The Official Magazine Of the UKMAMS Association. Edition 41 Sept 2001

Inside this edition:

Life on UKMAMS

Picture Puzzle?

From the 540 by Ian Berry

Snippets

Where are they now?

Saif Sareea 1986

Letters to the Editor

Views expressed in this newsletter, unless otherwise stated, are not necessarily those of the editor, the association committee or UKMAMS and are the personal views of the authors. All contributions and correspondence for inclusion in “Team Brief ” should be sent to: The Editor, Team Brief, UKMAMS, RAF Lyneham CHIPPENHAM, Wiltshire, SN15 4PZ. E-Mail: [email protected]

Has it been 3 months already? Time for another packed edition of ‘Team Brief’. This one has the usual features, including Ian Berry’s ‘From the 540’ and ‘Snippets’. Also, returning by popular request, Ian has resurrected the ‘Where are they Now’ feature. With the overwhelming response to the picture puzzle (0.2% of the membership) I have decided to continue with it! So, anyone who didn’t have a go at the last one has a chance to e-mail us with their thoughts on this editions picture. I know loads of you have been there, and I’m sure a few of you will have a story to tell about the place. Despite the response to the picture puzzle, letters and e-mails on other subjects have been flowing in steadily. Its interesting to note that hand written and posted letters are now becoming the minority, as most people seem to have access to these new fangled electronic facilities. Thanks for taking the time, I’m sure more contributors to a magazine can only make it more interesting to the readers- and that’s you!

On the welfare side, Sam has fortunately not been kept too busy, despite having a hospital visit himself. He says Ian Thompson is still fighting, and I’m sure you will join us in wishing him the best.

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Now a final note for anyone who’s just picked this magazine up in a crewroom, office, t-bar or perhaps even a toilet in some far flung corner of the globe. If you are not already a member of the UKMAMS Association, and are eligible, take a leaf out of the ‘New Members’ book and join. Its not expensive, and very easy to do. Just contact the Membership Secretary at UKMAMS Association, RAF Lyneham, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 4PZ. Or, have a look on the Website. You never know, you might even have a story or two to tell. We’d be interested.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Mick……..

2 NEW MEMBERS

The following have been welcomed as new members over the preceding few months:

Membership Number Name

869 Ian Tripp 870 Ian Stonely 871 Robbie Robinson 872 Joanne Tribble 873 Jon Rooke 874 Dave Jones 875 Tony Gale 876 Alan King 877 Tom Leyden 878 Gary Naylor

WHERE ARE THEY NOW, WHAT ARE THEY DOING?

By Ian Berry

By popular request I have been asked to reintroduce this page. If you ever wondered how I selected the names before the answer is quite simple – I worked down the membership list in numerical order – so here goes.

Paul Mckenna was last heard of working in the Hague in Holland, prior to that he was at Aberdeen University. Does anyone know where he is now? Keith Jevons aka Chico is still serving as a Sgt, presently at Northolt but due to leave the service at the end of the year. Basil Hughes lives in Pembrokeshire where he is now retired but does voluntary work with the Church Counselling Services. Mark James is still serving and is presently a Cpl at RAF Bruggen but will be returning to the UK in September. Possibly on promotion! David Bell retired from the North Yorkshire Police force as a Sgt and lives in Hull where he now operates a minibus company. David Thompson is still serving as a Wg Cdr and is presently working in Saudi Arabia. Terry Roberts was recently made redundant from Motorola, Swindon where he lives and hopes to take up employment shortly with VW. He was also in the auxiliaries until they tried to call him up during the Kosovo war! Mike Slade the second OC of UKMAMS and the first chairman of the Association sadly passed away in December 1994, his wife Marion still maintains links with the Association though. Roy Armstrong was a bus driver with Thamesdown until he retired although he still may be doing some moonlighting! He lives in Wootton Bassett. Phil Beese left the service a few years ago after finishing an envious tour in Gander, he now 3 lives in Wootton Bassett and works in the local area. Jim Darch lived close to Lyneham in Tockenham village but sadly passed away in July 1998 from stomach cancer. Bob Turner has for the last seven years or so lived and worked in Muscat in Oman where he is a Loadmaster flying on B747SP’s for the Royal Flight of Oman. Gordon Black is a WO here at Lyneham where he is serving his last tour of duty prior to discharge in 2002. He says he would prefer to retire now and move to Spain but there is still a few working years left in his wife Anne!! Rob Hindes retired from the RAF several years ago and was known to have worked in Toys’R’Us in Swindon. Can anyone update us? Pete Mahon retired from the RAF about five years ago and intended to work in the ‘Time and Motion’ industry. His whereabouts is not known, can anyone help? Dick Colman lives locally in Christian Malford and works as a bailiff, he is also a FSgt in the auxiliaries and steals many a good route trip! Ian Russell is still serving and was recently promoted to Wg Cdr, he is based at HQ AIRNorth, Norway. Mark Vincenti was until recently employed in the travel industry, he was an auxiliary and was ‘called up’ during the Kosovo War, he has since re-enlisted as a regular. Mick McMahon now works at RAF Lyneham in the estates office and lives locally in the village. Bob Dickman is now a civilian and was last known living and working in the Carterton area, can anyone update us? Mike Thomas is still serving and is presently a Wg Cdr based at HQ DSDA, Bicester, Oxon. Derek Grayson left the RAF last year and has moved to Lincolnshire, he now works as a Loadmaster for Intavia flying DC8 freighters out of Ostend. Geoff Montague retired as a Sqn Ldr and now lives in the Stafford area. Doughy Baker ex-regular, ex-auxiliary was accompanying his wife, a medic on a tour in Cyprus where he sadly passed away in the mid 90’s. Keri Eynon is now a minister for the United Reformed Church in Newbury, Berks. Colin Pay now lives on the Isle of Wight where he is a prison warder at HMP Parkhurst. Steve Tomlinson emigrated to Australia on leaving the RAF and now lives and works at Palm Beach, near Brisbane in Queensland. John Bell also retired from the RAF and moved to Australia. He now lives at Kewarra Beach near Cairns in Queensland. Mick Mylchreest is still serving and is presently the last WO to be based at Bruggen, he is posted back to the Movements School later this year to replace Bruce Oram. Jeff Green is also still serving and is now a Wg Cdr stationed at Rheindahlen in Germany. Ron Corrie now lives and works in Melksham and last time we met his hearing ability was starting to decline. Russ Carter was a policeman in Swindon but has recently moved back to Scotland where he is now a member of the Strathclyde Constabulary. Bill Jacobs, the very first OC UKMAMS is still in good health and lives in retirement in Nairn, Scotland.

When Ian Berry handed me these photo’s for inclusion in this edition a thought struck me…..I could include a new section utilising the pictures we have with no particular story attached to them…….. So here it is………………………………… From the Album

Eddie Grace once again proving there is more than one use for a beer glass! This must be one of Eddie’s more glamorous jobs (Ascension) – why else would he need a hat in a 12 x 12 tent!

4

This is Ascension Island and although one or two are easily recognisable, some are not.

L to R Keith Wilson, Simon Crockett (Possibly), Stu Whitton, ?, ?, Steve Frewin, ?.

Do you recognise yourself in this photograph? If so give us a call.

Send us your pictures…………..with as much info as you have about them.

‘LIFE ON UKMAMS’

You may have noticed in the last few editions that the latter months of the extracts from the 540, particularly on BAMF, were either scant or non existent. To try and rectify this problem I will start this issue with information gleaned from the February, March and April 540. This will now enable me to continue working 5 months in arrears instead of 3, and although the information, as you read it, will be slightly older, it will enable me to put more into this section of the magazine.

February

BAMF - Another busy month for BAMF personnel, it appears mainly with ongoing projects. The B Ops O attended a brief from Public Internet Services LTD at RAF Brize Norton, with a view to having an Internet facility installed in the terminal for use by both passengers and station personnel. The company’s business manager was invited to view the terminal and confirm its suitability for the installation of a Cybernet café. (I believe the facility is now in place. Ed.) ACHE serviceability was reasonable this month, but it does appear that once again there were no Condecs! On the personnel side, WO Bill Liddle was posted in and has taken up the post of D/DAMO A shift, SAC Wakeham was promoted to Cpl and moved from Exports to Imports and SAC Fraz Tobin was promoted to Cpl and moved to JHSU at RAF Odiham. And finally, just to prove that age is not a barrier, the annual over 30’s versus under 30’s football match on 1st Feb was won by the older gentlemen, proving the theory that experience overcomes most obstacles!

5

Although I have already reproduced some of the MAMF tasking for February and March in the June edition, I will publish the summaries for these months to get back on track for the following magazines. Ed.

MAMF – There was an upturn in work during February for the Mobile Flight, with more tasking to USA, Canada and Norway. Teams were in Norway, led by Flt Lt McGrath and Sgt Taff Kelly in support of Ex Hardfall for the recovery of HQ Royal Marines and RLC from Evenes and Bergen. Teams were utilised for route support and sweeper aircraft for Ex Magic carpet in Thumrait, Oman. The Squadron also provided the personnel for RAFLO duties in Muscat. In the USA, a team led by Sgt Alex Ross deployed to Hill Air Force Base with the trail for 617 Sqn (Tornado’s) for Ex Torpedo Focus. The Squadrons involvement in Op Agricola continued throughout the month with the provision of 4 teams giving air movement support in Thessaloniki. The weekly schedule to Freetown, Sierra Leone continued with MAMS teams flying route to deal with the numerous handling agent problems, while FS Steve Gelder and Cpl Figgy Fitches continued to provide movements support for the UN in theatre. On SSTF Cpl Turney, on his last trip in the Air Force (see ‘One man and his J’ – June 01. Ed) found himself re-tasked while in India on a global, to move 9 tonnes of medical equipment, food and other relief equipment after the earthquake in Bhuj Gurat. Staying with SSTF, the first Mobile course of the year included Flt Lt Shawn Bellas, the Squadrons first Australian exchange officer. Unfortunately the field phase of the course had to be carried out at RAF Lyneham due to the restrictions placed on training area’s because of foot and mouth disease.

March

BAMF – A quiet month for BAMF, with the foot and mouth epidemic having a significant impact on movements of personnel and freight from Lyneham. Cyprus, Canada and the USA all implemented a number of control measures for passengers and freight arriving from the UK. RAF Lyneham, and in particular UKMAMS, had to initiate a number of actions to comply with their entry controls. Disinfectant footbaths were provided for passengers and crew to walk through, and all wheeled loads had to be steam cleaned and disinfected. Despite all these measures BAMF still managed to handle 262 aircraft, with a total of 2713 passengers and 934 tonnes of freight. All this was done with still no serviceable Condec!!!

MAMF – As for BAMF, March was relatively quiet. A lot of tasks being cancelled due to the foot and mouth outbreak. The week long TALO exercise with 16 Air Assault Brigade was heavily cut back due to the restrictions on training area’s. Even with all the problems in the UK, most of the other tasking went ahead, with 4 tasks to Freetown, Sierra Leone and 2 teams providing movement support for Op Pomme, delivering pax and freight to Curacao. March saw the end of the Arctic training in Norway, and the start of the busy period for Ex Red Flag, Nellis AFB. FS John Purkis did his last task on mobile, leading a 4 man team to Las Vegas to handle 2 Tristar KC1’s for Red Flag, before being re-tasked to Hill AFB, Utah, to recover 1 Squadron (Harriers) to the UK. SSTF were kept busy this month, Sgt Les Johnson from MAMS Eng went off to Nellis AFB to assist with the Red Flag recovery, while ESS were building the new team pack ups for the 10 man teams. The first Atlas 2000 course was also run this month, instructed by Cpl Hoskison from the MAMS Trg section.

6

April

BAMF – Another quiet month for tasking on BAMF with just a steady flow of aircraft supporting ongoing operations. A rare opportunity for A and C shifts to handle something different this month in the form of a Tristar C2, diverted in from Brize due to fog. The Foreign Aircraft Section had some interesting loads this month, most notably an AN124 coming in from the USA carrying five incinerators for MAFF. These were to be used for burning animal carcasses in the aftermath of the foot and mouth cull. The whole event was supposed to have been “No Publicity”, but unfortunately the press managed to print photographs of the onload in the morning papers. Although this was bad news for the government, it was good news for the traffic team assisting in the offload, as they knew what to expect when the aircraft arrived at Lyneham.

MAMF – The quiet period continued for MAMF as well this month. The IALCE and numerous other tasks being cancelled because of the foot and mouth outbreak. Despite this Exercises MEDMAN (Calgary) RAW DEAL (Belize) and RED FLAG (Nellis) went ahead. The Red Arrows were deployed to Thumrait using one of the new C130J models, with FS Tim Pyne on the deployment and Sgt Tabs Mackay doing the recovery. RAFLO duties seem to be popular this month, with Sgt Steve Burke in Nairobi, Flt Lt Tribble and FS Andrews in Lajes, FS Sykes in Nellis reforcing RAFLO Travis and Sgt Viv Neary-Philips to Gander. A number of tasks were also carried out by SSTF, with Sgt Al Stacey leading a team to Calgary, which included Cpl Taff Price from MAMS MT on his last trip in the Air Force and Cpl Stu Slee to the USA to keep himself current!

Some of the MAMF tasks for April:

Barbados/Curacao/New Orleans/Bermuda – Sgt McHenry, Cpl Slee and Sac Morgan – move Royal Marines to Curacao and recover 39 Sqn (Canberra’s) ground crew to Marham.

Muscat – Ex Rocky Lance. FS Andrews, Sac Grant, Sac Moore. Recover freight and pax from Muscat.

Nairobi – Op Silkman/Ex Grand Prix. Flt Lt Symons, FS Joyce, Cpl Booth. Roulement of Army personnel to the UK

Calgary – Ex Medman. Sgt Stacey, Cpl Cameron, Cpl Price (MAMS MT), Sac Atkins. 4 man team travelling route in support of 248 seat Tristar C2.

Tenerife – Op Silkman. Sgt Steve Burke. RAFLO duties at Tenerife. Ensuring ground support is carried out by handling agents. (Iberia)

7 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE REST OF THE MOVEMENTS WORLD?

To keep us up to date with whats happening in the C17 world, FS Gordon Bock has kindly provided us with this view of the new giant in action.

An interesting quote from the “Cyprus Lion” newspaper says “As an indication of its size, a C17 is capable of simultaneously carrying a Challenger Tank, a Chinook Helicopter, three Warrior Armoured Vehicles, three Apache Helicopters and thirteen landrovers”!! Surely, if an aircraft this size landed in Akrotiri, its wings would be overhanging Limassol! In reply to this WO Graham Fitzgerald and FS Gordon Bock, both of whom have spent many months now with the C17 said “ We’re astounded at how much space we’ve been wasting on this aircraft”!!

8

June Picture Puzzle

The piles of snow almost gave it away! Brian Harper was close when he e-mailed his thoughts and said Gander. Good guess Brian, but this is Goose Bay, and although this photo was taken in the late 1940’s, very little changed for a good 20 years after the war. Goose Bay was initially built for what was termed the “Atlantic Bridge” by the RAF Ferry Command, later to become Transport Command. By the summer of 1943 Goose Bay had had an estimated 5 million pounds spent on building the runways and hangers/accommodation. Quite appropriate as this appears to be about the annual budget for Goose Bay at the moment. (see ‘Snippets’, June 01) It covered an area of approximately 32 square miles and most of the 3000 construction workers and their equipment were flown in from Montreal and the maritime provinces. The appalling weather was not the only danger faced by the construction staff at Goose, a U-Boat was Below – another view of Goose Bay from inside one of the attacked only two miles offshore during the hangers, same era. summer of ‘43, although there is no mention of whether or not it was sunk.

The “Atlantic Bridge” consisted of 2 routes for the Transport Command crews: Dorval (Montreal) to Goose or Gander – Reykjavik and Prestwick in the North, or Morrison Field (Miami) to Nassau or Kindley Field (Bermuda) – Para Belem or Natal (Brazil) - Ascension Island – Accra and across Africa to Khartoum and Cairo in the South. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the airfields used on these routes, and its nice to see that even during the dark days of the second world war, RAF Ferry Command crews were getting stopovers in places like Puerto Rico and Trinidad. Things don’t change very much, but the u/s aircraft got their spares quicker in 1943!!!

9

Septembers Picture Puzzle

Admittedly not the usual view for a mover, but someone out there must have seen this from the flight deck, para door, or even one of those small Comet windows! It hasn’t changed significantly in the last 40 years. There has been many a MAMS team trying to get ‘lost’ here, myself included. Answers or thoughts to the usual addresses, and once again I will publish the answer with a bit of background in the next issue.

UNUSUAL SIGHTS!

This VC10 is a Rolls Royce flying test bed. An ex VC10 frame was sold to Rolls Royce to test the RB211 engine which was developed for the TriStar. With the two Conway engines on the starboard side and an RB211 port side, the test was apparently successful, and although this was a test for the engine itself and not the specific airframe/engine configuration, it still begs the question. Why wasn’t this pursued further, and the opportunity taken to replace the gas guzzling, noisy Conways, or would two RB211’s rip the ageing VC10 airframe apart? Are there any technical types out there who can tell us?

Answers on a postcard please to the usual address……………..!

10 Exercise Saif Sareeah 1986

With Saif Sareea II almost upon us (in fact it will be by the time you get this magazine) FS Rip Kirby has kindly donated some photographs of Saif Sereea 1986, as seen through the lens of his own camera. Apart from the Series 3 and Forward Control 1 tonne Landrovers being replaced by Defenders, Wolf’s and Pinzgauers,(for those that left the service before there introduction, a Pinzguaer is an Austrian built utility truck similar to a 1 tonne landrover) I doubt whether very much has, or ever will change. Perhaps those involved this year, who were there in 1986, will be able to make a comparison and give us their thoughts and pictures on their return.

Saif Sareea began in November 1986 and initially saw the deployment of OC UKMAMS, OC MAMF and 30 other Squadron members to Masirah. FS Gordon Hepworth plus 5 others deployed to Cyprus from BAMF to reinforce AMF Akrotiri for the duration of the exercise. The Forward Mounting Base (FMB) for Saif Sareea was SOAF (formerly RAF) Masirah while the designated Forward Airhead (FAH) was a small desert strip on the north eastern tip of the Omani mainland called Al Mahattah. The exercise primarily involved the activation of the FMB and the deployment of 5th Airborne Brigade and the Joint Force Headquarters to Masirah, and subsequently the tactical deployment of 5th Airborne to the FAH. During the deployment phase from the UK, some 61 chalks using C130 Mk 1 and 3, VC10 and Tristar K1 aircraft were despatched. Eight RAF Herc’s remained in theatre to work alongside one from the SOAF. 30 chalks were to be mounted with these aircraft – until a downpour turned Al Mahattah into a lake and flying ceased for a while, however by the following morning the strip was firm enough to accept aircraft again and the exercise continued. Apparently all ranks enjoyed the same salubrious tented accommodation (shared with TCW, MSS, Joint Air Operations Centre (JOAC) and 59 MC Sqn RCT) with meals provided by MCSU. In addition to UKMAMS, personnel from SOAF MAMS were included in the teams both at Masirah and Al Mahattah, and handled a variety of aircraft including BAC 111, Defender, Skyvan, Sea King and Bell UH1. By the end of the exercise UKMAMS had moved 5839 passengers, 314 vehicles and 3.4 million pounds of baggage and freight through Masirah.

A final note from the 540 says: The overall success of Saif Sareea was undoubtedly due to sound planning and hard work, however, the professionalism and experience of the mobile units in theatre ensured that no time was lost in setting up the FMB and FAH, and that those units functioned most effectively and efficiently in support of Saif Sareea and thereby directly contributing to its successful completion.

This photo was taken at tent city in Masirah. Left to right are: ? , Wigan Johnson, Roger Gough, Rick Hutchinson, Mick Press, Bobble Roberts and Deano Dawson.

All queuing for a haircut the same as Wigans’ by the looks of things!

11

ERO team (Kilo plus guests) at Al Mahattah. Left to right: Steve Williams, Ginge Barrett, Deano Dawson, Alan Farnsworth and Mal Paton.

Time to relax and have a picture taken! The ERO team, still at Al Mahattah. From left to right: Tony Feast, Ginge Barrett, Mal Paton, ? , Deano Dawson and Steve Williams.

ERO of a 1 tonne Landrover in Al Mahattah. Marshallers name not known.

12 FROM THE 540

By Ian Berry

1971 – 30 Years Ago…

JULY

Goa – Special. Flt Lt Norrie Radcliffe plus 5. Delivery of Sea King helicopter to Indian Navy using a Belfast.

Decimomannu – Exercise Bird Road. Fg Off Paul Steiner, FS Ken Browne, Sgt Rocky Knowles, JT Gordon Gourdie plus 3. Deployment of 2 Sqn (Jaguars) to Sardinia.

Leuchars – Exercise Heartsease. Fg Off Tony Willis, FS Tony Barrell, Cpl Norman Poole, SAC’s Boots Pratt and Jim Marchant plus 1. Deployment of 111 Sqn (Phantoms) to Aalborg, Denmark and deployment of 723 Sqn RDAF (Starfighters) from Aalborg to Leuchars.

AUGUST

Embakasi – Exercise Fable. Flt Lt Paul Knight, FS Dave Eggleton, Sgt John Bell, JT Ted Moore, SAC Jim Barr plus 1. Recovery of 1Bn PWO from Nairobi to Cyprus and 14 Sig Regt to UK.

Chivenor – Historical Aircraft Move. Fg Off Gerry Keyworth, FS Bob Hope, Sgt DK Henderson, Cpl Jim Jones, SAC Tim Newstead plus 1. Move of ME109 fighter from Chivenor to Wattisham after NATO display.

Bruggen – Special. Flt Lt Alan Walker plus 5. Deployment of 29 Sqn (Lightnings) from Wattisham to Germany.

SEPTEMBER

Thessaloniki – Exercise Hellenic Express. Flt Lt Norrie Radcliffe, Cpl Jim Gallagher, SAC’s Hugh Curran, Bob Thacker, David Bell plus 13. IALCE exercise in northern Greece with USAF and GAF units.

13

Anguilla – Operation Sheepskin. Fg Off Pete Simpson plus 5. Recovery of 51 Sqn Royal Engineers from Anguilla to UK.

Odiham – Exercise Hellenic Express. Flt Lt Meikle plus 4. Offload of 2 Wessex helicopters from a Belfast on recovery from Greece.

1976 – 25 Years Ago…

JULY

Northolt/USA – Royal Special. FS Terry Alfonso plus 1. Movements support team to Herc and VC10 carrying Royal baggage and support equipment.

Decimomannu – Special. FS Terry Hoy, Sgt’s Ian Berry and Jack Frost. Deployment of heavy plant equipment of Royal Engineers from Germany to Sardinia.

Riyadh/Dhahran – Special. Fg Off Pat Rowney plus 5. Delivery of ammunition to Saudi National Guard and recovery of 100Sqn (Canberra’s) to UK.

AUGUST

Barksdale AFB – Exercise Giant Voice. Flt Lt Geoff Elliott, Sqn Ldr John Maling plus 4. Deployment of 9 Sqn (Vulcans) from Waddington to USA for annual bombing competition.

Belize/Dover AFB – Special. FS Keith Davies plus 5. Deployment of Sioux helicopters to Belize and collection of explosives from USA to UK.

Stornoway – Special. Fg Off Dick Leonard, FS Al Potts, Sgt Alan Soane, SAC Dick Bullimore plus 2. Recovery of 814 NAS (Sea Kings) from Outer Hebrides to Culdrose.

SEPTEMBER

Marham – Missex. Flt Lt Mike Perks, Wg Cdr David Gamble plus 4. Rotation of Bloodhound missiles of 25 Sqn between UK and Germany.

Kathmandu – Brigloc. Flt Lt Barry Shevlin, Fg Off Andy Spinks and FS Keith Boosey. Assistance with Ghurka trooping in Nepal.

14 Wyton – Exercise Teamwork. Fg Off Jerry Babington plus 5. Recovery of 360 Sqn (Canberra’s) from Norway to UK.

1981 – 20 Years Ago…

Greenham Common – Special. FS Syd Avery plus 2. Redeployment of TCW cabins to Lossiemouth after International Air Tattoo.

Upavon – Exercise Navy Lanyard. Fg Off Bob Parker plus 5. ERO evacuation of simulated evacuee’s and troops on strip landing.

Jever – Special. Fg Off Ian Russell plus 5. Recovery of 11 Sqn (Lightnings) from Germany to Binbrook.

AUGUST

Warsaw – Special. Fg Off Neil Cromarty, FS Terry Roberts and SAC Kev Sullivan. Deployment of tri- service helicopter team to Poland for the world championships.

St Mawgan – Historical Aircraft move. FS Dave Wright plus 5. Movement of three vintage aircraft from Cornwall to St Athan.

Nellis/Namao – Exercise Red Flag/Pond Jump West. Flt Lt Peter Burch plus 5. Deployment of groung equipment to USA for Red Flag and recovery of UKLF troops from Canada.

SEPTEMBER

Ovar – Exercise Ocean Safari. FS Ian Berry, Cpl John Purkis, SAC’s Keith Jevons and Jim Rice. Deployment of Vulcan GSE from Waddington to Portugal.

Coltishall – Exercise Amber Express. FSgt’s Liam Devlin and Ian Thomson, Cpl Bruce Oram plus 3. Deployment of 6 Sqn (Jaguars) to Tirstrup

1986 – 15 Years Ago…

JULY

Patrick AFB – AUTEC. Fg Off Bruce Phillips plus 2. Delivery of a submarine mast to Florida and recovery of torpedoes from Andros Island to UK

Harrisburgh – Exercise Mulberry/Prickly Pear. FS Jim Buchanan plus 3. Exchange of a TAVR Bn with an American National Guard Bn.

15 Tyndall AFB – Exercise Copper Flag. Fg Off Chris Goss plus 5. Recovery of 19 and 92 Sqn (Phantoms) from USA to Wildenrath.

AUGUST

Sydney – Exercise Longlook. Fg Off Richard Green plus 2. Exchange of UK personnel with Australian personnel.

Frankfurt – Cadet Exchange. Fg Off Simon Hawkins plus 2. Deploy elements of Air Cadet to Germany for International Exchange meet.

Whenaupai – Exercise Silver Anvil. Fg Off Jones plus 2. Recovery of elements of UKLF from New Zealand to UK.

SEPTEMBER

Calgary – Exercise Med Man. FS Tony Dunphy plus 5, FS Jim Cunningham plus 2. Rotation of Battle Groups in Canada

Gatwick – Special. Fg Off Mark Stephenson, Sgt Geoff Cox and Cpl Jim Bissell. Movs assistance to NATO infrastructure meeting in Brussels.

Izmir – Exercise Damsel Fair. WO Chas Cormack plus 2. Deployment of Fleet Clearance Diving Team (FCDT) to Turkey.

Binbrook – Exercise Frosty Broad. Fg Off Mark Stephenson, FS Charlie Marlow, Sgt Norman Gage, Cpl Phil Ingham, SAC’s TJ Hooper and Dinger Bell. Deployment of 11 Sqn (Lightnings) to Cyprus,

1991 – 10 Years Ago…

JULY

BAMF experienced one of its quietest months for some considerable time during July as operational flights to the Gulf and Turkey came to an end. Although the routine MOD schedules to Gibraltar, Belize, Cyprus and those in support of the Op banner programme continued. During the Sqn Open Day on 27 July the Flight organised Hercules trips for families of BAMF and MAMF personnel.

MAMF. All Turkish and Gulf airheads gradually closed during July with Incirlik being the last in turkey on 23 July and Dhahran in the Gulf on 31 July. Tasking was minimal and allowed most MAMF personnel to take leave or standown.

16 Tasks included:

Gander – SNCO required for 3 month reforce.

Kokside – Deployment of Red Arrows.

NB: Minimum info available from 540. Ed.

AUGUST

BAMF. August will be remembered by all on UKMAMS, but especially by those BAMF personnel involved, for the historic day of 8 Aug 91 when a western hostage held in Beirut, namely John McCarthy, was released after 5 years 3 months in captivity, and flown by VC10 into RAF Lyneham to be met by his family, the Stn Cdr and the worlds media. Op Warden commenced in August and involved the deployment of Jaguars and support equipment and personnel from Coltishall to turkey as a peacekeeping measure against Iraq attacking the Kurds in Northern Iraq/Southern Turkey.

MAMF. After a protracted build up, 4 six man teams were deployed in support of Operation Warden. Flt Lt Steve Sharpe and Fg Off Mike Cumberland led 2 teams to Cyprus, Flt Lt Guy Lendon, Sgt Stu Whitton plus 4 deployed to Incirlik and Fg Off Erica Best led a 6 man team to Coltishall. Other tasks included:

Edmonton – Exercise Pond Jump West. Roulement of Infantry Battle Group in Canada.

NB: Minimum info available from 540. Ed.

SEPTEMBER

BAMF. September proved to be a busier month for UKMAMS compared with previous months, due to the resumption of normal exercise tasking. Both MAMF and BAMF personnel were involved in Exercise Action Express which took place in Denmark between 4-27 Sep, and Op Warden continued in support of the Coltishall Jaguars in Adana, Turkey. Perhaps the most memorable event which occurred during Sep 91 was the return of Sqn Ldr Jackie Mann (Ret’d), the second British hostage to be released from captivity in Beirut, by VC10 to RAF Lyneham on 25 Sep 91. RAF Lyneham again prepared itself, as it had for the return of John McCarthy only a month before, to become the centre of attention for the world’s press.

MAMF. Sqn Ldr Sean Culligan, deployed as OC Aerial Port on support of IALCE during Exercise Action Express in Vaerlose, Denmark. Following the month long deployment in support of Operation Warden, three teams finally returned from Akrotiri and Incirlik during September. Other tasks included:

Payerne – Deployment/recovery of Red Arrows.

Penang – Exercise Blue Flax. 3 man team deployed 55 Sqn (Victors) to Malaysia.

NB: Minimum info available from 540. Ed.

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1996 – 5 Years Ago…

JULY

BAMF. July 96 proved to be a steady month for UKMAMS with the only heavy tasking being the short notice Spearhead deployment to . This involved the rapid insertion of a large number of troops and armoured vehicles in response to an increase in PIRA activity. HRH The Prince of Wales returned from a state visit to Brunei in the Sultans personal Airbus A340. The aircraft was much larger than those usually handled at Lyneham and a great deal of prior planning was needed to ensure that the operation ran smoothly, with the aircraft being handled on the concrete hardstanding at the end of runway 07. DAMO B (WO Dave Allen) was amused to meet an aircraft with six manifested and named passengers on board. Further investigation revealed that one of the passengers was unable to leave the aircraft unaided as he was in fact the Sqn goat! He seemed most perplexed as the shift discussed whether it was feasible to ask him to board the passenger bus! FAH handled the first South African Air Force C130 to land since Nelson Mandela came to power. Socially, for the very first time a joint Officers/SNCO’s Ladies Guest Night was held in the Officers Mess.

Belize – Exercise Green Fever. Flt Lt Dave Jarvis plus 2. Recovery of 1 Bn Devon and Dorsets and elements of HMS Fearless.

Marham/Bodo – Special. Sgt Taff Wood plus 2. Deployment of 39 Sqn (Canberra’s) to Norway for photo recce task.

Basle – Exercise Ice Flip. FS Paddy Power plus 2. Recovery of Royal Marines from Switzerland to UK

AUGUST

BAMF. A very quiet month on base. The highlight without a doubt was the Sqn’s 30th anniversary celebrations, which took place over the last weekend of the month. Many ex serving members of the Sqn joined those presently serving for the annual open day, the AGM of the Sqn Association, a Dinner Dance and a Church Service. The Association also held a raffle organised by Mark Bagnall and John Magill and a total of £3800 was raised for UKMAMS charities.

MAMF. Tasking was also relatively light for MAMF during August. On a more unusual note, a team was tasked with recovering XI Sqn back to RAF Leeming when their outbound leg was re-routed via Riga in Latvia to deliver uniforms and equipment to UN funded Baltic Command.

Calgary – Exercise Med Man. Fg Off John Fairgrieves, Sgt Robbie Robinson, Cpls Dave Drake and Mutley Malia and SAC Dan Smith. Roulement of Battle Groups in Canada.

Dover AFB – Special. Fg Off Scott Rogers, FS Alic Simpson and SAC Paul Crake. Recovery of AMRAAM missiles from USA to UK

Riga – Special. Flt Lt Wilcox, FS Dave Williams, Sgts Derek Grayson and Robbie Robinson, Cpl Gareth Beynon, SAC’s Dave Wilson and Tim Desmond. Delivery of UN equipment to Latvian Baltic Command. SEPTEMBER

BAMF. September saw a return to normal tasking and the shifts were kept busy with a number of exercises deploying during the first fortnight. Exercise Ardent Ground/Dynamic Mix proved to be a

18 particular problem as many loads arrived from AMC South Cerney incorrectly prepared and often very late. Investigations into the cause of these problems are ongoing. (Nothing changes, it still happens today and the causes are still the same, but nobody tales heed of the ‘shifties!!’ Ed.) OC UKMAMS and DAMO D donned their No1 uniforms to meet an inbound HS125 with HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of York on board. Unfortunately, the passenger information was somewhat flawed as they had already flown back to Northolt; however, the crew were very impressed with their reception!

MAMF. A total of 5 teams were tasked in support of Exercise Ardent Ground/Dynamic Mix which was being held in Greece and Turkey. The main focus for the AT support was at Erzurum in Turkey, where the MAMF presence was led by Fg Off John Fairgrieves who was appointed as the Aerial Port Commander in charge of the multi national air movements teams. Flt Lt Fiona Morgan-Frise established a movements presence in Trabzon, a civil airport on the Black sea coast where she was able to spread the good name of the Squadron by making the front page of the local press and being quoted as “The Commander of the Forces in Turkey!” . Other teams completed the MAMF presence by providing support in Akinci, Bandirma and Souda Bay.

Lvov – Exercise Cossack Steppe. Cpl Blue Hughes, SAC Chris Hoskison. Deployment of personnel and ammunition to Ukraine.

Trabzon – Exercise Ardent Ground. Flt Lt Fiona Morgan-Frise, FS Floyd Patterson, Sgt Dave Salmon, Cpl Sandy Sanderson, SAC Simon Clarke and JT Williams (MAMS Eng). Movs support at Trabzon Black Sea Port.

One Herc departs as another arrives at Trabzon during Ex Ardent Ground.

Leeming – Op Decisive Edge. Sgts Don Hazlewood and Bob Simmons, SAC’s Baz Thompson and Charlie Rance. Onload of Lynx helicopter for onmove to Bosnia.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

19 The Editor, Team Brief, UKMAMS, RAF Lyneham CHIPPENHAM, Wiltshire, SN15 4PZ. E-Mail: [email protected]

Before any other letters are reproduced I will just take this opportunity to apologise to Dave Bell (Lima Team 1970-72). Since receiving your letter we have corrected your address so you no longer have to rely on a distant neighbour running up the street to deliver your copy of ‘Team Brief’!! In our defence I can only add, its easy to get 301 and 310 mixed up, but had you considered moving in to number 310 to save us changing our database?…..Ed.

Now…….More news from Dave Barton and a little bit from Syd Avery.

Dear Editor

Having spent one complete tour at RAF Masirah and many detachments and shorter visits between 1968 up to leaving the RAF in 1979 (my ‘swan-song’ in 1978 included Masirah), I am very familiar with Oman and the Gulf and am sure that there are many others, in particular the older members, will well remember the area. It is on this subject that I would like to mention a book I have recently purchased - ‘Masirah – Tales from a Desert Island’ by Colin Richardson. It is a wonderful book full of historical and military history and was delighted that it was not entirely restricted to Masirah, but covered events in Oman and the Gulf from the 1930’s to the present day, with lots of interesting photographs. Colin Richardson, an ex RAF pilot and flying instructor has carried out much research and the book is well worth reading for those familiar with the area. To obtain a signed copy from the author write to Mr C.G. Richardson, Five Acres, Fulbeck Lowfields, Nr Grantham, Lincs, NG32 3JD (Tel. 01400 272427) – cost including postage is £27.45. (No, I’m not on commission!).

Dave Barton

Hi, Mick, Syd Avery, ex G and I teams from a day or two ago. You may be interested in this clipping which was the result of an interview with a journalist on the Columbia Basin Herald. As we all know, this is the local journal for Moses Lake, again, as we all know, this is in Washington State in the good ole Estados Unitos. Bit of a tongue in cheek with one or two minor inaccuracies, but all in all, good stuff. Hope I manage to transmit it Ok. Always enjoy Dave Barton's letters. A good writer and a bit of a mischievous devil. On "things that went walkabout", I can remember two that caused a bit more than raised eyebrows. The first was during a "wavooom" move from Lossie to Culdrose. Silly boys were carrying their Squadron photo and history album. Inadvertently, it got "left" on the aeroplane at Culdrose and ended up at jolly old Wootton Lynestoke. We were met by some gentlemen wearing white hats and webbing. It appeared that the chief wavoom wanted his piccies back in rather a hurry. Oh well, all in a days work. At the beginning of WWII, during the invasion of Denmark by Adolf, the ground attack squadrons of the RDAF kicked the proverbial out of the Panzers. The squadron that knocked out the first one claimed bits of it as trophies. It so happens that one night during a Squadron change at Vandel, I think it was two Muppets by name of Bell and Avery came across a tank bogie hanging up outside the particular squadron. It was heavy, but duly put in an appearance at Muppetland. Now, as this WAS of historical significance to the Danes, they wanted it back, and the requests for such went quite high. In fact it went so high that the bogie had to be escorted back to Vandel by a MAMS officer, with sword attached! However all ended happily as they say, and no-one was hurt. As Dinger was involved in both "Operations", I still don't know whether it was A leadin B or vice versa! Dinger, if you are out there, get in touch, 01582 755753. Or, if anyone knows where he is, could they let me know. Please? Best of luck to all, and good flying. There IS life after the Flying Club....

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Syd Avery.

Columbia Basin Herald Special Delivery. Syd Avery’s assignment is to make certain everything goes smoothly on the Antonov AN-124 and that cargo is delivered without a hitch Brit has aviation gas in his blood

Flying career makes this Englander an feasibility study and a price. Unfortunately international nomad another company put in a cheaper price and By Clyde A. Small II they got it. It’s ironic that the former Soviet Union, one of their aeroplanes, came to the The name is Avery. Syd Avery. And like the rescue of the United States Navy. We do a lot James Bond character created by the late Ian of work for the DoD anyway.” The Antonov Fleming and made popular in the movies by Avery flies on, incidentally numbered “007”, actor Sean Connery, Roger Moore and Pierce cruises at an altitude of approximately 35000 Brosnan, Avery travels the globe visiting feet and at an airspeed of about 409 knots. exotic, and sometimes not so exotic places. The maximum cruising speed is listed at 537 His mode of travel, unlike Bond, is not an miles per hour and totally devoid of fuel and Aston Martin DB5, but rather one of the cargo, it weighs in at 385000 pounds or largest aircraft in the sky – the Antonov AN- 175000 kilograms. Its gas tank is massive and 124. the Antonov is not an economy plane. “It can For the past six years, Avery has served as hold about 215 tons of fuel. That’s 70000 flight manager for Air Foyle Limited and gallons”, Avery said. “ To get from here to Antonov Design Bureau. Instead of a Walther Minneapolis, we used about 75 tons or 22000 PPK 9mm, Avery packs a wallet. “I’m gallons. Aviation fuel costs about $290 a ton.” responsible for making sure everything works” If you calculate that out, you’ll know just how Avery said. “I pay the bills and most deep Avery’s pockets are. importantly I pay the allowances of the crew.” Antonov manufactures the jets in the Ukraine, The six member flight crew Avery referred to along with busses. In between, the company are all Ukranians who carefully navigate the manages a pig farm, Avery said. “They four engine craft from airport to airport and produce some of the sweetest pork I’ve tasted continent to continent with loads of in my life”, Avery said, adding that one of the helicopters, satellites, engine armatures or the flight crew loves to cook and for that, the two GE10 combustion turbines they flew into entire flight deck is happy and well fed. Avery Grant County International Airport with on said he’s not sure at this point where the Independence Day. Avery is the only Brit on Antonov will go next. “Its difficult to say once board. Though most of the time he’s able to we leave,” Avery said, noting home is maintain a stiff upper lip, Avery admits he was ’s Luton Airport. “We know what our a bit disappointed recently when his company first job is going to be when we leave base. was underbid by another to fly the damaged “But after that, it’s the luck of the draw really. USN surveillance plane from China back to the You can have a run of good trips like we have United States. “When that actually happened I or you can end up with some real dog ones, was in Seoul” Avery said. We were told, “Wait like going down into Africa five or six times”. there because you’re probably going down to The Antonov AN-124 has a larger brother, Hainan to pick up this P-3”. “The Navy people the AN-225 with six engines, Avery said. “We at the Department of Defense said give us a have one of those, it’s the only one in the

World but there is one on the production line I couldn’t go back to a nine to five regime. It still. It should be operational in September or would kill me. I’m 58 years old.”

21 October.” Though he is married and away “I’m hoping I should be able to last out for the from home 240 to 300 days of the year (when next five or seven years until its time for me to asked to name his home he replied, retire.” “Samsonite”). Avery said he wouldn’t trade his “I will be a happy man knowing that what I’ve job for anything and could not even think of done, I’ve enjoyed it. life in another endeavour. “ I honestly don’t know” Avery admitted. “I’ve been doing similar jobs since 1969.

Some idea’s and a “Tale” from David J Powell – ‘F’ Team UKMAMS 1967-69

Dear Mick

Two points - Team Brief Content and Meet and Greets. For the old and bald, one of the fun areas of Team Brief is Ian Berry's 'From the 540'. Just the mention of an exercise name, a place, a character can rekindle incredible memories. So, would it be possible for you to provide the extra space and for Ian to return to the first 5 year's of the Squadron's story, and do many other readers share my desire for 35 year-old nostalgia? Meet and Greets. I admit that I have never made the effort to come to Swindon for a M&G. 3 hour's driving for the pleasure of 3 Diet Cokes doesn't quite trade off with the risk of not catching up with anyone from my time on MAMS. However, Brize is nearer and worth the risk, even for a Diet Coke. What happened to the idea of an occasional Brize based call-out? Or, would there be any mileage in a M&G which might be more accessible to Association members by public (i.e. drinking-friendly) transport. For me, and London are quicker to get to by rail than Lyneham or Swindon. More parochially, I don't know how many Association members are now living in the Vale of Aylesbury. It is not unknown for serving members to turn up at Strike Command, and this is a popular area for ex-Blue Suiters (if less so since they closed Halton hospital!). My suggestion is to set up the odd point of contact around the country for local M&Gs. Subject to our President's green light, I would have no objection to trying to arrange something in my area. So, if any of you out there are interested in an M&G somewhere near HQSTC, perhaps they could e-mail, snailmail or earmail me. Details above. (They’re now below. Ed) Finally, one from the NOW IT CAN BE TOLD as they've closed the unit and scrapped the evidence file.

THE MALTESE PATCH

Late 1960s and F team are deployed to RAF Luqa, Malta. This one involves Britannias and Brits mean BFLP. For the uninitiated, the Britannia Freight Lift Platform was a supposedly mobile meccano set designed by the same team who thought up the Forth Railway Bridge. Yours truly is in the Land Rover towing a Hands Trailer, a relatively large object compared to a Land Rover, especially when going downhill, which was the general direction in which lay the Brit and our BFLP alongside the forward freight door. Hit the brakes, too late. Hit the BFLP, too hard. And, Newton's laws of physics prove themselves once more with a cleanly snapped large upright piece of the aforementioned meccano. Enter Mr Ingenuity - a.k.a. Bob Turner. Now RAF Luqa also had their own BFLP, an even sadder example than the one we had brought from the UK. So under Bob's guidance: Remove (now two) pieces of tube from our BFLP; insert useful piece of timber; rejoin and patch with a sheet of tin (only Bob could acquire a piece of ally and a rivet gun at 4 o'clock in the morning). Next, remove one 20 foot tube from 22 resident BFLP and fit to MAMS BFLP; fit the ex-bust bit on the Malta BFLP and apply suitable masking gunge; swear oath of silence and promise to buy much beer for team - again! It was only as the loading was finished and the sun stole across the ramp that we looked up and saw that the ex-Luqa upright had been patched in exactly the same way and in exactly the same place!

David Powell

Thanks for the ideas and the story David –I’m Gateways sure it will all be discussed at length…..see Bledlow Rd ‘Snippets’ this issue and look out in future Saunderton editions for news of meet and greets…… Mick. Princes Risborough Bucks HP27 9NG Tel 01844 343377 E-Mail [email protected]

The two e-mails below came via the website manager, John Belcher, from Cpl Garth Magnussen RNZAF. The site appears to be generating global interest.

From: Garth Magnussen RNZAF

Gidday,

I'm a Cpl Air Mover in the RNZAF currently posted to Auckland Air Movements. I've just discovered your UKMAMS website and looking at the past Ops your units have been on. I think there is one missing. 18 months ago I was on the initial ALT (air loading team) sent prior to INTERFET in East Timor and I can say there was RAF support along with MAMS in theatre.

The MAMS team in Darwin did the longest hours as I remember but were the ones who were keen to socialise. John "Head" Felton (John was with the RNZAF Movements team in Riyadh during the Gulf War) is still around and was in fact my Sgt on the same trip to Darwin/Timor. His history of trading and acquiring went down well in Darwin – especially with the poms as you blokes have all the gear. We were most impressed and the boss certainly took that on board for our return to NZ. We are now reasonably well kitted out, however not to MAMS standards as I'm sure you are aware of the problems in NZ between the Govt and Defence. Despite all the knowledge and experience obvious within the MAMS, we still couldn't get around the fact that you guys use some kind of tape to tie loads to the cargo rings on the floor of the Herc! In Dili, East Timor there were many countries involved as you can imagine, however the movements were predominantly controlled by Aust/NZ. There was however a UK Sgt and Cpl who were constantly at the airfield and although there was not a large UK presence I assumed they were movements - maybe not, but anywhere, anytime is what is said here and Aussie movers and I'm sure MAMS can associate with that from MAMS past and present Op's. Since then we've had a young F/O Jo Tribble posted here on Ex Longlook – is she in MAMS yet? She had plently of ideas and was/is very proud to belong to the MAMS unit. Snippets By Ian Berry

23 Belfast Demise Sqn and carry out no live Be made payable to: SFAS flying in the future. RAF Lyneham. You can Specialist cargo operator also pay by Direct debit by Heavylift retired Short Belfast G- requesting a form through BEPS at its southend, Essex, SNCO’s Top Table the Liaison Officer on 01249 maintenance base in early May. 23 Nov 01 891230 or by copying from This leaves only G-HLFT the UKMAMS Association website. operational. Ten Belfasts were A Top Table luncheon has delivered to the RAF for strategic been arranged for Friday 23 airlift duties from 1966. Nov 01 in the Sgts Mess Meanwhile scrapping has RAF Lyneham. Those being Meet and Greet Nights commenced of sistership G-BFYU, dined-out include WO’s stored at southend since the Dave Allen, Bruce Oram and Yes, they still happen early 1990’s. XR371 is preserved Martyn Skelton, FSgt’s Ted although for a while now at the RAF Museum, Cosford. Edwards and Andy Hartley, they have been held in the Sgt’s Keith Jevons and Alec Winch Inn at RAF FLYPAST July 2001 Ross. Others may include Lyneham, but attendance Stretch Weir and John and support has been a bit Heavylift Merge Calver. If interested (and ‘hit and miss’. I know that if we moved back to the entitled) please contact WO RAFA Club Swindon, most Following on from the story Tony Geerah, D/DAMO ‘D’, of the regulars would above, Heavylift have recently Air Movs Sqn, RAF Brize return who cannot make it lost their connection with the Norton – no timewasters to Lyneham at the Russian Antonov 124 operators. please!! moment. What are your They have now merged with Air thoughts? Please let us Foyle and the new company is Photographs know. called Air Foyle Heavylift and operates Belfast, Airbus freighters and AN-124 Ruslans Since our appeal for flown by Ukranian crews! photographs in the last issue we have been able to Ex Saif Sareea II RAF Lyneham C130 copy a selection from Rip As this issue goes to print Matters Kirby’s personal collection –cheers Rip. Anyone else approx 50 personnel of the Squadron will be in Oman willing to help please All 25 C130J models have now taking part in Exercise Saif been delivered from Lockheeds. contact Mick Cocker or Sareea II. The first one was 15 CMk4 (stretched) and 10 Ian Berry. held in Nov/Dec 1986. the CMk5 (Standard). 24 sqn is the plan is to man airfields at primary operator of the C130J Salalah, Thumrait and two and will also train crews on the more inland. Hopefully we’ll type. 30 Sqn will operate the Payment of Subs have a story to print by C130J in the tactical role December! (Whenever that happens). 47 Subscriptions still remain at Sqn will handle all C139K SF £6 per year or £25 for five missions and tactical flying. 70 years. The latter is under Sqn will operate normal route review so I suggest you get tasks with the C130K and 57 Sqn in quick!! Cheques should will become known as the Sim

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