FAREWELL TO WO HAMMOND Station

In January, the RAF Halton bid farewell to WO Sarah-Louise Hammond after she retired from the Royal Air Force after over 35 years’ service. WO Hammond tells her story:

"On 27 Aug 87 (having already attested into the Royal Air Force), I boarded the train from Carlisle Citadel Railway Station to Newark Northgate to begin the biggest adventure of my life. Originally signing on for 9 years in Regular Service plus a further 6 years in Reserve Service; little did I know that I would be still serving 35 years later and be the last of my phase 1 intake and phase 2 training intake to leave the RAF.

I have served all over the country, beginning at RAF Swinderby, Aldershot for basic training and phase 2 trade training in Logistics Catering at St Omer Barracks in Aldershot. I then met her future husband, Andy, who was serving as a Chef at RAF Brampton. Further postings were to RAF Machrihanish, RAF Marham, RAF Odiham, RAF Coltishall, RAF Waddington, RAF Aldergrove, RAF Halton (RAF School of Catering), MOD Worthy Down, RAF Leeming and finally back to RAF Halton: firstly as a 22 Gp RAW TG 19 Analyst and completing my final tour as the Station Catering Liaison Officer. My best posting was RAF Halton (2nd & 3rd time) working as the TG 19 analyst helping shape the future of TG 19 training and as the SCLO, making sure that the troops received the CRL services required.

Throughout this lively career, I have undertaken numerous detachments including two tours in the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Decimomannou, Iraq, UAE and two tours in Oman plus various detachments in support of 3 Mobile Catering Support Unit (as it was known) and even a cheeky one to Carlisle Airport. I’ve had a varied and interesting career that has also included serving the senior Royal Family including the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, heads of the British Armed Forces in MOD London, numerous politicians and the Head of the US Air Force. My best det was Iraq, especially undertaking vehicle escort duties and going out on search duties with the RAF Regiment - it was bit worrying getting shot at, but they missed!!

I have gained my teaching qualifications and NVQ Assessors award whilst at MOD Worthy Down which stands me in good stead for gaining a teaching appointment in civvy street. I have had the benefit of undertaking lots of education (gaining a HND in Hospitality Management), CPD & Station representative sport (in my younger days), also undertaking and supporting RAF Ceremonial Duties for the past 13 years. I encourage all to take advantage of these opportunities as well as the secondary duties available. On an end note, grab every opportunity you can to make yourself a better person and be able to influence those around you whilst having the moral courage to admit you can be wrong regardless of who you are… Pe Ardua Ad Astra"

Following an interview with the Group Captain Garwood, RAF Halton Station Commander, WO Hammond was presented with a white trilby hat as a personalised alternative to the traditional bowler hat signifying her retirement from military life and the beginning of