Marham Matters - Summer 2022

The

Royal

Force Marham

EDITOR: Diane Wilson

Email: diane.wilson704@ mod.gov.uk

RAF MARHAM WEB PAGE: www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham

DESIGNER:

Amanda Robinson

Email: amanda@ lancemedia.co.uk

SALES MANAGER: Jayne Bailey

Tel: (01536) 334219 Email: jayne@ lancemedia.co.uk

PRINTER: Micropress

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed by the contributors to the Marham Matters are not necessarily those of the Editor, MoD, RAF or the publishers and do not reflect Station policy. All precautions are taken to ensure accuracy. Advertisements are accepted on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. This magazine is published by kind permission of the Station Commander. All Images © Crown Copyright 2020, unless otherwise stated.

STOCKISTS:

The Surgery, Marham, Manor Farm Medical Centre, Swaffham, Plowright Medical Centre, Swaffham, The Surgery, Swaffham, Howdale Surgery, Downham Market, Hollies Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Crossings Veterinary Clinic, Downham Market, The Grove Veterinary Surgery, Swaffham, Priory Centre, Downham Market, Lynn News, King’s Lynn, St Martin’s at Shouldham VA Primary School, Marham Infant School, Marham Junior School, Downham Market Academy, Nicholas Hammond Academy, Swaffham, Town Halls in Downham Market, Kings Lynn and Swaffham, BAE, Warton, Armed Forces Careers Office in Norwich, Cambridge and Peterborough, Royal Air Force Association in Downham Market, Downham Market Air Cadets, All other RAF bases.

From the

to the Summer edition of Marham Matters.

been a busy first half of the year at RAF Marham. In this edition you will see that the Lightning Force have been busy taking part in multiple NATO exercises and 15 Squadron have been swapping the warm Norfolk weather

the snow of Alaska whilst

deployment training.

covid restrictions behind us we have been back into preparing for summer engagement activities, such as a return to the Royal Norfolk Show and the Station Families Day.

Community Support Team have prepared some summer activities and have some discounted vouchers available for days out, pop in to see them or contact them on ext 6136 to see what you can take advantage of.

are now publishing four editions of Marham Matters per year, if you have any stories or events you would like to share in the next edition please email me at diane.wilson704@mod.gov.uk

you would like to place an advert please contact Jayne at jayne@lancemedia.co.uk or by calling (01536) 334219

Station

Summer has arrived at RAF Marham and it has been wonderful to see everyone playing sport and socialising again.

We recently received a significant donation to the Grafton Club here on the Station from our generous partners in The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. With this funding we have been able to purchase new furniture enabling the space to be used in the daytime as well as for evening social events.

The flying Squadrons have been diligently preparing for more deployments after returning from recent NATO exercises in the Baltic states. In addition, 15 Squadron RAF Regiment have returned after a month away contributing to Ex Red Flag Alaska alongside some of our NATO allies.

It has been one of my highlight’s this year to be able celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum

Jubilee. It was brilliant to see so many families enjoying street parties and participating in our charity 10k run and separate duathlon race. I am also immensely proud that RAF Marham contributed to both the 70-aircraft Flypast over London and The Queen’s Pageant. Thank you and very well done to everyone who participated.

Armed Forces Day was a special day for personnel here too. I would like to thank those who proudly represented the Station across the county.

I hope to see many of you at RAF Marham’s annual Families and Friends Day which is just around the corner. It should be a fantastic day out for the whole family with an enormous variety of activities, entertainments and food – and an exciting flying display of course! I look forward to seeing you all there.

Group

15 Squadron RAF Regiment – Red Flag Alaska

15 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment

recently participated in Exercise Red Flag Alaska (RFA).

RFA is a multi-national air and ground exercise, conducted across one of the largest aerial training areas in the world. After a period of training in Fairbanks at USAF Eielson Air Force Base, 15 Squadron deployed via three US Army Chinook helicopters into a remote area of Alaska.

The Squadron had three main tasks: Securing Temporary Landing Zones for C-130 and C-17 operations; Securing Helicopter Landing Sites for US Special Forces and embedding a Combat Recovery team with 210 Rescue Squadron USAF. The snow was deep, the terrain provided a new challenge and whilst rock climbing provided a nice escape from the field conditions, the Squadron was never too far from the vast array of wildlife!

Temporary Landing Zone (TLZ). In scenario, 15 Squadron were tasked with securing a remote landing strip for coalition air assets to conduct Agile Combat Employment operations.

The landing strip was initially defended by enemy forces and had to be cleared before any Tactical Air Transport could arrive. 15 Squadron’s Sniper section provided advanced reconnaissance and overwatch, while RAF Regiment Gunners were flown by US Army Chinook helicopters, supported by US Army Apache gunships, to seize and secure the “Hot” airstrip. After hours of fighting and once the TLZ was secure, specialist RAF Tactical Air Traffic Controllers and RAF Regiment Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) established a functioning airfield enabling both UK / US C-130 and US C-17 to land on what had been an unusable airstrip. Throughout the exercise, 15 Squadron gunners were tested on their tactical ability to defend and defeat enemy threats whilst enabling air operations from a Temporary Landing Zone.

Supply Drops.

Flying up to 11 hours each day, a C-130J aircraft, operating from Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson near Anchorage, provided the

initial air drop of supplies of water, food and ammunition to the RAF Regiment on the TLZ.  Co-ordinated by the RAF Regiment JTAC attached to 15 Squadron, the air drop ensured the maintenance and uninterrupted security of the TLZ and increased the sustainability of the operation.

Sniper Teams.

During the exercise, 15 Squadron’s infamous Sniper Section were embedded with US Special Forces (Army Green Berets) to conduct a sabotage mission on enemy communication and satellite systems that posed a direct threat to air operations. The Sniper Section travelled on foot across the mountainous environment using the terrain (and snow) as concealment from the enemy. Evading the wildlife and having established an observation post, they conducted a reconnaissance mission followed by overwatch of the target. Over several hours, they gathered mission critical information concerning the pattern of life of enemy forces. The snipers then led the Green Berets to the form up point and conducted a co-ordinated attack. This protected the integrity of friendly forces communications for uninterrupted air and space power.

Combat Recovery. 15 Squadron’s Ground Extraction Force were tasked with extracting a downed pilot who was located on a remote mountainside that was inaccessible by vehicles and within an area known to be supportive of the enemy force’s efforts. Attached to USAF Pararescue (210 Rescue Squadron) the USAF Pave-Hawk helicopter moved to the last known location of the downed pilot which initiated the use of distress smoke from

the pilot marking his position. With Apache attack helicopters securing the dense woodblock to the North the Combat Recovery team rapidly took position and, hovering at 60 feet, 15 Squadron gunners fast roped down to secure the pilot and neutralise the threat. Once the threat had been neutralised a 15 Squadron gunner utilised the Pave-Hawk’s winch to hoist the pilot to safety and the remainder of the team moved to a safe pick-up location.

Car

CATERING FLIGHT FORCE

AS1 Johnson organised a three-day force development trip across North Yorkshire & Lincolnshire for eight Catering Flight personnel.

The trip began with a visit to the Yorkshire Air Museum, to develop knowledge and understanding of World War 2 and the evolution of Air & Space power to current Operations. Afterwards they drove to Imphal Barracks where they were accommodated for the duration of the trip.

The following day the group visited the RAF Melbourne War Memorial located five miles to the south-west of Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire to discuss the Station & 10 Squadron history. They then travelled to Eden Camp Museum

in Malton to explore the history of Eden camp, highlighting the involvement of prisoners of war during World War 2.

On the final day the group headed to RAF Coningsby for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Tour before returning to RAF Marham. All the activities were planned to encourage a sense of pride within the workplace via the study and understanding of Royal Air Force history. Historical stands were delivered at each location to generate an understanding of the role of Air Power during World War 2 and the Battle of Britain.

The Catering Flight Charity Committee recently cycled the distance of Lands End to John O’Groats on four spinning bikes in the Junior Ranks Mess foyer in aid of Healing Military Minds & Combat Stress.

Organised by SAC Johnson, it took a combined effort of 16 Cat Flt personnel 9.5 hours to cycle 977.4km, 5km over the required distance. Over £350 was raised on the day.

Medic

Sqn Ldr Montanez, usually based at RAF Marham, deployed as the Medical Officer to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Headquarters in Lithuania on OP MARZANNA in May.

Together with her team of medics, POMA France, a submariner and LCpl Partington from the Army’s 3 Med Regiment, Sqn Ldr Montanez lead the Role 1 Medical facility. This tri-service medical team deployed rapidly and immersed themselves in the international dynamics of the Joint Headquarters. They are highly capable and were ready to respond to a wide range of medical emergencies. The deployment of the JEF, which is a tennation partner alliance, was a physical demonstration of resolve during a time of crisis. The medical equipment that needed to be carried by the Medical team whilst deployed on Op MARZANNA weighed about 30kg. This is more than half the body weight of the Doctor, Sqn Ldr Montanez!

It took the medical team about 6 hours to establish the Medical Centre in Lithuania, and the 30kg medical bag was ready to carry and take to any major trauma event.

The medical team were capable of dealing with many eventualities, including the local wildlife, from mosquitos and ticks, through to snakes and wolf bites. Fortunately, the most requested medication had been to treat hay fever. It seems Lithuanian pollen is different from that found in the UK, even the toughest soldiers, sailors and aviators can suffer from hay fever.

207 SQN

Jubilee Flypast

In celebration of the Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 207 Squadron had the privilege of contributing to the flypast over London. In concert with 617 Squadron, the team contributed six Lightning F-35Bs to the flypast.  Pilots from both 207 and 617 Squadrons took off from RAF Marham alongside Hawks from RAF Valley. Together with over 70 aircraft from the three Services, 207 Squadron joined the spectacular flypast over the capital, commemorating Her Majesty’s reign and the 70 years of loyal service from the armed forces. Whilst the country enjoyed the celebration and festivities, those at 207 Squadron worked hard to enable the F-35 Lightnings to play their part in the prestigious event, representing RAF Marham and the Lightning Force.

Squadron Div Day

Back in May, 207 Squadron put on a Divisional Day that allowed for some sporting competition amongst its personnel. The Squadron have adopted a bespoke Divisional System in order to promote integration and support within a team made up of both RAF and Royal Navy personnel. Inspired by the Navy's formal Divisional System that goes back to 1779, 207 Squadron is divided in to groups made up of personnel from differing sections within the Squadron, each named after a different aircraft used by 207 in history and each led by a Divisional Officer and their deputy. Divisional Days take place three times a year and consist of mandatory briefs, facilitated discussions and force development. This

day saw an afternoon of sport with the help of the Station’s Physical Training Instructors. Healthy competition was rife amongst the Divisions as 170 of the Squadron’s personnel amassed on the sports fields to carry out battle in a rounders and kickball tournament. With Valiant Division taking the victory, the day ended with a barbecue at the Marham Bulls Rugby Club in the sunshine.

Air/Land Integration

Throughout June, 207 Squadron worked alongside Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from both the UK and US in order to develop further integration between the F-35B and assets on the ground. With the coordination and support from the Squadron’s resident Army Major and Air and Land Integration Officer, vital training was carried out requiring 207 Squadron Pilots to provide close air support to soldiers in forward positions simulating an operational environment. This training also provided a unique opportunity for members of 207 Squadron to get involved in the exercises, broadening their awareness of the capability as well as the added bonus of getting a ride in the Navy Wildcat that was also taking part.

207 Squadron Sporting Stars Representing Abroad AS1(T) Thomas, an engineer on 207 Squadron, has been selected from the very best RAF karate practitioners to attend a prestigious overseas visit to Japan later this year. Thomas has demonstrated his exceptional prowess in karate to earn a place on the RAF Team

to visit Japan, the origin of one of the oldest, most traditional disciplines and the home of the Japanese Karate Association Headquarters. This overseas visit will be multi-faceted, combining elements of competition, training, cultural and educational opportunities based around the central themes of Karate and Budo (the way of the warrior).

Airshows and Events 207 Squadron will be attending a number of Airshows and events throughout the Summer,

including both the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) and Farnborough International Airshow, with the aim of bringing an F-35B to treat the crowds and spectators.

Tornado ZD744

Tornado GR1 ZD744 first flew on 24th July 1984, before being delivered to 17 Sqn at RAF Bruggen on 20th March 1985.

A year later and she was moved to 14 Sqn, where she served almost exclusively for the next 5 years, until she was bounced, briefly, between 9 sqn and 14 Sqn. June 1989 saw ZD744 move to RAF Laarbruch, initially to 2 Sqn, then to 16 Sqn, 15 Sqn, and finally 20 Sqn for a brief period, before moving to RAF Marham, where she was operated initially by 617 Sqn before moving across to 27 Sqn.

In the typical back-and-forth of jet, she then found her way back to RAF Bruggen, primarily with 31 Sqn and 14 Sqn, but with brief spells on both 16 Sqn and 9 Sqn. In 1990 she was adorned with special marking for the 75th Anniversary of 14 Sqn.

On 3rd January 1991, ZD744 was deployed to Muharraq as part of Op GRANBY, for this she had the 14 Sqn code ‘BD’ which saw her aptly adorned with the nose art ‘BUDDHA’.

ZD744 flew 49 missions as part of Op GRANBY, and following the end of hostilities, Buddah returned home to her native 14 Sqn. For the next 2½ years, she served almost exclusively with 14 Sqn, before returning to the Middle East in November 1993 as part of Op JURAL. 18 months and 175 sorties later, ZD744 returned once more to 14 Sqn, where she spent the next 5 years, until July 1997, when she returned once more to the Middle East, this time on Op BOLTON. Six months later and with a further 109 operational sorties to her name,

she returned, initially to 12 Sqn at RAF Lossiemouth for servicing, before finding her way back out to RAF Bruggen and unsurprisingly, albeit briefly, once more into the hands of 14 Sqn. Then in June 1999, she was transferred to RAF Lossiemouth, initially to 15 Sqn who had recently been reformed as the Tornado OCU, before moving across to the care of 617 Sqn then 12 Sqn.

From February 2000 onwards, ZD744 moved between Lossiemouth, Bruggen and Marham, being rotated through various Sqns before going into storage at RAF St Athan in February 2001, prior to being flown to Warton in August 2001 for upgrade to GR4 standard.

Following this she was delivered to 12 Sqn at RAF Lossiemouth in June 2002. After spending the next 3 years at Lossiemouth, moving between 12 Sqn and 15 Sqn, ZD744 was flown down to Marham where she was predominantly shared between 2 Sqn and 13 Sqn before moving back north to Lossiemouth, briefly with 12 Sqn, before moving across to 15 Sqn where she spent the next 2 years.

Following this, in August 2007, ZD744 came south again to Marham spending 2 years with 13 Sqn before moving across to 9 Sqn, and then in December 2009, she went north once more and spent the following 3½ years initially with 12 Sqn before moving across to 15 Sqn again.

In July 2014, with the reduction of the Tornado fleet at RAF Lossiemouth, ZD744 was flown back down to RAF Marham, initially with 31 Sqn before being handed over to 2 Sqn. On 19th August 2014, ZD744 was one of the first aircraft to deploy with 2 Sqn on Op SHADER. For this she was based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. At this point Op HERRICK was still running in Afghanistan, so UK Tornados found themselves on concurrent operations in the Middle East, whilst also being deployed to Chad in support of Op TURUS.

Following another 22 operational missions, ZD744 returned to Marham in November 2014, a period of storage followed before she was flown to RAF Lossiemouth for a 5-month long servicing. After this she returned to RAF Marham in April 2015 and onto the books of 31 Sqn once more. In September 2016, ZD744 entered the CMU facility at RAF Marham for what would be her last MINOR servicing.

After emerging from CMU in September 2017, ZD744 went back to 31 Sqn once more, before deploying on Op SHADER for the final time in February 2018. A 12-month period on Op SHADER saw ZD744 notch up a further 119 operational sorties, the last of which was flown on 30th January 2019. On 5th February 2019, she was one of the final 3 RAF Tornados to return from operations (along with ZA587 and ZA601), ending a period of over 28 years of continuous operations for the UK Tornado GR fleet.

On 28th February 2019, she was number 2 in the final diamond 9 fly past and flew the ‘missing man’, before her last ever sortie on 7th March 2019.

When she made that final landing, and with more than 34 years of service to the RAF, ZD744 had amassed the following stats. Flying hours 6991:05 Total Sorties 4091

Operational Sorties 474

Due to her extensive operational history and the fact that she has served on every front-line Tornado GR Squadron and at every frontline Tornado GR base, ZD744 was earmarked by the Tornado deactivation team, in conjunction with RAF Heritage, as an ideal candidate for preservation. In June 2019 she was carefully dismantled and put into deep storage at RAF Marham to await her future.

On 18th May 2022, ZD744 left RAF Marham by road for the very last time, bound for her new home at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre. Over the coming days she will be reassembled by a team from the MOD Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron (JARTS) before going on display.

We wish you a peaceful retirement ZD744, thank you for your service and all the memories!

Photos are Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated.

To follow the rebuild and retirement of ZD744, please see ‘Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre’ on Facebook.

Seen in Muharraq in 1991 with her ‘Buddha’ noseart and mission marking on her nose.

Caught in some late afternoon sun in November 2017, about to touch down at RAF Marham in © Mark Ranger

Resting at RAF Marham in kit form in April 2022, patiently waiting her final move..

INAGURAL Military Provost Guard Service

“THE OLD BOYS”

RUGBY TEAM

By Private Edmund

On the 17th of June 2022, a phenomenal event took place at the Provost Marshal’s Rugby tournament. The Military Provost Guard Service fielded a squad of twelve players at the tournament held in Southwick Park.

Kick off was against the main Royal Military Police, who drew first blood when they outwitted the defence to score, however the “Old Boys” were swift and surgical in their reply, scoring in between the uprights, to have a 7 – 5 lead going into halftime. A vital turnover saw the Old Boys gain possession of the ball off a ruck and fully capitalise on another opportunity to extend their lead. Full time score 12-5.

Second match was against a well drilled Military Provost Service team, first half was evenly matched for both sides, hard tackles, hard running and crucial try saving tackles dictated most of the first half. Keeping fans on the edge of their seats until player error allowed the Military Provost Service flyhalf gain possession and capitalise on it as they scored in between the posts, however their lead was short lived as the Military Provost Guard Service upped the ante after the restart

that saw the Military Provost Service defence split apart and outstanding mutual support by the attacking “Old Boys” saw them score and successfully convert to even the scores before halftime.

Second half was evenly matched, but the experienced Military Provost Service got the upper hand with a last second try and conversion 14-7 full time score.

The final pool match pitted the “Old Boys” against the 156 Provost company, sadly the team lost owing to too many injuries and were also forced to pull out of the shield semis due to too many injuries. The team showed loads of player depth and talent owing to the fact that we only managed one training session the day before the tournament, our work rotation and each player’s geographic location, the team would be a formidable force to reckon with should we be given the opportunity to train as a unit probably up to six weeks before a tournament. We will look forward to the next Provost 7s tournament and promise to bring more excitement to the tournament.

The Team would like to show its gratitude to Integral, a JLL company, for sponsoring the team’s kit and RAF Marham Make a Difference Fund which enabled

us to enter. The Captain of the day also would like to appreciate both players and management for the roles they undertook on and off the pitch to ensure that we efficiently as a team.

This is a quote from one officer watching the tournament “MPGS?

AAAH the old boys, they may not be very fast, but they are up for a good fight should you bring one.”

“Old boys” or more appropriately on this showing, they are “The new kids on the block!” This is just the first step on long journey of MPGS rugby.

Ex Dragon Arc 22

LCpl’s Stubley and Herrick joined a small team from 534 STRE Wks group RE at Capel Curig in Snowdonia.

DAY 1 – SNOWDON

We started our day in the mess for a hearty breakfast to ready us for our day. For our first ascent the team decided to ascend Snowdon via the Miner Track to the summit and return by using the Llanberis Path. We set off on a cloudy morning with a chill in the air. Setting off a good pace and we used this time to get to know the rest of the team, an outstanding group of soldiers with a mixture of rank and experience. As we ascended, the weather deteriorated with thick cloud and rain setting in from halfway up, we worked as a team and kept climbing until we made the summit. As we reached the summit the cloud broke leaving us with sunshine, this alone made the climb worthwhile taking in the vistas that lay before us. It also gave us pause and allow us to talk with each other at last. Returning to base for dinner and an evening in Llanrwst for some tall tales and to chat over our latest adventure.

DAY 2 - CWM IDWAL AND DYFFRYN OGWEN

Following another fantastic mess breakfast, we moved on to our start point, by road, to set out on our walk. The weather was amazing and so were the views. Everyone should consider this walk as it truly is astonishing. It allowed us to focus on gaining confidence and brushing up on our navigation skills. After four hours we were back at the start point for a coffee at the café on site. We then returned to base for an afternoon of touch rugby and football.

DAY 3 – CLIMBING

Our third day had a change of pace with a morning of indoor climbing at the Beacon Climbing centre in Caernarfon. After some hours on the wall everyone’s

confidence and climbing skills increased. It was a hugely enjoyable experience and built my own self confidence. After returning to Capel Curig we had a social evening with a BBQ prepared and cooked by the MPGS. No military gathering goes without a good quiz and so a quiz ensured with laughter and merriment, still not weary we stretched out our limbs with some volleyball and football.

We returned to RAF Marham the following morning after a very enjoyable and taxing trip away. The AT proved invaluable and pushed us all in our stretch at different times, we both returned with a greater knowledge of another of the RE which has fostered a closer work relationship.

We also both felt that the stress placed on us has left us with a greater capacity to handle the mental health stress placed on us during Ops, this under pins the importance of AT and everyone should take advantage of what is out there and on offer to us.

Most importantly thank to the RE for the invite.

#UBIQUE #CUSTODEM CUSTODIRE

LCpl Stubley MPGS

In May, two MPGS soldiers were offered the chance to participate in a unit level Adventurous Training (AT) event alongside the Royal Engineers (RE) assigned to Works Management Flight, RAF Marham.

Station Platinum Jubilee Special

10K and Duathlon 2022

Following a two year break, the Station saw the return of the Summer Special 10Km run and 30Km Duathlon, attracting runners and cyclists from throughout the area, this year’s races being held on the Jubilee weekend, with a special Platinum Jubilee theme.

The weather, which had been so good on the days prior to the event, took a turn for the worst over Saturday night, this resulting in the unavoidable cancellation of the planned ‘Picnic in the Park’, which had been timed to follow the running events.

However, the weather fortunately didn’t stop those taking part in the runs assembling for what turned out to be a very successful day of sporting activities and for which the rain fortunately held off.

The day’s activities started with a children’s 1K race around the ‘Black Top’ playing field, organised by SSAFA, with all the children taking part receiving a ‘goody bag’ and Jubilee medal at the end of the run.

The focus then turned to the Duathlon, which saw 42 competitors taking part, this being followed by the 10K race, with 117 runners setting off on the order of the Station Commander, who saw all competitors away and who stayed at the finish to welcome all competitors back.

This year saw over 29 different Clubs represented, in addition to the Station entrants. The quality of those taking part saw some good times achieved in both events, the first runner back in 35.02 mins beating the previous record for the 10K by 9 seconds. The first Duathlon entrant finished, having completed the 20K cycle ride and 10K run in a great time of 01:08:42.

The events also saw chip timing was introduced for the first time, out of the 9 years that they have taken place. It was particularly

successful and although there is a cost all taking part welcomed receiving their result just seconds after crossing the finish.

The Community Support team who managed the event were also grateful for all the support received from the Stn, with particular thanks to the Pol and Sy Sqn, MT and also 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn RAF Air Cadets, whose Cadets manned the water stand.

Each of the runners received a goody bag and commemorative Platinum Jubilee Medal, with the funds raised from the event going to SSAFA, the Community Support fund and the QEH.

The next event, is the popular annual New Year’s Eve 10K Race, details of which will soon be available from Community Support.

617 SQN

The Dambusters have been enjoying another busy period since the last Marham Matters issue – we’ve continued to develop our own training at Marham, joined several more large force exercises with NATO partners, and, of course, taken part in celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

We started the period with our final few flights joining Exercise COLD RESPONSE, bringing this NATO exercise to an end. Hosted by the Norwegian Armed Forces and involving over 30,000 troops from 27 countries it has been a great opportunity for the Dambusters to develop relationships and tactics with our allies. The 800-mile return sorties have also allowed pilots to practice air-to-air refuelling and demonstrate the ability to operate considerable distances away from our home here at Marham.

The Squadron’s focus back at Marham has been on airto-air combat. We’ve been using a phased approach to our training to refresh and develop skills, starting with Basic Fighter Manoeuvres – one v one combat in the visual arena. From there we moved to Air Combat Manoeuvring, adding an additional aircraft to the visual fight and then onto Tactical Intercepts, engaging targets beyond visual range.

During May, several pilots and intelligence analysts were able to join the Aggressor Threat Lecture Series hosted at Nellis AFB, Nevada USA.

The ATLS is a week-long academic lecture course designed to inform frontline Squadrons about the most advanced adversary threats. It included detailed briefings on adversary doctrine, tactics, fighter aircraft, missiles and Integrated Air Defence Systems. It was an extremely valuable educational opportunity and those who attended will be able to pass on this new knowledge to the rest of the Squadron over the next few weeks.

On 12 May, Commander Sparrow handed over command of 617 Squadron to Wing Commander Tait with a formal handover parade and ceremony. After landing from his last flight on the Squadron, Commander Sparrow delivered a speech thanking the Dambusters for their hard work and commitment during his time in command. Having served two years as OC 617 Squadron, Commander Sparrow personally invested a great deal of effort into forging us into an even more capable unit. During his tenure, there have been too many Squadron achievements to list here, however the largest and most obvious was undoubtedly what the Squadron achieved during the Op FORTIS deployment last year. We are

sad to see him leave but are looking forward to seeing him again soon in his new role as Commander Air Group. Wing Commander Tait received a warm welcome, delivering a speech to his new Squadron before enjoying refreshments and an opportunity to get to know everyone.

Like the rest of the UK, the Dambusters enjoyed a weekend of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating 70 years of loyal service. In addition to joining street parties and festivities, two Squadron pilots

joined over 70 aircraft from the three Services in a flypast over The Mall and Buckingham Palace with the Royal Family watching on from the famous balcony – a unique experience and great opportunity to represent 617 Squadron as a whole.

The rest of June has been busy with two more exercises for the Dambusters – Exercise OCEAN HIT and Exercise ICENI UPKEEP. Exercise OCEAN HIT was a threeday large force exercise run by the French Carrier Air Group in Landivisau Naval Air Station. The Dambusters sent four UK F-35s to join around 40 other

aircraft, including French Rafale, Mirage 2000s, Swiss F/A 18s and Greek F-16s. It was a busy few days as part of the Offensive Counter Air package, with pilots needing to conduct air-toair refuelling multiple times. Once again it has been a great opportunity to train and develop tactics with our close allies.

Exercise ICENI UPKEEP has seen a change of mission set

to Close Air Support providing air action in close proximity to friendly forces. This two-week exercise will see the Squadron work with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers from all three services, with scenarios developing in complexity as the exercise develops. The last half of the year is looking as busy as the first with detachments to Finland and HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH fast approaching.

617 SQUADRON PFE SECTION FORCE DEVELOPMENT

Flight

The team travelled round the country visiting historical military sites. The most interesting day was day one. We visited a number of sites relating to 617 Squadron as its important to know and learn about the history of the Squadron and how they came to be known as the Dambusters. The first visit location was Woodall Spa and the Dambusters Memorial. One of the team gave us a brief on the site and the history of

the memorial which sits on the site of a former hotel used by the RAF that was bombed in the war. We then travelled west to visit Ladybower Dam. This being the site where the 617 crews trained to drop the famous bouncing bomb.

Throughout the week the team also visited York Minster, Yorks War Memorials, Yorks Roman Walls, Hadrian's Wall and Loch Lomond.

SSAFA PS&SWS

Here to Help

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is always working to recognise the changing needs of the military community and adapt our service to assist Regulars, Reserves and their families. We have been delivering our Personal Support & Social Work Service for over 30 years and our considerable experience has taught us that problems which occur in service life can feel very di erent for each individual.

Whether you’re single and living alone, or struggling to balance work and family commitments, we are here to help.

We are an independent service so anything we support you with is con dential and outside the chain of command.

Our professionally trained and knowledgeable sta are on hand to advise, signpost and support you no matter what the situation.

RAF Marham O ce:

Visit us at: 4 Woodview Road, Upper Marham PE33 9JX

We are contactable Monday-Friday between 08.30 -17.00 either in the o ce or via phone / email using the details below:

Telephone: 07825340211

Email: Teresa.smyth@ssafa.org.uk

Adele.berryman@ssafa.org.uk

Carol.bullas@ssafa.org.uk Helen.lay eld@ssafa.org.uk

Or contact our Single Point of Contact:

Please don't use any previous landline numbers as these are now obselete

Email: psswsRAF@ssafa.org.uk (monitored Monday – Friday, 8.30-17.00)

Telephone: 03000 111 723 (available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week)

N.B. During working hours (Monday-Friday, 08.30-17.00), calls will be answered by our Admin team who will be able to signpost you to the best source of support.

Webform: https://www.ssafa.org.uk

Military Wives Choir

In June representatives from Marham Military Wives Choir had the honour, alongside Honington and Wattisham Military Wives Choirs to perform on the same stage as Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The three East of England military wives choirs came together to share the stage in a performance for the Queen’s celebrations, before joining Katherine Jenkins on stage for a specially arranged one time only performance of Dancing Queen and then a prom finale.

An early start with sound checks and meeting the lovely Katherine Jenkins morphed into a magical evening of fabulous music accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra and a fly past by a Hurricane. Marham Choir Lead Laura said “It has been a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the Queen’s service to our country

with members of choirs across the network”.

Established 10 years ago, six of the original members of Marham Military Wives Choir went to sing at the 2012 celebrations in front of Buckingham palace. It is fitting that two of those members were also at Sandringham, Laura said “when I think back to 10 years ago at the Diamond Jubilee it was the sea of red, white and blue that took my breath away looking down the mall and once again as I stood on the stage for the prom finale with Katherine Jenkins the sea of red, white and blue appeared again. It really does make you proud to be British.”

Celebrating not only ten years of Marham MWC, but also ten years of the military wives choir foundation, Marham really have been blessed to perform in wonderful places be it a local event which the whole choir adore performing at or the larger events such as opening for Sir Cliff Richard, singing with Lulu or even on board an aircraft carrier in New York, memories and friendships have been forged over song that will last a lifetime.

Now that the Platinum Jubilee preparations are over, they are straight into rehearsal for the 10-year anniversary tour where they will be performing at

Lincoln Cathedral on the 02nd of September 2022 with choirs from all over the network. One of the benefits of the Military Wives Choirs network is that despite ladies moving on they do not lose the ability to sing within the network. The ethos of “Sing, Share, Support” is at the heart of the Military Wives Choirs principles and whether it’s weekly rehearsals or coming together for larger events such as this with other choirs they are there for each other.

For all these wonderful opportunities one of the great joys is to be able to get out into the community and sing, whether it be birthday parties, weddings, or fundraisers we have performed on many smaller stages and in more intimate settings. If you would be interested in booking Marham MWC for your event please contact marham@militarywiveschoirs.org

Tickets for the upcoming tour are available via: www. militarywiveschoirs.org/concerts.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY SUPPORT - OC

WO Jon Day

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 or 95951 6136

COMMUNITY SUPPORT ADVISOR

Maydie Smith

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 Email: maydie.smith594@ mod.gov.uk

HIVE INFORMATION OFFICERS

Zara Murfitt

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 or 95951 6136 Email: zara.murfitt515@ mod.gov.uk

Anne Germany

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6136 or 95951 6136 Email: anne.germany364@ mod.gov.uk

STATION YOUTH WORKER

Ian Savage

Mobile: 07850 973228 Email: ian.savage@ actionforchildren.org.uk

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Jocelyne Newman

Tel: 0300 1635 185 Email: jocelyne.newman395@ mod.gov.uk

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD TEAM, WATLINGTON

Tel: 0845 456 4567 or 101

RAFP COMMUNITY OFFICER

Cpl Bedding

Ext: 7214

Tel: 0777 395 8067 (this phone is manned 24hrs 7 days)

HOUSING

SCSO

FS Chris Daykin

Tel: 01760 446052, on base 95951 6052 Twitter: scsomarham

SkyDive

AMEY SFA

Contact Details

www.ameydefenceservices.co.uk

Tel: 0800 707 6000

Repairs Maintenance Requests

Option 1 (24/7, 365 days a year)

Allocations, Move Appointments, Furniture, Retention and Other Help with SFA

Option 3 - Option 3 (Central region - Marham), Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am till 3pm

RAF Marham Amey Local Customer Service Centre 3 Woodview Road, RAF Marham, Kings Lynn, PE33 9NP (Monday 9am till 3pm & Tuesday to Friday 9am till 12 noon)

WELFARE

SSAFA ADMIN SUPPORT & APPOINTMENTS

Teresa Smyth

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 6578

WELFARE WORKERS

Carol Bullas

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext 6501

Adele Berryman

Tel: 01760 446378

Helen Layfield

Tel: 01760446199 Ext: 6199 Out of hours 03000111723

SSAFA VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR

Tel: 07984 908622

WO PERSONNEL SUPPORT

VACANT

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext: 7231

PADRES

Tel: 01760 337261 Ext 7550 07876 395920

mrm-chaplaincycentregroup@ mod.gov.uk

On the 28th March 2019 personnel from RAF Marham undertook a force development day at UK Parachuting at Beccles Airfield in Suffolk.

Due to personal circumstances, the Covid pandemic and work commitments I had to postpone my jump. Eventually the planets aligned for me and I finally managed to book and do the jump on Monday 20th June 2022!

I have had tremendous support with donations online from family, friends and colleagues and raised

£273 for my charity RAFBF. I also collected a generous £490 in cash donations from all areas of Logistic Support Squadron (LSS), Test and Maintenance Equipment (TMEC) and F-35 Lightning Customs Warehouse staff.

The generosity has been overwhelming and I just want to thank every one of the amazing people who have sponsored me for such a worthy cause, also to overcome my fear of heights, which it did as I loved every second of the experience, and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

marham hub

Sarah

Shouldham Antiques, Gifts & Interiors

POLICE

Hello RAF Marham, Cpl Bedding here your RAF Police Community Representative.

Who would you say is responsible for the security of RAF Marham, its personnel and its service families? The simple answer is that we are all responsible for the security for RAF Marham and all of its associated persons.

So how can we all be more security conscious? Continue reading to find out some of the RAF Police's top tips for being security aware and what you should do in the event of identifying a security issue.

• As you're going about your daily business on and off station keep an eye out for anything that appears out of the ordinary, for instance suspicious persons, vehicles and items. If you think something is out of the ordinary and should not be there, then there is a good chance you are correct.

• Be conscious about talking about the station and the RAF when in public places as you never know who could be listening and you could be inadvertently revealing sensitive information.

• Ensure you are safe when online by updating your social media security settings so only people you know and trust can see your social media accounts and do not friend or speak to any persons that you do not know. Do not post any sensitive information on your accounts.

• If you think you have identified a possible security issue you should report the matter immediately to the RAF Police or the Main Guard Room so that the matter can be investigated. You can also report any issues to Norfolk Constabulary on 999/101.

The RAF Police are contactable 24/7, 365 days a year and can be reached via 01760 337261 ext. 7214. If you think something is suspicious, then chances are we will too and we will always take every report as serious and investigate the matter fully.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you all around the station and the local area over the next few months and remember if you need our help, please call the above number.

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