot, Captain Robert Cogswell.

In 1943, Cogswell ordered his crew to bail out of his failing B-17F Flying Fortress and piloted it, unexploded bombs still on board, away from New Alresford town to crash land on the north-eastern side of Alresford Pond. The B-17 earned its name that day, the 'Lady Luck', although Captain Cogswell was later Killed in Action over Korea.

The Alresford Society, Alresford Town Council, and Alresford Historical & Literary

Society banded together to create a new memorial following concerns raised by American visitors and town locals. They were dismayed by the sadly decayed state of the original, wooden memorial. Erected by the self-same sponsors in 2003, it was no longer a fitting tribute to the brave men and the important presence of American troops in and around the town in WWII.

The site for the new granite memorial, with the original brass plaques and accompanying information board, is behind The Soke, looking across Alresford Pond, which provided a (relatively) safe landing place.

Precisely on cue, heavy rain on the morning of the 26th cleared away which left sunshine, medals, Stars & Stripes, a RAFA banner, and even a bugler to play the Last Post. Rather splendid.

Jan Field Chairman, The Alresford Society

Padre's Piece

Stand up for joy

In their latest seasonal TV advert, one of the UK supermarket giants has formed a fictional political party called ‘The Christmas Party’ that is campaigning to ‘Stand up for joy’ this winter. Recognising the financial pressures being faced by many, they want everyone to still enjoy the ‘best bits of Christmas’, whatever their budget.

What are your ‘best bits of Christmas’?

I love all the trimmings – the decorations, mince pies, Christmas pudding, crackers, family gatherings, the Sovereign’s Speech, singing carols, present giving and, of course, the brussel sprouts!

The best bit for me by far, though, is the historical account of the very first Christmas. The real Christmas story tells us that God, in His great love for us, became human like us and walked among us. Far from being one of the trimmings, He is central to what Christmas is actually about!

The giving of God’s gift of eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ, is the ultimate reality of His love for each and every one of us. It’s not a gift we earn through rank, qualifications, or anything that we do, but one we freely receive, something to celebrate and give thanks for.

There’s often a kind of a longing at Christmas, a nostalgia, perhaps a reminder of how life used to be, or how life could or should have been but maybe never was, dreams and memories, or perhaps somewhere a lump in the throat, where joy seems far away.

How will you ‘stand up for joy’ this Christmas? What will help you focus on the things that really matter? Could it be through spending more time with your family? How about serving neighbours or others who are lonely, hurting or grieving? What about forgiving someone who has hurt or wronged you? Perhaps look out for people who might be struggling disproportionately in this moment, listening out for quiet pleas for help and offering support, encouragement and care where you are able.

As we approach the coming months with all that the New Year may bring and whatever we may face, remember you are not alone. The birth of Jesus assures us of one unshakeable truth: that Immanuel –which means ‘God with us’ – is with us in each of our situations and circumstances: the highs and lows, the ebbs and flows, the changes and challenges of daily life, if only we will let Him be.

The Padres are always happy to listen and join you for a chat and a brew. Please do also check out social media and Chaplaincy notice boards for details of all our Christmas services and eventseveryone is most welcome!

Wishing you all ‘the best bits’, peace and joy this Christmastide and into 2023.

Padre Paul Stephens

RAF BENSON GOLF

Meandering amongst the parkland, woodland, heathland, and championship courses of South-East England has been a labour of love for those consumed by the green and pleasant land. Golf is more than just a pastime. It’s a dutiful hike in often stunning countryside with colleagues and opponents. It’s a character-building and energetic exercise, requiring mental and physical fortitude along with skill and endeavour. It’s a cognitive challenge, player versus course versus opponent…

2022 has been a sterling year for the 50+ members of the golfing fraternity on base. Monthly training days take place where members pit their artistry against each other, and the course, in a determined effort to be selected for the RAF Benson golf team. Winter courses start on higher ground in an often-vain attempt to escape the drenched fairways and mud-ridden terrain. Spring dries the earth enabling descent to the lowlands and summer

Mark Twain’s claim that ‘Golf is a good walk spoiled’ appears to have fallen on deaf ears at RAF Benson.

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational

heralds the welcome donning of shorts and polo shirts. Autumn becomes fresher, leaves fall making balls harder to find in the copper-coloured foliage. Selection for the representative team leads to the Inter-Station battle for the Chiltern league trophy, which is eagerly fought between competitors from Benson, Halton, Northwood, Northolt, High Wycombe and, from next year, Odiham. Teams are selected two weeks before the match based on current form and results from the monthly training days. 2022 proved a vintage year after games at Aylesbury, Wallingford, Sudbury, Marlow and Stanmore resulted in RAF Benson topping the table and bringing the trophy back after a nail-biting finish in the final fixture.

The RAF Golf Association organises several competitions throughout the golf season which were well attended this year by Station golf players. Playing in individual, pairs and team events in a competitive environment is both fun and demanding and the skills learnt can be transferred back to the workplace to improve communication, team building and resource management. RAF Benson had some creditable results in competitions this year with several individual and pairs top-three spots and a generous sprinkling of top-ten position. Other matches pitted us against Royal Ascot, where we ended up victorious, and a well-attended Station championships at the local Springs golf club. Our annual pilgrimage to RAF Lakenheath to compete against the Americans in a Ryder Cup style format also ended in a well fought triumph for the visitors.

So, in summary, Benson golf is in fine form with a robust committee of volunteers enabling the sport to be played in multiple formats and exciting venues throughout the year. Everybody is welcome, irrespective of ability, so come and join us in a thriving environment of sporting activity and positivity.

RAF Hockey Indoor Championships

On Wednesday the 19th of October, eight intrepid players from RAF Benson made the long journey to RAF Shawbury for a day of fast paced indoor hockey.

Our team was made up of Sgt Jess Bailey, Cpl James Havlin, Cpl Danny Lee, Cpl Ryan O’loughlin, AS1 Harry Jones, AS1 Ben Sheahan, AS1 Richard (Shep) Shepard and myself.

Players from RAF Stations all over the UK converged to see who was the best. Unfortunately, two teams had to drop out at the last moment leaving 6 playing teams. On arrival, we found the schedules had changed and our first match was pushed up to the first match of the day! We took our positions hurriedly and started playing. We went behind 0-1 but we quickly went on the attack and levelled the score. As the final whistle sounded, we were denied the chance to take the lead.

Despite our next games being losses, they were competitive battles throughout and the superior teams had to fight very hard to get past our defensive play and goalkeeper! Over the whole day our goal difference was -6! not bad for a team that travelled the furthest that morning and played on the day.

As we played, we learned to grow and form as a team, and took the games in good competitive spirit. With friendships

renewed with players from other Stations, new friends made, and hopefully some good rivalries for the next Indoor games made (watch out Brize!), we returned home heads held high. We will all take this experience forward to the coming matches this season. Congratulations to the combined RAF High Wycombe/Halton team for winning on the day!

Many thanks to all who made the journey and special thanks to all the sections who were willing and able to release players for the day.

We will be having monthly games with the Eastern Region league being held at RAF Wyton on the first Thursday every month, to ensure we continue to grow the sport back up at RAF Benson.

If anyone wishes to come and join the hockey team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. From those who have never picked up a stick, to experienced players, all are welcome. Training is currently indoors at the Stn Gym every Tuesday 17:00-18:00.

Sgt John Arnott OIC RAF Benson Hockey john.arnott236@mod.gov.uk

Flt Lt Keith Mercer. OIC RAF Benson golf.

HIVE – The HIVE Information Officer, Mrs Janine Ansty-Bridges is situated between in the Community Centre where a warm welcome awaits you.

The RAF Benson HIVE Service supports the Chain of Command and tri-Service community through the provision of up to date and relevant information.

RAF HIVE Information Officer can provide an extensive range of information on relocation, local facilities, schools and further education, housing, healthcare facilities, employment and training opportunities. Information on future relocations is one of the key areas of information support and is available either in advance or on arrival at the receiving unit. RAF HIVE staff are also involved in providing Operational deployment support, including distributing deployment support resources.

If you would like to contact me, please email BEN-BSW-HIO@mod. gov.uk or call 01491 827213.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM

Community Support Officer – Meg Wickett – BEN-BSW-CDO@mod.gov.uk

Station Community Support Officer – WO Phil Withey – BEN-BSW-SCSO@mod.gov.uk

Padre 1 Rev (Sqn Ldr) Paul Stephens – paul.stephens104@mod.gov.uk

Padre 2 Revd (Sqn Ldr) Philip Wilson - Philip.Wilson126@mod.gov.uk

Chaplaincy Clk – Mrs Sharon Waters –sharon.waters934@mod.gov.uk

Stn Youth Worker – Hannah Wilson –Hannah.Wilson@oneymca.org

Deborah Wise (Personal and Family Support Worker) - Deborah.wise@ssafa.org.uk

Faye Grant (Personal and Family Support Worker) - Faye.grant@ssafa.org.uk

Kathy Porat (Welfare Administrator) - Kathy.porat@ssafa.org.uk

Amy Suttling (Social Work Team Lead) -  Amy.suttling@ssafa.org.uk

Joanne Harper (Social Work Regional Manager) - Joanne.harper@ssafa.org.uk

Welcome to RAF Benson Gathering

the Common Room, right hand side of the Shuttleworth Mess for a free coffee and followed by a windscreen tour of the Station. Open to everyone.

The Community Support Team will be there every 1st Wednesday of every month from 1000 – 1130.

We look forward to meeting you all soon.

Weekly Clinics

Mortgage Advice Clinic – Appointments held fortnightly on Thursdays with representatives of Lexion Financial Services.

Solicitor Clinic - Appointments held every alternate Wednesdays with Richard Rodway from the Head Partnership in Henley. To book an appointment, please contact the HIVE Information Officer on Ext 7213 or email: BEN-BSW-HIO@mod.gov.uk

Community Support Weekly Planner Stn Church Morning Prayer every Mon – Fri 0830 – 0900, every Thursday Catalyst Christian Bible Group from 1800 – 1930.

For more information email: BEN-BSW-Chaplaincy@mod.gov.uk

Playgroups

Little Cherubs Structured Playgroup

– Sessions run every Monday & Thursday morning from 0930 – 1130 in the Soft Play Area, Community Centre.

Oxfordshire Play Association – Sessions run every Tuesday 1000 -1200 in the Soft Play Area, Community Centre and Saturdads runs every other Saturday. For more information email: BEN-BSW-HIO@mod.gov.uk

Airplay Groups

Ben Club – Session run every Tuesday from 1615 – 1730 for children aged 5 – 8 years.

Inters Youth Club – Session runs every Tuesday 1800 – 2000 for children aged 12+ Airplay Juniors – Session runs every Wednesday from 1630 – 1800 for children aged 8 – 10 years.

For more information regarding these groups, email: Hannah.Wilson@oneymca.org

Scouting Groups

Cubs – Group runs every Monday from 1830 -2000 for children aged 8 – 10.5 years.

Beavers – Group runs every Tuesday from 1800 – 1930 for children aged 6 – 8 years.

Scouts – Group runs every Wednesday from 1830 – 2030 for children aged 10.5 – 14 years.

Explorers – Group runs every Friday from 1900 – 2100 for children aged 14 – 18 years.

For more information about scouting, email: Raf-benson@thameschilternscouts.org.uk

Girlguiding Groups

Rainbows – 1700 – 1815

Brownies – 1800 – 1930

Guides – 1800 – 1930

Groups runs every Thursday, for more details email: yvetteandduncan@btinternet.com

Station Cinema

Friday - 1930 – Adults Only

Saturday - 1000 – Open to all Sunday 1400 – Open to all

For more information email: BEN-CinemaClub@mod.gov.uk

Thrift Shop

Monday – 0930 – 1130

Tuesday 0830 – 1030 Wednesday 0930 – 1130

First Saturday of every month – 1000 – 12-00 For more information email: Simon.Bird869@mod.gov.uk

Ceramics Club – Monday 1830 – 20.30, email: Jennifer.brown323@mod.gov.uk

Oxfordshire Mind – Tuesday 0830 – 1630, email: RAFBENSON@oxfordshiremind.org.uk

BROGA – Tuesday - 1200 – 1300, Bookings through the Myzone App via the gym.

Military Wives Choir – Wednesday

1900 – 2045 held in the church –benson@militarywiveschoir.org

–

Airplay Forum – Session runs every Wednesday from 1830 – 1930.

Mission: To deliver Support Helicopter operational capability

Are you newly arrived into station and want to meet the Station Community Support Team? Why not pop along to

Percy & Willy

By: FS Dave Mccrindle

Illustration

H175M Ready for duty