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Joint Helicopter LANDING ZONE Command - 1950's Style

JOURNAL OF THE CONTENTS HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh Contents Issue 1, 2021 1921 - 2021 PURPOSE Exercise Wessex Storm ...... 05 Wessex Storm TSW ...... 08 NO 606 Sqn Take Top Award ... 25 Supporting OP Rescript ...... 30 Heavy Lift In ...... 33

INNOVATION 7 Regt Apache MK1 Leave ...... 26 "To boldy go where no helicopter has gone before.." ...... 32

INTERNATIONAL 08 20 847 Italian Decks ...... 21 No Ordinary Exercise ...... 24

INTEGRATION Be Seen, Be Safer ...... 11 That Sinking Feeling ...... 22

PEOPLE In Memoriam ...... 17 Rising Above The Rest - Stefan Betancourt ...... 18 What A Year For Diversity and Inclusion! ...... 18 Maximum Respect For Award Winning Dog ...... 20 A Pig Of An Operation ...... 20 Wildcat drops in on Army Display Parachuting Training ...... 21 11 27 Duke in Naval Uniform. Charity Round Up ...... 27 ESports In The RAF ...... 34 Queen's NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 2021 State Awards and We were all saddened to hear first member of the Royal Family Commendations ...... 35 of the death of HRH Duke of to make a flight by helicopter. Edinburgh – a true Serviceman in Three years later, he was the HISTORY every sense of the word. first to depart Buckingham Joint Helicopter Command - Palace by helicopter, for a 1950's Style ...... 14 Although best known for his visit to the Australian Aircraft service with the , Carrier HMAS Melbourne in Prince Philip was also a pilot. Portsmouth Harbour. Indeed, a fixed-wing and helicopter pilot of some renown. During a visit to Wattisham in 30 33 Prince Philip learned to fly all 2014, Prince Philip took the types of aircraft gaining his RAF opportunity to experience what wings in 1953, his helicopter it is like to sit inside an Apache wings in 1956 and his Private helicopter when he got behind EDITORIAL SUBMISSION DATE… JOURNAL OF THE LANDING ZONE Pilot's Licence in 1959. Prince the controls of the type of Philip achieved 5,986 hours in 59 aircraft his grandson used to fly. XXTH MONTHJOINT 2019 HELICOPTER COMMAND LANDING ZONE types of aircraft and made his Please submit all entries for the next issue by no later than the date stated above. final flight on 11 August 1997 All at the JHC send our profound Apache Visit. from Carlisle to Islay. condolences to Her Majesty This publication is copyright Lance Print Limited and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without prior written permission of Lance Print Limited. While every care has been taken during the preparation of this magazine, Lance Print Limited cannot be held responsible for accuracy of the information herein or for any consequence the Queen and to the rest of arising from it. Views Expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the or the Ministry of Defence. All images © Crown Copyright unless otherwise stated. In 1953, Prince Philip became the Royal Family.

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Foreword MeettheTeam EXERCISE WESSEX STORM The chilly December air reverberated to the sound of rotors as a major exercise took by storm - the largest British-led air assault since Operation Moshtarak in Afghanistan in February 2010. EDITORIAL As you read this, Spring Editor: Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey should have really sprung! E: [email protected] x WESSEX STORM ’s global response – culminated with 21 force. Some 150 troops from SALES helicopters delivering the French 2e Régiment s the temperature rises and Sales Manager: Laurence Rowe a 1,300-strong Etranger de Parachutistes and the nights draw out, I think E: [email protected] EBattlegroup by air. Mounting a 40-strong platoon from the we can all sense a real feeling T: 01536 334218 at Keevil airfield on Salisbury US Army’s 2nd Battalion, 503rd of optimism. The numbers – Plain, troops, vehicles and Parachute Infantry Regiment Awe want to fall are falling. The numbers DESIGNER stores were lifted by RAF also took part. The Air Assault we want to rise are rising. Not out of the Designer: Amanda Robinson Chinook and Puma support took place near the end of six woods yet but, hopefully, well on the way. E: [email protected] helicopters, protected by weeks of intensive training. The last 12 months have been difficult T: 01536 334226 the sensors and weapons of Before launching the air for us all, on so many levels. Isolation, – AAC Wildcat reconnaissance assault, troops had parachuted home-schooling, new ways of working, PUBLISHER helicopters and Apache attack in to "capture" Keevil, with caring for ourselves and our loved ones, Lance Print Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby helicopters. The multinational additional personnel, stores new worries and old ones – living with House, Bath Road, Kettering, force – consisting of British, and vehicles delivered by RAF COVID has been an individual experience. Northants NN16 8NL French and American and French Armee de l’Air Yet throughout these unprecedented T: 01536 334222 paratroopers - was airlifted A400M transport aircraft. times, not only have you done everything E: [email protected] to Imber village where All this was achieved whilst asked of you, you have done it in good W: www.lanceprint.co.uk– the assault took place. working in accordance with spirits. The JHC continues to be both – HMG’s COVID restrictions. directly, and indirectly, involved in the PRINTER The primary aim of the Troops operated within fight against COVID and we will continue connection to the JHC, has received Lance Print Ltd, 29/30 Stapledon Road, Exercise was to confirm 2 ‘bubbles’ and underwent to do so for as long as is needed. national recognition! I am particularly Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6TD PARA Battlegroup’s skills screening prior to their pleased with recent charity activities. As T: 01733 390 564 and readiness to serve as deployment, while French and To reflect the very individual experience if life was not already busy enough, from E: [email protected] the lead infantry unit within US personnel quarantined of life at the moment, this issue of right across the Command you have been W: www.lanceprint.co.uk , the before travelling to the UK. Landing Zone is full of personal accounts. undertaking a range of pursuits, ranging – Whether on Op RESCRIPT, Ex WESSEX from the comical to the sweaty, to support FURTHER INFORMATION STORM or training to be a MAOT Leader both local and national charities. Once W: www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/ - these stories not only represent what again, some of the personal links to these aboutdefence/whatwedo/ JHC is doing but also shows the highs charities are both heartening and moving. airsafetyandaviation/jhc and lows experienced by those doing it. – Other activities, over the last few months, Again, we will look back at the history COVER CREDIT range from the complex recovery of an of helicopter operations, this time © MoD Crown Copyright aircraft from a muddy field to fighting in looking at the pioneering work carried cyberspace. Animals feature prominently out by a Joint UK unit in the 1950s. Most in this issue with a guest piece on what importantly, we also look forward; a long is being done to try and prevent close way forward. At the time of writing, NASA’s encounters between helicopters and Ingenuity helicopter has commenced horse riders. On a lighter note, RAF flight operations on Mars. I may be Benson’s Pig Pursuit should raise a smile. biased but it seems fitting that rotary is leading the way over fixed-wing aircraft The achievements of individuals and in taking aviation to new worlds. teams, from across the Command, has I hope you enjoy reading this issue of been recognised through the Queen’s Landing Zone. New Year’s Honours List. One of our Reserve formations has been given a top Air Vice-Marshal Nigel J Colman OBE MA RAF award and even a dog, with a special Commander JHC

COVER IMAGE: Exercise WESSEX STORM.

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or the uninitiated, the Tasked as TSW Detachment for some time across Joint domestic area, we settled primary role of the Commander for Ex WESSEX Helicopter Command. into a routine. Tactical Supply Wing STORM I was pleased to be WESSEX STORM TSW (TSW) is to provide providing an output as part Departing MOD Stafford in the If at this point you are feeling Faviation fuel support to UK of a larger scale UK Exercise early hours on the morning of sorry for us that we were military battlefield helicopters especially given the number of the 02 December 20, a total of in tents during the cold Cpl Peter Blakeman looks and fixed-wing aircraft across cancelled exercises throughout 17 TSW personnel comprising December evenings please back on Ex WESSEX the world. Formed in 1970, fully the year due to COVID-19. At suppliers, drivers and engineers, don’t. We pack for comfort! STORM from a Tactical operational in 1971, TSW has an initial glance, Ex WESSEX headed to Keevil Airfield, a Supply Wing point supported UK military exercises STORM seemed like your usual former Royal Air Force station Our excellent Engineers and operations across the globe. military airfield type exercise. located between the villages of ensured we were well of view. Impressively, the unit has been Having been on similar jobs Keevil and Steeple Ashton. equipped with heating and involved in every major UK in the past, such as Ex JOINT electricity across all the overseas operation since 1971. WARRIOR, I had a rough idea on Upon arrival, the entire site tents, something we were what to expect - or so I thought. was a hive of activity with the all very grateful for and I’m When I saw the aircraft types airfield having been assaulted sure this wasn’t lost on the main battlegroup who was sleeping in the field across and numbers involved, it and occupied by 2 Para the from us under bivvy sheets. immediately struck me that previous night in preparation for this was going to be one to the air assault at Imber Village The following morning, we remember and something on Salisbury Plain Training Area. received the disappointing which had not been seen After establishing our tented news that the mass wave

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assault had been postponed 24hrs due to increasingly poor weather conditions. BE SEEN, BE SAFER The next morning, leaving my tent looking across the field to Squadron Leader Kim Leach shares her experience of RAF Shawbury’s Be Seen, Be Safer see the battle group were busy hurriedly packing away kit and community safety campaign. collapsing positions, all the signs were looking good for the AF Shawbury is a tri- from the Joint Helicopter road safety benefits of clothing by riders in LFA 9 so assault. At the morning brief, it Service training base Command. Shropshire is also wearing high-visibility kit, that they are more visible and was confirmed the assault was located in the beautiful popular with equine businesses, they were unaware of the can be seen earlier by helicopter going ahead. Relieved I wasn’t Shropshire countryside riding schools, liveries and potential ‘air safety’ benefits aircrew. The campaign has a going to have to tell the team Rwithin Low Flying Area 9 (LFA horse owners. With over 130 of wearing high-visibility two-fold approach – firstly, to of any further delays, we set 9). The base is home to No. 1 flights each day departing kit when riding off-road. build a relationship with the about establishing the refuelling Flying Training School, part of from RAF Shawbury, it is riding community and promote site and completing briefs on the UK Military Flying Training inevitable that military aircrew Aircrew had difficulty in seeing the wearing of high-visibility kit. how the day would proceed. System, which delivers flying will sometimes encounter horse riders if the riders were Secondly, to develop a safety training to the Royal Navy, horse-riders during essential not wearing high-visibility kit. culture and greater awareness Our capability for Wessex Storm British Army and Royal Air Force flying training activities. This is because horses and dark in our aircrew to ensure that would be a wheeled x4 spot on the Juno HT1 and Jupiter coloured clothing tend to blend they understand the actions to Forward Arming Refuelling HT1 helicopters. The Central As part of my role, I manage and into the background. Against take to minimise disturbance Point providing Rotors Turning donning individual personal evening, everything had gone seen for many years and what Flying School’s rotary wing investigate flying complaints a wood line, a cropped field or to horses and riders and how Refuels. Using a fleet of protective equipment. to plan without any hiccups and will stay with me was the number units, which have responsibility from members of the public. a stone wall, it can be almost to report any incident. As Oshkosh variants, the Tactical Admittedly I am not much of a the team had worked brilliantly of aircraft and personnel that for training helicopter pilot and When I was first posted to impossible to see the rider RAF Shawbury delivers basic Air Refueller and Close Support spotter and rarely get excited during a very intensive period had taken part in the assault. I rear crew instructors, and the RAF Shawbury in 2013, I was until the aircraft is less than a helicopter training to tri-Service Tanker, the four refuel spots at the sight of helicopters after of refuelling activity. Waking have been lucky enough to serve examination of these instructors surprised by the number of few hundred metres away. aircrew, the safety culture were in position with enough working on TSW for over seven early the next morning to the with TSW in Norway, Kenya, at Shawbury and the front line, reports from horse-riders, developed by the aircrew whilst fuel ready for bulking. It was years, but as soon as the first soundtrack of rain hitting the Falklands and on Op HERRICK are also based at RAF Shawbury. describing their encounters with In April 2015, this research led at RAF Shawbury could then be now a case of sit around and wave of Chinooks and Puma’s tents, we collapsed the refuel and Op SHADER. During that helicopters. My investigations, to the launch of RAF Shawbury’s built on and shared throughout wait. An essential skill when appeared in the distance I and domestic site in world time, I have never witnessed that As well as training Shawbury- through interviews and focus Be Seen Be Safer horse rider their future careers. working with helicopters! was taken aback at the sheer record time. We were wet but many aircraft types operating based aircrew, LFA 9 is often groups, revealed two things: awareness campaign. number of aircraft approaching happy with our contribution together at the same time. A used for low-level training Hearing that familiar rumbling the airfield. Over the course and to be returning to Stafford. massive accomplishment by exercises and transit by visiting Although many horse- The aim of the campaign is of Chinooks in the distance of the next few hours further Reflecting post-exercise, it was all involved from Engineers helicopters from other bases in riders were aware of the to promote the wearing of signalling imminent work, the aircraft arrived - 21 in total. obvious we had all witnessed to Aircrew and many others. the UK, including helicopters high visibility team jumped into position Finishing work late into the something that had not been Definitely one to remember!

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Flt Lt Jenny Boyd at Pony Club Camp.

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The objectives of the disturbance. I hope that riders The Riding Club get airborne at Rider Awareness Day. campaign were: will realise the benefits of wearing high visibility kit and • To achieve a 50% reduction work with us to ensure that LFA in low flying complaints 9 is as safe as possible for both from horse riders in LFA 9 riders and our aircrew.” over a five-year period. Feedback and evaluation of this • To achieve an 80% campaign has proven its success increase in the number and funding has now been of horse riders who wear secured for a further four years. high visibility kit over the This campaign has mitigated the same period. risk to aircrew and riders in LFA 9. We continue to work with The • To train 100% of Shawbury- British Horse Society and are based aircrew in actions delighted that our campaign has to reduce disturbance to Riding Groups. RAF Shawbury Wing Commander Lee Turner, been shared with other units to horse riders. also held Rider Awareness Days Officer Commanding Operations ensure that our safety message where local riders were invited Wing and the Aerodrome is spreading throughout the To achieve these objectives, to the base to meet the aircrew, Operator at RAF Shawbury said: country to create a safer I worked closely with The tour the helicopters and discuss environment for all. British Horse Society, the RAF the Be Seen, Be Safer campaign. “I am very supportive of this Shawbury Flight Safety Team campaign which makes a real More information on and aircrew to trial different The riders were also given the difference to the safety of horse RAF Shawbury’s Be items of high-visibility clothing. opportunity to get airborne riders and carriage drivers in Seen, Be Safer campaign Posters and information leaflets and experience for themselves LFA 9. As part of the training and advice from The were designed and published the view from the Juno cockpit. syllabus, our instructors teach British Horse Society can on RAF Shawbury’s website and From their aerial vantage the trainees to consider riders be found at: social media sites. Funding was point, the riders had the and carriage drivers and if they approved to purchase high- additional challenge of spotting can see them, they will do all https://www.raf.mod.uk/ visibility kit to distribute to local military personnel on bicycles, that they can to avoid them. our-organisation/stations/ Pony Clubs, Bridleway Groups simulating a pilot’s view of riders raf-shawbury/flying-info/ and Riding Clubs. on horseback with and without However, conducting violent high visibility clothing. This avoiding manoeuvres when close https://www.bhs.org.uk/ The aircrew also attended enabled the riders to appreciate to riders significantly increases advice-and-information/ community engagement events the challenges that the aircrew the potential for disturbance. to talk to the public and explain face, and the advantage of the Therefore, if riders are seen late, common-incidents/low- the campaign. In addition, earlier warning that wearing our aircraft will usually over- flying-aircraft educational events were held high visibility clothing gives fly in a gentle climb, as this is at local Pony Club Camps and to aircrew. the safest option to minimise

Flt Lt Carrie Moore wearing her high visibility kit.

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JEHU on HMS Theseus. it to be quickly adapted for any of six major roles: Search and JOINT HELICOPTER COMMAND – Rescue (SAR), air ambulance, passenger transport, freight transport, aerial crane and dual 1950’S STYLE instruction trainer. Despite the frail looking tail rotor boom, the Sycamore proved to be a Sqn Ldr Andy Pawsey looks back to the development of tactics. reliable aircraft that served until the mid-1960s. The sole airworthy Sycamore, part of the he first helicopter to The Hoverfly (crew of two and The helicopter CASEVAC role So, in 1955, the Joint Flying Bulls collection in Austria, enter service with the powered by a 185hp engine) was also being developed this Experimental Helicopter Unit occasionally visits the UK. UK military was the had given way to the Sikorsky side of the Atlantic. British (JEHU) came into being at Sikorsky R-4 (Hoverfly). H-19 Chicksaw (crew of two plus forces, deployed to the jungle Middle Wallop to examine the The Westland Whirlwind, TRadar calibration was a serious ten passengers and powered during The Malayan Emergency, use of helicopters in combat a licensed built version of business that required an by a 600hp engine). It was just soon began to rely on the and the support of ground the Sikorsky S-55, was a aircraft to fly very slowly on a as well as the helicopter was to Casualty Evacuation Flight forces. The JEHU was the first considerable step-up from set bearing, height, and speed play a vital role in The Korean (CEF) helicopters of the RAF’s joint Army/RAF unit to be the Sycamore. Although best - clearly a task that suited this War. During the next three Far East Air Force. Initially formed since the end of WW2. known for (SAR), Whirlwinds new-fangled invention. On years of conflict, the helicopter equipped with the Dragonfly The unit was made up of two also served in anti-submarine 16 August 1944, No 529 Sqn proved itself to be a versatile HC4 and Sycamore HR14 aircraft, flights. One flight operated and transport roles. Substituting moved home from RAF Halton and vital element of air power. the CEF would carry out 4,759 six Whirlwind HAR2s and was the original US built Pratt to Henley-on-Thames, swopped evacuations during the 12 years commanded by a RAF Squadron and Whitney 9-cyclinder their Cierva C30 autogiros for Although originally deployed of the conflict. Inevitably, CEF’s Leader, the other operated radial engine for a UK built the Hoverfly Mk1, and continued for observation, the helicopter aircraft were “misused” in other six Sycamore HR14s and was Alvis Leonides 14-cyclinder their radar calibration duties was immediately pressed roles including reconnaissance commanded by an Army Major. engine greatly improved Military thinking at the time The dimensions of an aircraft 12 days aboard HMS Theseus until the end of WW2. Some into the casualty evacuation and transport. Sometimes even performance, especially in dictated that the best way carrier's were marked practicing approach, landing were also supplied to the (CASEVAC) role where it for moving troops, but we are The Bristol Type 171 Sycamore hot-and-high environments. to deliver heliborne troops out on a runway at RAF Middle and take-offs. At first this was Helicopter Training School excelled. In the first month of getting ahead of ourselves. was the first British designed The RAF continued to operate was from an . Wallop. Pilots and crews spent carried out by individual aircraft at Andover early in January the war, over 500 casualties helicopter which flew for the first the Whirlwind until 1982 when So, the JEHU began to learn many hours practicing landing then working up to whole flight 1945, forming Europe’s were evacuated by helicopter Mindful of the new roles that time in July 1947. Each Sycamore the final examples were retired how to land and take off from and taking off in this small area, (6 aircraft) operations and finally first rotary training unit. from the combat zone to helicopters in Malaya had was manufactured with all the from SAR duties in Cyprus. the Navy's floating airfields. which was something that had both flights (12 aircraft) taking Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals been locally forced to fulfil, necessary fixed fittings to enable not been done with an entire off as a unit and returning as By 1950, helicopter (MASH) or even hospital ships the War Office decided that Westland Whirlwind. flight of helicopters before. one. JEHU bid farewell to HMS technology and capability moored just offshore. The formalisation was required. Ground crews also practiced Theseus and returned to Middle had increased markedly. helicopter had come of age. moving aircraft around to fit all Wallop having completed a total 12 on the small deck. As soon of 611 deck landings and over as the unit had mastered this, it 163 flying hours. That practise was time to try the real thing. was soon to be put to good use.

On 1 October 1955, JEHU flew In 1956, the erupted out over the Solent to meet over Egyptian President the Light Fleet Carrier HMS Nasser’s decision to nationalize Theseus. For the first time the the strategically important Whirlwinds and Sycamores of Suez Canal. The Anglo-French JEHU were about to land on a military response was swift moving aircraft carrier. Although and forceful. The JEHU was the pilots were ready for the ordered to join HMS Ocean size of the area they would be and rendezvous with HMS expected to land on, the reality Theseus, and her resident eight . of how small the carrier was Whirlwind HAR22s from 845 shocked most, plus the fact NAS, in the Mediterranean. Also that their landing area was now aboard HMS Ocean were the moving. After flying along the of 45 Commando starboard side of the carrier the (Cdo). The JEHU dropped first Sycamore made a normal the “Experimental” from its circuit and then lined up for the name to become the Joint final approach. A Batsman on Helicopter Unit (JHU). It was board HMS Theseus indicated about to become operational. to the pilot the spot to land and the pilot made a perfect landing followed by the rest of the unit CONTINUED >>> Royal Marines preparing to embark. in turn. JEHU spent the next

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In 90 minutes, 435 commandos 45 Cdo embarking on Whirlwinds. had been flown into the combat zone. The rest of the day was spent resupplying the troops ashore and evacuating 37 casualties. IN MEMORIAM Whilst the landings were successful, international pressure, mainly from the USA, forced a ceasefire and a withdrawal of the Anglo- French troops. History judges the military action to have been pointless, but the campaign did showcase the remarkable versatility of the helicopter. It also persuaded UK military chiefs that commando carrying amphibious ships, equipped with helicopters, was the way forward.

JHU returned to Middle Wallop and continued operational research and evaluation work. It moved to RAF Andover, but its days were numbered by a The Suez Crisis turned in to a before the main invasion The Landing Zone was on a desire from the War Office for conflict on 29 October 1956 force arrived. At 1600hrs on stretch of waste ground within the RAF to control the utility when UK and French fixed- 6 November 1956, as ground sight of the Ferdinand de helicopters of the day. The JHU wing aircraft commenced troops were heading to the Lesseps statue at the mouth disbanded in 1959. It would bombing and anti-shipping invasion beaches in WW2 era of Port Said. The transit was be 40 years before the UK had SAC Thomas Gamble passed SAC Mike Gardner passed away on Maj Michael “Mac” McDonald strikes as a prelude to an landing craft, 45 Cdo were uneventful, but battle was another joint helicopter unit. away on Sunday 20th December Sunday 10th January 2021. Serving Royal Signals passed away on invasion of the Canal Zone. about to ride into battle, and immediately joined on landing Air assault by helicopter – that 2020, as a passenger in a road with the Tactical Supply Wing, Sunday 24th January 2021. Mac In an operation bearing a into history, aboard a mixed and one Whirlwind was was born during the Suez traffic collision. Tom had just Mike was an outstanding individual enjoyed a full and varied 32-year remarkable resemblance to fleet of Royal Navy, Army and damaged by small arms fire. Crisis, that came of age during started out in his career as known for his great sense of military career serving both at D-Day just 12 years earlier, RAF helicopters. The Marines Vietnam and is still an important a Military Transport Driver, humour, team spirit and eagerness home and overseas, culminating UK and French paratroopers clambered aboard the JHU The Helicopters immediately element of air power – was arriving for his first posting at to lend support to his friends in any with a tour at HQ JHC. He were parachuted in with the and 845 NAS aircraft and were returned to the carriers to developed by a Joint unit based RAF Benson in September 2020. capacity. Above all else, he was a enjoyed cooking, socialising, aim of holding key locations airborne five minutes later. pick up the next wave. in Hampshire. Sounds familiar? Tom had a genuine interest in loving husband to Justine and a and spending time with his wife vehicles and driving and was devoted father to Jake and Harry. Terrie, his two children Maddison Casualty evacuation. always keen to learn more. A His positivity, strength and selfless and Deacon and their cockapoo popular young man with a very attitude throughout his period of Buddy. In his passing he sets a bright future ahead of him. He illness was truly humbling. Mike humbling example to those he took pride in all aspects of his exemplified immense courage, with worked with. There could be work and even spent a weekend an unyielding will to never give-in no finer example of courage in helping to paint his workplace to adversity, setting an example to the face of adversity, kindness, with his team. He will be greatly us all. He has left a lasting mark on team-spirit, good-humour and missed by all who knew him. many and his loss is deeply felt. selflessness above all else.

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Embedded in the RAF motto of “Rising Above the Rest” for a BAME person in the RAF, is not simply “rising above the rest”.

n my RAF career, I have had melting pot that is a direct to work that much harder result of an influence from a to be on par with my social multitude of cultures. If you peers and to prove my worth puncture the human skin, we Iand place within my social all bleed red and our organs environment. For me, the motto are all protected by the same truly means, “Rising above and amount of bones regardless beyond the rest” in order to be of race. However, we are all considered on par with my peers. cultivated on different soils, which gives us a unique taste Social scientists refer to my and aesthetic. Embracing these situation as having “a marked influences and obtaining a point WHAT A YEAR identity”. I see it as a vital of view from a variety of ethnic part of this journey called backgrounds, can hugely benefit ‘life’, embracing diversity and growth in our organisation FOR DIVERSITY encouraging others to do and beyond into society. so through education. This AND INCLUSION! journey has led to me having Today, we should all strive to not a strong sense of self, fuelling only accept differences, but to 2020 was a challenging year. my impetus to always achieve promote the beauty it exhumes; excellence and to stand up like a florist would celebrate n terms of Diversity and As an essential part of for my beliefs at all costs. having a multitude of flowers in Inclusion (D&I) it became Army TLB, think ‘How can their garden. The time to act on an area of intense focus I make my difference:’ In the world today, it is vital that the acceptance of diversity and following global and What will you do to make we celebrate individuality and inclusion is now, for it is the only Isocietal movements. Defence a positive impact on the uniqueness both within ourselves way the humanity of our rainbow responded and recognised culture of the organisation? and others, for this is what nation can truly connect with more should and could be makes our planet interesting and applaud the true beauty of done in order to become So, what does this mean and it is this that will support life so that the RAF and fairer and more inclusive. for the organisation? us to combat racism. We are wider society can progress blessed to have such a variety in an effective, healthy and In November, the Chief of the The Army D&I Team will have of personalities, creating one inclusive way for us all. General Staff wrote to the an uplift of personnel including Army expressing his opinions posts to support the networks. on D&I in the Army. Whilst he One additional post will be acknowledged that progress a dedicated JHC D&I SO2 to had been made, he noted that support the culture of inclusion. ‘we are still some way from making the essential cultural Each person can do something Do you have a Diversity change necessary to ensure to make a difference. that we are as open, tolerant, • Maybe think about signing and Inclusion story or fair and equal as all high- up for additional training, performing organisations need such as the Defence D&I experience to share? to be.’ He sets a challenge Fundamentals Course on to us all to ‘consider what the DLE? your personal plans are to do • Attend a network something positive about it’. conference so you can If so, please contact the Editor via better understand the During 2021 ‘Army Teamwork’ lived experience of people different to yourself. [email protected] will reflect CGS’s intent. Together we can make the change to • Sign up to attend the Army make sure that in Army TLB we Diversity Ally training course – information on all respect people’s differences the D&I Sharepoint and and treat people fairly. Defence Connect pages.

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MAXIMUM RESPECT A PIG OF AN OPERATION WILDCAT DROPS IN FOR AWARD WINNING DOG ON ARMY DISPLAY In early December, RAF Benson played host PARACHUTING TRAINING 847 ITALIAN Max - a lifesaving miracle dog and his to an unusual porcine visitor. Perhaps trying inspirational owner – appeared in the previous to prove that they really can fly, a pig was issue of Landing Zone. reported streaking across the airfield. The Lightning Bolts Army Parachute Display Team conducted two weeks of team training in April at Netheravon under strict Covid DECKS protection measures, following almost 14 months of little or no jumping.

47 NAS became the first Wildcat squadron to he team managed JHC members within the conduct a landing on 50 jumps each in the Lightning Bolts are; Lt Col Ray the deck of the Italian glorious weather, Kolczak REME (JHC HQ), Maj 8Aircraft Carrier, the Giuseppe including freefall Shane Cook REME (Watchkeeper Garibaldi, during a recent Tand canopy work, preparing Force HQ) and LCpl Will Garforth task group training package them for the upcoming display REME (1 AAC). Aircrew were in the Central Mediterranean season. The team was lucky Lt Cdr Dave Westley RN, SSgt region. On arrival, the aircrew enough to be visited by a Chris Dixon AAC and rear crew were presented with a package helicopter from 652 Sqn AAC Sgt Chris McGinley AAC. containing a crate of Peroni and Yeovilton (attached photo). If any readers want a display or freshly cooked pizzas. Saluti! even a tandem parachute jump, Team members are drawn then just contact: REMERHQ- hilst training in the In mid-February, it was from across the Army on a REMEParachuteTeam@mod. North West last announced that Max was going t may have been for the chop volunteer basis and give up gov.uk and we look forward year, the Chinook to receive the PDSA Order of if it got too near Benson’s their weekends for this vital to seeing you around the Force found time Merit, the first time a pet has usual residents. Could the engagement activity. place in the coming year. Wto meet Max and owner Kerry received this award normally situation be cured? Only Irving. Max helped lift Kerry reserved for police and search Ithrough a real Joint operation. out of a spiral of depression and rescue animals. The PDSA, after a tragic accident. Their which nicknamed the honour For a while, it looked like Miss adventures around the Lake the "animal OBE", said the Piggy was enjoying herself, District are followed by many on "positive and life-altering impact hamming it up, scratching social media. Kerry has raised Max has on the wellbeing of around and giving the pursuers over £250,000 for mental health hundreds of thousands of people a right grilling. Could they charities and the PDSA through worldwide is unprecedented". (g)rind the pig down and bring sponsored dog walks and home the bacon? Perhaps, meet and greets and inspired CONGRATULATIONS through their persistence, young and old to get outside the pursuers managed to and enjoy the countryside. MAX AND KERRY. sow the seeds of doubt in the pig’s mind, or maybe it was all becoming just a bit of a boar. Whatever happened, the home team managed to hog the limelight by capturing the swine, wrapping it in a blanket and then spent the rest of the day wallowing in their success.

Did the pig get a roasting when it got home? Who knows? This is a tail that will live on at RAF Benson for a long time.

20 ISSUE 1, 2021 / LANDING ZONE LANDING ZONE / ISSUE 1, 2021 21 INTEGRATION THAT SINKING FEELING In early January 2021, a Chinook from No 28 Sqn nfortunately, the laying metal decking and based at RAF Benson made a precautionary aircraft quickly sank deploying two cranes. The landing in a field near Wantage following a into the ground. The aircraft was gently lifted on mechanical issue. initial problem was to the decking and later flown Uquickly fixed; recovery would home. A true joint success story take longer. which would have been far more difficult without the kind A tri-Service team of specialists understanding and support of were called in to assess the the landowner. The hot drinks situation and work on an dispensed to those on-site were extraction plan which included particularly welcome.

22 ISSUE 1, 2021 / LANDING ZONE LANDING ZONE / ISSUE 1, 2021 23 INTERNATIONAL PURPOSE NO ORDINARY EXERCISE NO 606 SQN TAKE TOP AWARD

The deployment of two Wildcat aircraft on exercise may not, at first glance, seem noteworthy. No 606 (Chiltern) Sqn Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) have been awarded the Robins Trophy – However, Ex IRON WOLF was a bit special... the top award from the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Inspectorate.

59 Sqn deployed aircraft ased at RAF Benson, No From providing ground engineering and 60 personnel 606 Sqn is the only RAF and logistical support to the from RNAS Yeovilton Reserve unit within the Puma Force at RAF Benson to to Siauliai Airbase in JHC. With personnel assisting Tactical Supply Wing 6Lithuania to train with over 2,500 Bserving in 12 different trades, with a logistical process overhaul, troops from Poland, Spain, USA the Sqn has been recognised the Squadron has continued as well as the host country, as the Reserve unit that has to deliver support to the JHC demonstrating that the UK done the “most to improve the and wider Defence. The Sqn can support our NATO allies in good name and efficiency of the currently has personnel serving the Baltic region. The aircraft RAuxAF during the year”. in both Afghanistan and Mali. covered the 2,341km in four days with refuelling stops in the UK (Colchester), Germany and Poland. The ground party, and their 20-vehicle convoy, took nine days to reach Lithuania.

The exercise provided an ideal opportunity to project FIND aviation capability, testing 1 Regt AAC Very High Readiness Forces and their ability to integrate into a multinational exercise. The transit took the aircraft over the former AAC airfield at Gutersloh – home to 1 Regt AAC from 1994-2015.

24 ISSUE 1, 2021 / LANDING ZONE LANDING ZONE / ISSUE 1, 2021 25 INNOVATION PEOPLE 7 Regt Apache Mk1s Leave Middle Wallop 7 Regt AAC performed a very special as CHARITY ROUND UP the last of their Apache Mk1 helicopters departed AAC Middle Wallop for Wattisham. 47 Regt Mega-Challenge 47 Regt RA have embarked on a Regt, and the wider challenge to run, cycle and tab a Apache whole force total of 100,000km (Yes! 100,00 enterprise, have km!!) in 10 weeks, raising money delivered 17 years for the NHS and RA charities. 7of uninterrupted AH64D Conversion To Type (CTT) 656 Sqn Food Donation training. Throughout that period, Cpl Foulkes and LCpl Thompson 673 Sqn has delivered 25 CTTs, from 656 Sqn have organised trained over 363 students, a collection of produce completed 53,000 flying hours for local charities. 656 Sqn and trained a host of AH64D donated almost 138kg of Qualified Helicopter Instructors. food and essentials to the Whilst the departure of the final Stowmarket Foodbank over the eight Apache Mk1s, in December Christmas period. 2020, marks the end of one chapter; a new one is about to begin.

AH64E is coming...

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Poppy Run totalling 195km and raising over RAF Benson Logistics Cpl Rob Thomson decided 1 AAC 100 Mile Challenge losing two Grandparents to Christmas Fun Run £1,220 which will go to supporting FS George Day, an Air Traffic £1300. Overcoming blisters, shin Squadron Race from the to put together a Logistics In January 2021, LCpl Beer the illness, it is something he During the festive break, RAF relief and development projects Controller at RAF Benson, ran splints, a sprained ankle, and a North Pole Squadron team for this commenced a challenge to run feels strongly about and aims Odiham Padre Dave took part in overseas and in the UK. 5km every day for 39 days in few days of debilitating cold, he For four weeks leading up to event, following the success 100 miles in 30 days, for the to raise awareness as well as a 5K Charity Christmas Fun Run support of RBL Poppy Appeal ran every day no matter what. Christmas, 23 members of RAF of their recent event, where charity Run4Dementia. After some cash. for CAFOD (Catholic Agency For Benson Logistics Squadron ran, nine members virtually Overseas Development) with walked, cycled, hopped, skipped completed the Oxford Half the parish priest of Sacred Heart and jumped to collectively cover Marathon, raising an amazing Church, Hook, Fr Paul Leonard. To a total distance of 1960 miles. £753 in the process. Cpl date they have raised an impressive This was in order to help Santa Thomson has been an avid cover some of the total distance supporter of Helen & Douglas between Helen and Douglas since 2017, organising several Hospice in Oxford and his events on their behalf and Workshop in the North Pole. raising £10,215 to date.

FS George Day after finishing the last run at The White Hart in Whitney near RAF Brize Norton where he lives.

664 Sqn Watt Bike Challenge 9th Dec period during December 2020, 25 soldiers from across all raising money for ABF The departments from 664 Sqn AAC Soldiers’ Charity. Total sum cycled 664km over a 24-hour raised £1246. ‘Pound to Kilo’ challenge A team of seven physical training instructors based at RAF Odiham have been running, Anyone for Tennis? cycling and bear crawling to raise money for the RAF Army Air Corps Benevolent Fund. The team, Try Tennis Day, FS George Day running in a Tutu as a condition of a large donation. led by Cpl Harrison Knight, Joined by controller Fg Off Si Cunningham. completed a kilometre for Wed 26 May 21. every pound raised throughout January and February. The team invited other personnel If you are in the AAC and have ever wanted to give tennis a go, then this might be to join in by running bi-weekly just the opportunity you are looking for. virtual circuits on Zoom, posting challenges and workouts on the Open to all Regular and Reservist AAC RAF Odiham MyZone fitness the “Try Tennis Day” will be take place app, and sharing video clips on at the Army Tennis Centre, Aldershot on social media. Wed 26 May 21. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t picked up a racket before as there will be free coaching for all. Interested?

For more details contact SSgt Wepner, 668 Sqn on 94329 4280 / 01264 784280 / [email protected]. Transport available through MT.

FS George Day running in Lederhosen for Octoberfest! Joined by controller Sgt Matt Wilkinson.

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Department of Health and ICU nurses. Our tasks include Social Care mass asymptomatic looking after the patients, testing programme. Working keeping the patients and bed as part of a local liaison spaces clean and tidy, providing SUPPORTING OP RESCRIPT team alongside three Army assistance in rolling the patients, Officers, we were based in East fetching drugs from pharmacy, The JHC continues to support the fight against COVID – Op RESCRIPT – in very many ways. London with Havering Council running blood gases, taking vital prior to Christmas and then statistics, amongst a wide variety Here are some personal accounts. with Surrey County Council of other taskings. On the first throughout January. shift it was overwhelming to see Sgt Francis, 1 Regt AAC the number of patients - all beds On arrival at St George’s On both occasions we were were occupied. It took a couple Hospital for training I was, as supplementing the Council of shifts to get used to it all. well as every other medic, unsure planning teams to help deliver of what role we were going to mass testing on a local scale. In be undertaking. The common each instance the initial task was thought was that we would help to generate an understanding out on general wards to let other of the local population to staff concentrate on the COVID ensure that any potential sites effort. However, the moment were located in the best places when we were informed that to capture as many people we would be working in COVID as possible. Once this was Intensive Therapy Units (ICU) the established, we then moved The nurses and doctors have Air Medevac to the Scilly Isles, mood within the room changed on to looking at site locations been very friendly, helpful and Guernsey and Jersey. As the as the seriousness dawned on us to ensure that they would teach us how to do things. civilian agencies were unable all; 24 hours later I was working comply with testing regulations. Working in this environment has to continue normal operations, my first shift. My tasks involved At the same time as this we been quite an experience, but I RAF and assets patient monitoring, moving and were assisting the councils in am thankful for the opportunity. were used to fulfil the lifesaving hygiene care of patients, as well setting up a logistics plan for duties. The most interesting as supporting dying patients the delivery and distribution Capt Wallace, AWB part of the attachment to in their last moments. Even of Lateral Flow Device tests During the early stages of the HQSW was a military/civilian though it is emotionally and throughout the council borough. COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, integration day hosted at physically draining, it feels great While we faced many challenges I was trawled to supplement Thruxton airfield, home of the to finally be helping out in the along the way, in both Headquarters Southwest Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air national effort. locations we were successfully (HQSW) in Tidworth. My role Ambulance. This event allowed able to set up testing sites was to act as an Aviation civilian paramedic crews to we have out on the ground in within the targeted dates. Liaison Officer working to familiarise themselves with the the WM. the Royal Air Force Regional aircraft and to practise with Overall, I found the experience Liaison Officer (RAFRLO), Wg their equipment on Chinook, Currently we have circa 117 x to be hugely worthwhile; to Cdr Pez Coles. Part of this Merlin and Puma airframes. Combat Medical Technicians be able to work with both role involved coordinating and 249 x General Duty councils and contribute to Troops operating from and the national effort in the working within 13 x West fight against Coronavirus Midlands Hospitals as well as was immensely rewarding. 6 x Vaccination QRF teams on standby to deploy as required. Sgt Rai, 47 Regt RA WKF In response to the second wave As with all tasks there are good of the COVID-19 pandemic, the and bad bits, the bad bit in Armed Forces were tasked by this case, is in fact the best bit; the Government to support the the role is quiet at the moment NHS. On 17January 2021, 200 Capt Hawes, JMC WM with a number of tasks winding Combat Medical Technicians I was activated for Op down, which doesn’t help the (CMTs) were deployed in support RESCRIPT at the beginning time pass particularly quickly of NHS London. Two of us from of February 2021 and pointed but it means that things are 47th Regiment in the direction of the Joint slowly getting better for all of were among them. Military Command (JMC) West us, although there is still a long Midlands (WM) as a G3 Battle way to go, there are definitely Our work is within COVID Captain in the UK Ops cell. My signs of an end to the Military Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wards. role is to assist in providing a assistance requirement. Before entering any ICU ward, 24hr G3 Ops cell capability, we don full Personal Protective maintaining overwatch for the Fg Off Laidlaw, RAF Odiham Equipment (PPE). Our role in Military Assistance to the Civilian During Op RESCRIPT I was an ICU ward is primarily to Authorities (MACA) personnel nominated to be part of the provide helping hand to the

30 ISSUE 1, 2021 / LANDING ZONE LANDING ZONE / ISSUE 1, 2021 31 INNOVATION PURPOSE “TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO HELICOPTER HEAVY LIFT IN HAMPSHIRE HAS GONE BEFORE . . “ With the large-scale Aviation Task Force Three exercise (Ex AGILE SPEAR) postponed due to COVID 19, personnel from the Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) still needed to complete Rotary aviation is literally out of this world! NASA’s Perseverance Rover safely landed on Mars on essential field training to maintain currency and competency. 18 February 2021. s one of the Steve Hughes and his team assess and produce an Exercise primary specialised of instructors and trainers. HLS Directory which could he Rover's mission Ingenuity is expected to fly JHC helicopter be used by SH aircrew and goals include looking up to five times a day during support units, this Preparation for this mini ground teams for planning and for past Martian a 30-day campaign. Sorties, Aensures JHSS are ready to deployment began with a recce reference. This was a useful environments capable for solar-powered aircraft, are deliver Operational output phase carried out by one of the exercise to prepare him for his Tof supporting life, seeking out expected to last for 90 secs with on NEWCOMBE, TORAL and Mobile Air Operations Team upcoming deployment to the possible microbial life, collecting a maximum range of 50m and an National Standby tasks as well Leaders (MAOTL) as part of his USA to setup for the NOCTEM rock and soil samples to store on altitude of 3-5m. The helicopter as maintain force elements at final Combat Ready qualification. WARRIOR and IMPERIAL ZEPHYR the Martian surface, and testing is under autonomous control R2 who may be called upon Flt Lt Dan Greenhalgh was put exercises, as well as to gain his oxygen production from the during sorties, although flights to support the likes of the Air through his paces to recce, ‘Q’ annotation as a MAOTL. Martian atmosphere to prepare are telerobotically planned and Manoeuvre Task Force (AMTF) for future manned missions. scripted by controllers on Earth. or Joint Expeditionary Force Key to the mission is the Rover’s (JEF) anywhere in the world. Concurrently, back at RAF underslung load – a robotic Environmental conditions are Benson, the Squadron rotorcraft named Ingenuity. challenging – perhaps best To facilitate these requirements, Quartermaster Section (SQMS) described as “Cold and High”! elements of the Sqn embarked with elements from Support This helicopter is the first Temperatures on Mars are early in February on a week of Troop, assisted the Training aircraft humanity has sent to typically around -90OC and the training to Barton Stacey Training Flight with preparing the another planet to attempt atmosphere is just about 1% of Area (BSTA) in the heart of the necessary equipment, Helicopter powered, controlled flight. the density of Earth. The gravity Hampshire countryside, with Underslung Load Equipment If its experimental flight test on Mars is about a third of that the support of the Chinook (HUSLE) and transport load program succeeds, the data on Earth. NASA has invested Helicopter Force. This was led plans. The expertise of the returned could benefit future US$80 million to build Ingenuity by the JHSS Training Flight multi cap-badge personnel explorations of the Red Planet and US$5 million to operate it. under the direction of RAF WO from the RAF, RLC and AAC – including those by astronauts – brings together a multitude by adding the aerial dimension, Out of this world. of unique skills into one unit, which is not available today. making the Sqn largely self- sufficient when deployed.

Once deployed to BSTA, three days and one night of quality training followed where the Squadron’s Helicopter Landing Site Managers (HLSM), Landing Point Commanders (LPC) and Rigger Marshallers (RM) were STOP PRESS - First challenged to prove their flight was successfully completed on 19 April

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competency in dealing with returned to Sqn HQ, using QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 2021 STATE AWARDS AND COMMENDATIONS the type of complex netted the sqn’s own HGV drivers, ESPORTS IN THE RAF Underslung Loads (USLs) where the last phase is carried Rank Name Force Unit Comments routinely required on Op out. After use checks and MBE SAC Jamie Griffiths, from the Aeronautical Information NEWCOMBE. Thanks to the maintenance was carried out WO R Warren Benson 230 Sqn support from the heavy lift providing further training Cell at RAF Benson, describes recent combat with US CGS Commendation capabilities of the Chinook opportunity for those JNCOs Forces in cyberspace. Force, there was also the qualified as Helicopter Load Capt M Carr 1 Avn Bde HQ Nominated for her role as 2IC, 668 Sqn AAC. opportunity to rig and fly Slinging Equipment Inspectors Fleet Comd Commendations “piggyback” USLs and internal (HLSEI), to mentor the newer Maj (RM) R Moore CHF 847 NAS loads most required in support members of the squadron in vital of the AMTF, as well as working HUSLE care. Lt Cdr G Plunkett CHF 847 NAS in confined areas. This type CFA Commendations of skillset can be particularly With a number of large exercises Maj P Reynolds WKF HQ Nominated for his role QM, 5 Bn REME applicable both on operations requiring JHC support planned and during National Standby (UK for 2021 and going forward, JHSS WO2 D Killick 1 Avn Bde 7 Bn REME Resilience Operations) tasks. strives to maintain its reputation SSgt T Minter 1 Avn Bde Wattisham Flying Station across Defence by providing Comd JHC Commendations As with every Exercise when operational output and the tasks have been completed, continuation training to all three Maj M Ricketts 1 Avn Bde 1 AAC Now at PJHQ the kit and HUSLE must then Services, embodying the Sqn Sqn Ldr C Gawne HQ JHC Safety be derigged, back loaded and motto “Together We Deliver”. Sqn Ldr M Wight-Boycott Odiham 18 Sqn

Lt M Wells CHF 847 NAS

Lt F Durrant CHF 846 NAS

Capt I MacLennan 1 Avn Bde 4 AAC

"eSports (electronic sports) Capt D Price AACen AWB is a term used to describe Capt J Jewson AACen AWB Now at 2 AAC competitive video gaming. Flt Lt C Wynne-Jones Odiham SHF HQ It is different from standard video gaming in that eSports SSgt C Hosten HQ JHC MPSU Now at 1 Gren Gds HQ is competitive (human-vs- SSgt D McCormack 1 Avn Bde 4 AAC human) and usually has an Cpl G Adjei 1 Avn Bde 4 AAC engaging spectator element to it, like traditional sports. LBdr S Kitching WKF 47 RA CT P Hunter Odiham ELW On 11 December 2020, I FS S Roberson Benson SSS competed in the very first transatlantic military esports FS J Morgan HQ JHC Logs Ops Sp competition, taking part in Sgt M Kramer Benson StanEval

the Call of Duty Endowment the British Army team came 3rd Sgt S Mason TSW Now at RAF Brize Norton (CODE) Bowl. This was a and the Royal Navy team 5th. charity tournament hosted It was a pleasure to have been Cpl J Lloyd Benson ESS Now at RAF Brize Norton by Activision (the creators of selected to represent the RAF SAC W Hemsworth TSW

Call of Duty), with the aim of in such a prestigious event and SAC (T) A Sammon Benson DCPT Now at UKStratCom Defence Digital Ops raising awareness for military I hope it is a sign of what is to Mr A Lacey AACen 2 AAC veteran employment. come for eSports within the service. With the development Comd JHC Team Commendations The RAF topped the of eSports facilities on stations 845 NAS Logs Dept CHF leaderboards after two long across the UK, the RAF is taking Air Traffic Control Wattisham Flying Station rounds of gameplay, putting a lead role in continuing to them comfortably in the final combat isolation and provide Air Safety Team Benson head-to-head against the US technology that many would Engr Records Section Odiham Space Force. After an incredibly not have thought to try RAF Commendations tight final, the competition previously. Here at RAF Benson, went to a tie breaker where the we are progressing with the FS (now A/WO) S D Griffiths Benson BSW AOC 22 Gp Commendation RAF were narrowly defeated. development of our own facility Sgt B Middlebrook TSW Logs (Sp) AOC 2 Gp Commendation The team and I were praised and aim to have this open in SAC P Phuttharaksa Odiham Logs (Chef) AOC 2 Gp Commendation by Activision executives and the coming months. This will professional gamers as we provide personnel another place Survival Equipment Odiham AOC 2 Gp Team shocked the competition with to spend their free time and Flight Commendation our performance. Indeed, a socialise with others, all while RAF Benson Sports Bar Benson AOC 2 Gp Team Commendation good performance all-round as enjoying games they love.”

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