Military Resettlement, Business, Training & Recruitment
This has been the first time that aircraft, engineers and pilots from the squadron, normally based at RAF Leuchars, have deployed together on the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course ( ATLC ), which runs each year at Al Dhafra Air Base. Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron , said: We have been sent out here to conduct this multinational exercise that looks at large scale air operations involving many aircraft. The exercise has been run over a number of weeks, giving the pilots, ground crew and support staff an opportunity to work alongside other nations.
The 4 servicemen from 815 Naval Air Squadron are among 1,500 Royal Navy personnel to receive medals for their part in the NATO -led Libya operation. The aircrew and engineers, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, were presented with NATO Operation Unified Protector medals for their participation in the Libya operation while serving with 217 Flight on board HMS Liverpool . Left to right: Lieutenant Alastair Crawford, Petty Officer Paul Perry and Lieutenant Craig Farquharson with their Operation Unified Protector medals [Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2012] The four who received medals for the operation were Lieutenant Alistair Crawford, Lieutenant Craig Farquharson, Petty Officer Paul Perry and Air Engineering Technician Matthew Parker
The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force fleets of Sea Kings are best known for providing Search and Rescue ( SAR ) services in the UK and Falkland Islands. They can also be used to carry troops and provide airborne surveillance. This extension to the Sea King Integrated Operational Support ( SKIOS ) contract will ensure continued technical and maintenance support for the 90-strong helicopter fleet for the next 3 years.
A new Reaper squadron is to form at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire which will control the aircraft over Afghanistan from the UK for the first time.