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FEATURES BASE SUPPORT WING

Stn Cdr’s Foreword 12 Sqn – The Establishment of RAF Padre’s Pause 07 Group Captain Mark Flewin Coningsby’s newest Sqn 17 7 FP Wg ALI 20 29 Sqn – Typhoon display pilot hands 7 FP Wing HQ –CAPEVAL 20 over the reigns to his successor 09 JET Blue Skies Programme – RAF ENGINEERING & LOGISTICS WING Coningsby volunteers embrace a new opportunity 13 ELW – Spearhead badge 19 ELW - Silver Spitfire 19 SQUADRON NEWS OTHER XI(F) Sqn – ATLC 16 3(F) Sqn – SHADER 18 RAFBF 21 41 Sqn – Ex RED FLAG, work hard, play hard 18 JUST FOR FUN BBMF – Winter Maintenance 07 Photo Quiz 23

FOLLOWING A PHENOMENALLY BUSY 2019 FOR ALL THOSE SERVING AT RAF CONINGSBY – AND A TIMELY AND HOPEFULLY RESTFUL BREAK OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS – THERE ARE SOME VERY EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR RAF CONINGSBY’S WHOLE FORCE THIS YEAR; FROM THE FORMAL OPENING OF OUR NEWEST TYPHOON UNIT - 12 SQN - TO THE VERY SIGNIFICANT EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY AND THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN, AS ‘THE FEW’ ARE VERY SADLY BECOMING FEWER. Editorial & Distribution Team Editor’s Foreword • Flt Lt Ben Marlton ISSUE 1 2020 s we have seen with the Force growth; capability continual deployment development at home and Aof QRA assets from RAF overseas; stretching our high- UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE EFFECT THAT COVID19 Coningsby over the last few end warfighting capability in IS HAVING ON SMALL BUSINESSES IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY weeks, and as one of only three a multitude of joint Exercises Front-Line Fast-Jet Stations, with our sister-Services; onetoone TO REDUCE THE LENGTH OF THIS EDITION BY REMOVING there’s no doubt in my mind contributing to and exercising SOME OF THE ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS. BEFORE ALL that we will continue to be with NATO in a multitude Editor Publishers THIS UNCERTAINTY WE ACTUALLY SAW MORE ARTICLE busy in 2020, as we play our of roles; or reflecting on the Flt Lt Ben Marlton Lance Print Ltd, SUBMISSIONS THAN WE COULD FIT INTO THE MAGAZINE, SO Flt Lt Laura Smith 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, part in realising the vision for phenomenal achievements THANK YOU. TO ALL THOSE WHOSE ARTICLES HAVE a secure United Kingdom with of our forebears, in what was Kettering NN16 8NL. global reach and influence. a fight for national survival, Deputy Editor Tel: 01536 334222 NOT BEEN FEATURED, YOUR HARD WORK AND CONTINUED While supporting QRA 24/7 through VE Day 75 and Battle of Flt Lt Lou Webster Email: [email protected] SUPPORT IS MUCH APPRECIATED AND YOUR ARTICLES HAVE and Operations overseas must Britain 80 National events. www.lanceprint.co.uk Just for Fun co-ordinator BEEN SAVED TO BE PUBLISHED IN FUTURE EDITIONS. remain our focus – perhaps In all this, I continue to Sgt Baz Goodwin most excitingly 2020 will be impressed every single View onetoone online at www.onetooneonline.co.uk be a year of Force growth day by the committed and Distribution n this, my final edition as the ATLC (pg15), and a picture quiz from for the Station – as we resourceful people working Lead: SAC Leckenby Design Editor, I’d like to take the time to BBMF (pg07), to name but a few. I’ve continue to work as one team on and around RAF Coningsby Dep: SAC Charman Amanda Robinson introduce Flt Lt Laura Smith as thoroughly enjoyed my time as the alongside the Typhoon Force - across all elements of the Team: SAC Braley I the new onetoone Editor. Out of the Editor over the past 12 months but, Headquarters and Industry Whole Force, our civil servants, many applications received, Laura it is now time for me to move on. I partners, to establish strong and industry partners alike Printed By Advertising was selected as the best candidate wish Laura and the team the best of foundations for 12 Sqn at - and I wish you and your Lance Print Ltd Emma for the role. This Spring edition luck and thank you for allowing me RAF Coningsby alongside our families a fantastic year, in what 29/30 Stapledon Road, Orton Lance Print Ltd, features a number of interesting to fulfil the prestigious role of the Qatari colleagues. will undoubtedly be a very Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6TD 1st Floor, Tailby House, Bath Road, Tel: 01733 390564 articles, from 12 Sqn talking about onetoone Editor Indeed, 2020 promises exciting and productive 2020. Kettering NN16 8NL the establishment of the newest Sqn to be an exciting and diverse My sincere thanks for your Tel: (01536) 334221 at Coningsby (pg16), XI(F) Sqn on Flt Lt Ben Marlton year: whether delivering continued support. Email: [email protected] 6 ISSUE 1 2020 PADRES PAUSE BBMF - WINTER MAINTENANCE onetoone 7 PADRE’S PAUSE DIFFICULTIES OF BEING A NEW ARRIVAL ON BASE BBMF WINTER MAINTENANCE “I HAVE SET MY FACE LIKE FLINT” THE BBMF HANGAR LOOKS VERY DIFFERENT FLT LT JOHN MBAYO DURING THE WINTER TO HOW IT APPEARS DURING THE LATE SPRING AND SUMMER, s I sit to reflect about Having reflected on my WITH ALMOST ALL THE AIRCRAFT SHOWING my time in the RAF, it transition into the RAF, my THEIR ‘BONES’ TO VARYING EXTENTS. A has been just over a year thoughts have also reflected since I graduated from RAFC on our transition into another HELEN FEARN Cranwell, for my first posting as decade and I was wondering a padre at RAF Coningsby. It is about the resolutions some of amazing how time has flown us made at the beginning of he Lancaster had the have been working hard to so far. I am sure many of you this year. I guess for some it is wing tips, the wheels, prepare the aircraft for the know how challenging it can a year to get fitter, for others even the tailplane 2020 season, which promises be to find yourself in a place it might be about saving for T removed, and the Dakota to be as busy as ever. Two of where you are a total stranger, a new car or paying off the underwent an Ageing the upcoming anniversaries; and how emotionally daunting mortgage. Whatever goals Aircraft Audit, so you can VE Day 75th anniversary on 8 it can be to settle into a new you might have set this year, imagine the number of May and the Battle of Britain job; especially if the place of I hope you will stay focused job cards there were. 80th anniversary, are obvious work is far from everything you and let nothing derail you from One Chipmunk (WK518) occasions for the Flight to are familiar with, and those achieving your goal. has provided some currency be in much demand - VE Day connections you have built up One of my favourite for the fighter pilots. alone has us down for one over years, suddenly feel far sayings in the Bible is when Otherwise, the engineers display and 98 flypasts! off. Loneliness can set in, none Isaiah says, ‘I have set my face of us are immune - and if not like flint’, referring to Jesus’ dealt with early on, it can lead mindset as He goes to His to a sense of hopelessness. Crucifixion. The meaning of Excited as I was to start this is that we are to pursue my new job as an RAF padre, our goals and vocations, and the first few months were forge ahead with resilience, no a little bit daunting and matter the challenges of life, or overwhelming. Nonetheless, our fears and inner struggles. I am so grateful to many who I may not know all that made me feel very welcome is going on with you - your and supported me to settle hopes, dreams or anxieties, in quickly. This is one positive but I do trust that in this new aspect of being in the RAF; it decade you will press on – set is like being in a big family. your face like flint - and not Wherever you go there is an give up, but have the courage openness, a spirit of friendship to believe and hope for and camaraderie, whether it the best. be in the mess or just walking My year at RAF Coningsby about the station. 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FLT LT STEPHEN IWANEK

ore courses of seeing a number of all-rank students have been squadron functions and FD M pouring in from RAF packages, rolling shortly after Valley, including several Qatari the break into the first dining- pilots destined for the newly in night of the year in Lincoln. formed 12 Squadron. The This night was a big one, as it hard work of the squadron marked the end of OC 29 Wg engineers, good weather and Cdr Andy Chisholm’s tour, as he additional flying following handed over the reins to Wg the graduation of last year’s Cdr Jim Calvert. Also joining Qualified Weapons Instructor the squadron this year are a Course has all helped to keep new batch of flying instructors, the courses running like ‘Dusty’ Wales, ‘JR’ Ravenscroft clockwork. In the background, and ‘CJ’ Barker, welcome to the squadron continues the squadron! to support detachments In other big news, the around the world, including display pilot for 2020 has a sizeable contribution to the been confirmed as Flt Lt UK’s presence in the Falkland ‘Deano’ Rogers, (pictured) Islands, with two pilots and who at the time of writing, dozens of engineers enjoying is now rehearsing his display a ‘summer-time’ alternative routine down to a height of Christmas experience in the 1,500 feet. Over the coming South Atlantic. It’s not been months he’ll work down lower all work and no play however, as be builds up to the summer with the Christmas period display season. 10 ISSUE 1 2020 onetoone 11

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Everyone has a JET BLUE SKIES PROGRAMME story to tell. RAF CONINGSBY VOLUNTEERS EMBRACE A NEW OPPORTUNITY Whatever your tale, fiction or HAVING RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM RAF CONINGSBY FOR A NUMBER OF reality, short or long, we can INSPIRATIONAL OUTREACH EVENTS OVER THE YEARS, 2020 HAS SEEN THE help you get it out there. Send in your manuscript BASE COMMIT FURTHER SUPPORT TO THE BLUE SKIES PROGRAMME. and we can professionally set up and publish NICOLA INGAMELLS your story. ollowing a very successful and exploring the equipment elements, that they each came Working with a skilled volunteer recruitment required for a search and rescue away with, in a different way. F process, Jon Egging mission. The students had to Opportunities to reflect without team of graphic Trust has formed a team obtain clues, which would lead judgement are key to getting designers, we work made up from RAF Coningsby them to reveal the important the most from our young hard to make your book personnel across all ranks, who lifesaving Fire Safety phrase people. It helps to ensure that a reality. For more details, will support JETLO Nicola to “Stop, Drop, and Roll.” At the they feel they can be open contact us: deliver the first two phases end of this session with the fire and safe as they learn to grow of the Blue Skies programme. section, they were presented and develop throughout the This phase will encompass the with certificates to celebrate longevity of the programme. Enhance the value of your development of Teamwork and their achievements. This The students departed 01536 334 220 Leadership. Local school Barnes added greatly to building their from their day at RAF home with beautiful new [email protected] Wallis Academy, who previously self-esteem and confidence, Coningsby enthused and proud www.lanceprint.co.uk had to travel to bases further which encouraged them to of their achievements, excited windows and doors. afield for this programme, will think about giving new things for their return visit to the base benefit from this community a go as they continue with in March. The New Window Company offers a full installation engagement initiative and the programme. Our thanks go to everyone service with its award winning windows and doors the cohesion that this will Our young people then involved at RAF Coningsby who from our extensive and large showrooms based in bring locally. enjoyed a meal in the Junior is making it possible for JET to Frieston Heath near Caythorpe Grantham. The team have a variety Ranks’ Mess which presented help these young people be of experiences, backgrounds them with an opportunity the best they can be! Please visit us to explore our range of beautifully and personal interests from to reflect on their morning’s which to draw upon to benefit efforts. Flying Officer James crafted engineered timber windows and doors and state our students. Osborne, who helped to co- of the art timber alternative Evolution Storm. The first phase, ‘Blue Skies ordinate the visit, also included 1: Teamwork’, began with a a tour and Q&A of one of the We are proud to enjoy appointed distribution Think Print ‘getting to know you’ session Typhoon hangars. Several exclusivity for Timberwindows.com, at Barnes Wallis Academy interesting facts clearly inspired Evolution Storm, Smart Aluminium, Roseview followed by sessions that the students as they continued and gold installer Endurance Doors. Lance Print is an established printers based explored introductions to to discuss their experiences in Peterborough. At Lance we combine communication and teamwork. well into the afternoon! skill, experience & knowledge to provide a One of the more recent During the last planned complete professional service. sessions saw the students visit activity of the day, the students RAF Coningsby where students worked together to build a We aim to fill our clients visited the fire section to box from Mobile Team Activity with confidence in the tackle a number of scenario- equipment. This challenge knowledge that any work based problems. Activities required the students to undertaken by us, will be included using the hoses to consider the morning activities completed to the highest retain a chemical container and apply the learned possible standard.

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THE OBSERVANT AMONGST YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE’S 12 SQN A NEW SQUADRON IN TOWN! FLT LT JAMES PETERSON

ith our very subtle 12 Sqn is designated as the building project RAF’s Joint British/Qatari W blending seamlessly Typhoon Squadron, providing into the Waterfront real the foundations for the estate and our neat little sun QEAF’s Typhoon Force and (or are they rain?) shelters growing the RAF an extra fitting snugly onto ‘alpha’ Typhoon Squadron. dispersal, there’s no mistaking Although not at our that 12 Sqn are here and we full complement of pilots mean business. and engineers we’ve not Hangar 2 is now filling been resting on our laurels. up nicely with shiny P3E December saw the Squadron Typhoons, we now have six deploy for the first time to Royal Air Force (RAF) instructor Qatar on Exercise EPIC SKIES 3 pilots, 2 shifts of engineers and (ES3) only six weeks after being we’re eager to welcome our officially re-formed. Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) ES3 was a bilateral air-to- AS ALWAYS FOR A FRONT LINE SQUADRON, THE LAST FEW friends and colleagues in the air flying exercise based at Al MONTHS HAVE BEEN AN EXCITING AND BUSY TIME FOR XI(F) coming weeks. Our four QEAF Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The main air-to-air war scenarios. Phase in time for the Christmas break SQUADRON FOLLOWING OUR DETACHMENT TO ABU DHABI, UAE, instructor pilots are within focus was defence engagement two saw a three-ship of – much to all of our families’ XI(F)SQN sight of the 29 Sqn finish line and mutual operations with Typhoons in a flypast ‘train’ relief. Early 2020 has been all ON EXERCISE ADVANCED TACTICAL LEADERSHIP COURSE (ATLC). and desperate to join us. March the QEAF Rafales. The exercise with 31 other fighters from about training and building 2020 will be an auspicious consisted of two phases. A five nations as well as rotary, and the next two years will FLT LT TOM SEABROOK month when we officially ditch tactical phase to integrate with training and heavy-lift aircraft follow suit. Hopefully the the portacabins and open our QEAF Rafales and a flypast in a spectacular show that next time I pen the article it’ll building as the fifth Coningsby phase to celebrate Qatari included aerobatics and lots be from a warm new office he exercise provided a huge amount of work to make Typhoon Squadron (cue the National Day. of pyrotechnics. The flypast overlooking the flight line great opportunity for the it an amazing detachment next article!). The tactical portion was described by DCOM rather than a dusty old room T squadron to develop and along with vital support from 8 12 Sqn is a ground- involved Basic Fighter Ops as “a tight piece of bolted onto the side of a prepare itself as we assumed Sqn and Air Command. breaking one; the first time Manoeuvring (‘dogfighting’) Defence Engagement.” hangar with dodgy heating. high readiness, as well as With the exception that a RAF Sqn has been within visual range and We brought the Typhoons Until next time… providing a great setting for of those on QRA or in the manned with RAF as well as then progressed to beyond- back from Qatar in the fading some squadron cohesion Falklands, most of the squadron QEAF pilots and personnel. visual-range longer range light, low cloud and rain just 12 Sqn - ‘Leading the Field’ after an extremely busy and could enjoy Christmas at home. fractured 2019 supporting Op As a treat to start the new SHADER and Op AZOTIZE. year, a few of the squadron Congratulations to Flt Lt personnel attended the RAF Roberts, Wales, Nott and Ski Championships. As a result Gorton who all succeeded of this, our 2 new junior pilots in graduating the course. have had a very different The Exercise provided an experience of arriving at a front excellent opportunity to train line squadron compared to and enhance our working that of their 1 and 2 Squadron our new OpsO, arrived in the and Patrick Kershaw have taken relationship with key coalition compatriots who were in new year and we are very their considerable talents and partners and their capabilities, accommodated in tents on lucky to have acquired SAC Joe experience to 12 Sqn. notably the UAE Air Warfare Exercise at RAF Leeming. Those Aynsley, our new Intelligence SAC Chris Wells leaves Centre and F-16s, RAAF E-7 who participated managed to Analyst who has arrived from us on a posting to Cyprus, he and French Air Force Rafale/M- complete the “Ski Circus” which working in Cyprus. can’t escape the squadron for 2000s. On the social side we is over 65Km in under 6 hours. Finally, LAC Lewis Bines, long. Last, but not least we fully explored the delights of For this edition’s ‘hail our new FOA joins us to replace say farewell to Flt Lt Emma Abu Dhabi, enjoying brunches, and bail’, XI Sqn offers a warm SAC Eastwood. It is with a Tate as she moves to A5 at theme parks and cultural visits. welcome to Flt Lt Steve Kemp heavy heart we say goodbye RAF Leeming. On return from Abu Dhabi who joins us from the Rafale to some squadron stalwarts, Until next time, XI(F) the squadron put on a 4 aircraft Exchange and Matt Smith some of whom have only Sqn will continue to stand flypast as part of the Dubai and Jason Chadwick who ventured as far as the other watch, holding QRA along Air Show before handing the successfully completed the side of the airfield; Flt Lt Dustin with our sister squadrons and aircraft to 12 Squadron in Qatar. OCU in Dec 19. On the support Wales has gone to be an OCU high readiness whilst 3(F) are The whole XI(F) team put in a side, Fg Off Georgia Challenger, instructor whilst Stu Roberts deployed on Operations. 18 3(F) SQN ISSUE 1 2020 41 SQN ELW onetoone 19

ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS WING 3(F) SQN 41SQN EX RED FLAG SPEARHEAD SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT FLIGHT PROVIDE OP SHADER AS THE AIRCREW AND GROUND STAFF SUPPORT TO SILVER SPITFIRE OF 41 SQN PREPARE FOR ANOTHER BADGE THE SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE IS A TIMELESS ICON OF AFTER MONTHS OF PREPARATION SHIFT HANDOVER ON EX LINEAR LEVER, BRITISH INGENUITY AND DETERMINATION. AND HARD WORK, 3SQN HAS ARRIVED THE ‘SOON TO BE’ RETURNING PARTY ON WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2019, RAF IN CYPRUS FOR A DETACHMENT IN HAVE TAKEN TIME OUT TO REFLECT ON WHAT CONINGSBY ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS FG OFF JAMES NOONE SUPPORT OF OPERATION SHADER HAS BEEN A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL 4 MONTHS. PERSONNEL WERE RECOGNISED WITH THE RELEASE OF THEIR OWN TYPHOON he single-seat fighter aircrew equipment assemblies, FLT LT JOHN EATHERTON FLT LT CHRISTOPHER CASWELL SPEARHEAD BADGE. is famed for the role it and a survival aids container T played in defending the that could be dropped by hilst carrying out All personnel involved have Nation during the Second the chase aircraft, should the eaving family and loved in the UK is never forgotten; SQN LDR BECKY WADD World War. The Spitfire Spitfire be forced down. ones behind, squadron the culmination of effort the primary role of made the very best of the AT conducting essential and FD on offer and benefited embodies a pinnacle in British “It has been an honour personnel have deployed made by station personnel, W to be involved with the Silver L trial work, required to deliver greatly from their experiences. he profile of the badge Engineering and Logistics aerospace engineering and to deliver Air Power as part both civilian and uniformed, design, and commemorates Spitfire team on behalf of the of a multi-national Coalition from across RAF Coningsby upgrades to the Typhoon Cpl Binns commented recognises Typhoon Wing at RAF Coningsby frontline Sqns, and partaking “It’s great that we work hard Force elements in commented “the contribution a generation prepared to Royal Air Force. The spirit of based across the Middle East. has been essential in the T make the ultimate sacrifice adventure and endeavour With its shared mission to build-up and sustainment of in the ever-busy Exercise through the week and at the the spearhead format that of Engineering and Logistics Red Flag (a first for 41 Sqn), weekend we get the chance is synonymous with the personnel at RAF Coningsby in the pursuit of freedom. are some of the foundations defeat, suppress and deter this deployment. Examples In 2019, two intrepid the Service was built on. Da’esh, 3(Fighter) Squadron include engineering, software members of the squadron to explore and do things Typhoon aircrafts contribution is significant to the 24/7 have also made the most of AT that we would not normally to Spearhead combat air tasks. Defence of the UK through aviators aimed to travel As Survival Equipment are launching daily combat development, simulator and around the world in a de- Technicians, our role is to missions to the skies of Iraq ground crew training as well and FD opportunities afforded be able to do in the UK”. This badge recognises those our QRA mission and delivery to them in the far reaches of It is also all change in support personnel at RAF of combat air operations militarised Mk. IX Supermarine protect our pilots from the and Syria on a daily basis. as medical care, catering and Spitfire, finished in polished physiological effects of flight, The success of any welfare support - all of them Western USA. the UK for 41 Sqn as we say Coningsby, who enable Force globally. This badge forms Members of the squadron goodbye to a number of Elements and additionally a sense of identity for aluminium. The purpose of the and to give them to tools and squadron deployed on are appreciated equally! But expedition being to promote knowledge that will enable operations relies heavily on its last, and by no means least, have laid a commemorative personnel and welcome new support the commemorative those support personnel RAF wreath on Armistice day at faces onto the squadron. flying of the Battle of Britain and rightly highlights their the ‘Best of British’ worldwide, them to survive, should the personnel gelling together as are our family and friends showcasing both the heritage worst happen. On behalf of a tight-knit unit in pursuit of a back at home. Without the ‘Silent Heroes of the Cold Notably we bid farewell to OC Memorial Flight. Wing professionalism in support of War’ National Memorial, visited 41 Sqn, Wg Cdr McMeeking, Commander Cameron our Flying Units and delivery and engineering excellence the whole Survival Equipment common goal. Often working their unwavering support, of the Nation. The two civilian team at RAF Coningsby, we in arduous and challenging deployments like this would the USS Midway museum, and the Sqn WO, Mr Angel. Gibb, Officer Commanding of our mission”. hiked through the Sequoia and We wish those departing the pilots, Matt Jones and Steve wish them all the best of luck” circumstances, the shared be extremely tough, if not Brooks, set off on their epic – Flight Sergeant Matt Fields experience heightens a unbearable. In this sense, Yosemite national parks, canoed Sqn all the very best for the in the Grand Canyon, explored future and thank them for all journey from Goodwood – Survival Equipment Flight. squadron’s spirit of comradery the success of 3(Fighter) Aerodrome on 5 August The route for “The with colleagues feeling more Squadron extends well beyond the Hoover Dam and skied their hard work and dedication in Charleston. their time with the squadron. 2019, initially escorted by a Longest Flight” saw the team like members of a family. This its uniformed members. Typhoon from RAF Coningsby. stop-off in over a hundred is certainly true of 3(Fighter) Partners, children and family The adventure would locations, across thirty Squadron who have quickly members sacrifice time and see the intrepid Silver Spitfire different countries; a tour adapted to the demands stability, often at great cost to team cross continents and epitomised by “victory rolls” of operations. themselves, and in this way, oceans, whilst battling over the pyramids, taking For some, like the author they serve the nation just as the elements in a range of just four months to make the of this article, it is their first much as those of us deployed. environments. Joined by 27,000 mile round the world time away on operations 3(Fighter) Squadron’s Ian ‘Smithy’ Smith, ex-OC trip. Finally, returning to British making the experience and the squadron will return BBMF and 29 Sqn pilot, the soil on 5 December, skimming more demanding and more stronger as a result of the team enlisted the help of the tops of the White Cliffs of rewarding at the same unity that has been formed, RAF Coningsby’s Survival Dover, reminiscent of those time. Guided along the way strengthened and developed. Equipment Flight to provide gone before them, the team by veterans of previous With the extensive works to them with the specialist touched down at a frosty operations, the shared infrastructure underway at equipment and training Goodwood Aerodrome to adventure has created bonds Coningsby, the station that necessary to combat the an adoring crowd, bringing which will endure and only sent them on their way should challenges faced during the to a close what was a make the squadron stronger. look quite different for the expedition. The equipment triumphant journey. Our support network back returning members! included; life rafts, life preservers, fire-retardant The G-IRTY girl had done it! 20 7 FORCE PROTECTION WING ISSUE 1 2020 RAFBF onetoone 21 ALI CELL THE ROAD TO CAPEVAL HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE RAF BENEVOLENT FUND IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER BUSY PERIOD FOR IN 2018, NO 7 RAF FP WING HQ WERE TASKED THE AIR LAND INTEGRATION (ALI) CELL TO SUPPORT 135 EAW AS THEY PREPARED AS WE REFLECT BACK ON THE LAST 12 MONTHS, WHERE WE HAVE HAD JOINT TERMINAL FOR THE TYPHOON FORCE CAPABILITY SOME KEY MILESTONES STAND OUT. ATTACK CONTROLLERS (JTACS) CONTINUE EVALUATION (CAPEVAL) IN 2020. TO ROTATE THROUGH VARIOUS ACROSS Looking for something different? PAUL HUGHESDON A NUMBER OF THEATRES. FLT LT ROB CHAPPELL Open 7 days per week... ‘Arrive & Drive’ Mini Grand Prix. Corporate events n 2019, the RAF Benevolent FLT LT DAVE MORRISON ATO CAPEVAL is an as part of the formal process Stag parties arranged for any number of people Fund celebrated its centenar, evaluation of the military for CAPEVAL. STARTASSESS is a Children’s parties - minimum age 8 years. while Princess Marina House combat readiness tool aimed at NATO countries I he Cell continues to the first UK carrier launched N celebrated its 50th birthday. In train personnel for aircraft we have worked with and capability of tactical air who are new or returning to Tattershall Kart Centre that same year we launched please call 01526 344566 www.tattershallkartcentre.com Lodge Road, Tattershall, LN4 4JS T these rotations and in a long time. We all look units and will take place at the evaluation scheme after a a new Social Engagement commitments as well as forward to working with British RAF Leeming in March 2020. prolonged time. It is designed to Worker pilot scheme at four training for future conflicts. F35Bs in the not too distant 7 FP Wing HQ, commanded provide NATO with an indication RAF stations, announced a The gunners were put to the future when we deploy on Ex by Wing Cdr Paul Hamilton, of the UK preparedness to funding programme against test in arduous conditions ICENI STORM later this year. was chosen to provide the meet a deployment, but also our research report, hosted when they found themselves In the later stages of Force Protection Subject allowed 135 EAW to understand a range of group wellbeing deployed on three exercises the deployment, a Tactical Matter Expert knowledge SME how evaluations are planned breaks, and continued rolling simultaneously, with scenarios Air Control Party deployed to knowledge required to defend and conducted. STARTASSESS out a range of other welfare ranging from counter Florida to assist with Ex GLOBAL an area of responsibility in a achieved its aim, and although initiatives. Overall, we estimate insurgency to close air support EAGLE, providing ALI capability fictional country threatened by FP performed well, there that we spent £7.4m on the in a contested environment. to 2 Force Protection Wing who a neighbouring force. For the were valuable lessons learned serving family in 2019, up by Flt Lt Ned Callery led a were working alongside their evaluation Force Protection is for CAPEVAL. more than 25%! team of JTACs and signallers US counterparts from the 820th not limited to RAF Regiment After months of As we look ahead to the on Ex VOLFA which was an Base Defence Group. and RAFP. Fire, Medical, EOD preparation and training, 7 FP coming year, we would like to parks and a large screen TV international air exercise Once the exercise was and A1 all fall under the Wing joined 135 EAW at RAF remind the whole of the RAF for the cinema club – plus a in Bordeaux, France. This completed all personnel took Force Protection Pillar, and for Leeming in December 2019 family that 2020 also marks the further £66,000 on individual involved the ALI Cell JTACs and advantage of the location many people this was a new for Exercise AGILE EAGLE; start of the second year of our awards – which will help personnel from 34 Sqn RAF and conducted adventurous dynamic. It was made even the penultimate training centenary campaign. improve station life for Regiment working alongside training at Daytona Beach more interesting when it was serial before NATO arrived for As many of you will personnel and their families exercising troops from – though did not partake in announced that EOD would no the evaluation. The Exercise already know, last year we based at RAF Coningsby. France, USA, Italy, Portugal Spring Break - and visited longer be conducted by the consisted of a two-week period, launched an ambitious new However, research shows and Belgium. The focus was the John F Kennedy Space RAF. This resulted in 58 EOD and split into two distinct serials. outreach campaign to coincide there could be up to 300,000 interoperability between Museum. Finally, they moved Search Squadron of the Royal Week 1 targeted approximately D&M T WING with our 100th anniversary. members of the RAF Family ground and air forces from south to Miami for kayaking Engineers being added to the 150 HQ personnel and tested The campaign, Join the Search. who still need our help, multiple nations and the in the Everglades as well as eclectic group. command, control and Change a Life, encouraged many of whom are older in Mobile towbar fitting service exercise saw participants watching the Miami Dolphins For the Wing, the journey communication (C3) with similar the public to get thousands of age and unlikely to come completing simulated and live play American Football. All commenced with Exercise scenarios expected for CAPEVAL. Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted RAF veterans and their families forward themselves. weapons drops with Italian in all, it was an excellent SAIF SAREEA III in September In week 2, the remainder of Van Ply lining and extra seat fitting. ‘back on the radar’ and, if they the Force Protection pillar Tornados, Spanish Typhoons exercise and we very much - November 2018, where it Service discount available need it, accessing support that If you’d like to get involved, arrived (RAF Regt, RAFP, Fire, and French Mirage and look forward to working with deployed to RAFO Thumrait 01529 306670 is rightfully theirs. you can show your support Med, EOD and A1), and the HQ Rafael aircraft. The exercise our US counterparts again in near Salalah with 140 EAW and Mobile 07740 683867 Since the campaign by fundraising for the RAF C3 was tested with the added culminated in a heliborne the future. II (AC) Squadron, both from Email [email protected] launched, we have seen Benevolent Fund. Please assault force insertion using The ALI Cell would like RAF Lossiemouth. complexity of having troops Unit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park, fantastic levels of engagement, contact your regional French aircraft in complex close to welcome Sgt ‘Sandy’ Burns At this time the Wing had reacting to the decisions being Sleaford NG34 8GL with thousands getting in fundraiser, Lisa Hunt on made. Once again, there were air support scenarios in both to the ALI Cell as a newly just received a new Officer touch with us to request 07714 171563 or lisa.hunt@ lessons identified, but 7 FP Web dandmtowing.co.uk urban and rural environments. qualified JTAC, as well as re- Commanding and 3 new our help. This meant that in rafbf.org.uk to discuss Wing HQ were pleased with Concurrently Flt Lt Jack welcoming a previous SNCO Operations Officers, who, after 2019, we were able to spend any potential fundraising the progress since the journey Privett took on the role of and then Holding Officer, being in post for just 3-4 weeks, about £27 million supporting opportunities or ideas that began 14 months previous. exercise lead for Ex EAGLE Fg Off Drew McIntosh, were on a flight to Oman to thousands of members of the you might have. LIGHTNING 19-3 in Savannah, following his completion of work together in the largest UK Now, with only a month before RAF family. On a more local CAPEVAL, the Wing are in the Georgia. The JTACs conducted the Junior Regiment Officers exercise of 2018. level, the RAF Benevolent Fund To refer yourself or final stages before a 4-week training with USAF A10s from Course. We also said goodbye As part of the deployment, spent more than £250,000 someone you know to deployment to RAF Leeming. To advertise in the next issue of the 74th Fighter Squadron to FS Mark Gallagher who after the Operational Training Centre directly at RAF Coningsby the RAF Benevolent Fund, Everyone is looking forward to from Moody Air Force Base. As 22 years of service in the RAF (OTC), who are the NATO this publication please contact in 2019. please visit www.rafbf.org finally arriving in Yorkshire and a Wing we are always happy to Regiment is moving on to new CAPEVAL experts for the UK, This included a £100,000 or call 0300 102 1919. work alongside this incredible ventures – we wish him and designed a Deployed Operation putting into practice all the Emma refurbishment of two play aircraft! The JTACs then went the family well! Base Exercise (DOBEX) to test hard work they’ve put in since on to conduct both live the EAW under the conditions August 2018. weapons engagements and expected for the evaluation. A dry training with USMC F35B lot of lessons were identified, Tel: 01536 334221 operating from HMS Queen which were to stand the Wing in Elizabeth. Although we are good stead for the next part of quite experienced in working the journey, STARTASSESS. with other carrier-based Close In March 2019, NATO evaluators Email: [email protected] Air Support platforms, this was descended upon RAF Leeming 22 ISSUE 1 2020 JUST FOR FUN onetoone 23

Below are some photos taken in the hangar. Can you identify the aircraft type for photos 1-5, and the purpose PHOTO QUIZ of the tool in photo 6? (Answers at the bottom.) 3 1

4 2 yes it’s free 5

6. Wartime valve compression tool for Merlin engines, still used by BBMF today. BBMF by used still engines, Merlin for tool compression valve Wartime 6.

Patron: Her Majesty The Queen (LF363) Hurricane 5.

Registered Charity 226686 (England & Wales). (WG486) Chipmunk 4.

SC037673 (Scotland). cockpit) the below (from Dakota 3.

2. Spitfire (AB910) Spitfire 2.

1. Spitfire (TE311) Spitfire 1. Answers: FREE Mortgage Advice

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