June 2012

News

GLOBAL GATEWAY In June’s issue News 4 From the Station Commander 4 From the Editor 5 Wiltshire Local Policing Award for Sgt Keith McCarthy 6 216 Sqn Charity motorcycle ride out 8 Brize Norton Kart Club 9 RAF Falcons launch new season 12 Voyager achieves its first flight in RAF service

21 ADW Charity Cycle 24 Exercise Proud Lion 25 The Green Bike Transport Scheme 26 99 Squadron Cycling Team 32 Biggest Loser 2012 36 878 Squadron Flying High 40 Brize ATC Visit to the 30 Squadron Houses of Parliament 42 99 Sqn Aircraft Pull & Families’ Day 48 Ex CROWN PINNACLE

Community Focus

Front Cover Exercise Proud Lion …see page 24.

The Team

Editorial Team

28 Community Matters 28 Domestic Abuse Campaign 28 Carterton Neighbourhood Management Update 29 Families Consultative Group (FCG) 29 Mistral supports Bristish Spouses 46 Padre’s Peace 52 Reading Half Marathon

14 A400M 20 30 Sqn’s HMS OCEAN visit

01993 89 then Ext for external callers: Sqn Ldr Jim Rycroft Ext 6919 Flt Lt Mike Udall Ext 6812 Sgt Steve Vernon Ext 7300 Editorial Correspondence The ‘Global Gateway’ Editor 30 Sqn, RAF Brize Norton, Carterton,

52

Oxfordshire OX18 3LX

CCRO Brize Norton Update

Email: [email protected] Distribution

Submitting Articles

Sgt Hayley Crame Ext 7095 Cpl Pete Forrest 01993 873321 SAC Byerley Ext 5873 SAC Bailey Ext 5873 SAC Gorrod Ext 5873 SAC Gilbert Ext 5873

Thanks to all of you who took time to write the variety of articles in this issue. To send submissions to the Global Gateway, email [email protected] and any articles that we receive by the 16th of each month will be in the following month’s magazine. When you submit articles, remember that accompanying them with high resolution images really makes a difference. Please send a maximum of 2 images per email to work around our DII email size limitations. We very much look forward to reading about your endeavours in June! © No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. Published by Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994 email: [email protected]

Although advertisements are included in good faith, the Editor hereby declares that the publication of any advertisement in the ‘Gateway’ in no way implies endorsements or responsibility, by the ‘Gateway’. The MOD or any Service Establishment - including RAF Brize Norton, for the advertiser or its advertised product or service. Furthermore, neither the Editor nor any Service authority will become involved in any dispute arising out of any advertisement appearing in the ‘Gateway’.The ‘Gateway’ is not an official publication; unless specifically stated otherwise, all views expressed in the ‘Gateway’ are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect official MOD or Service policy. © No part of the ‘Gateway’ may be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the Editor or publisher. Photographs are Crown Copyright - all rights reserved - unless credited to an individual photographer. The ‘Gateway’ is the magazine of RAF Brize Norton and is published monthly by kind permission of the Station Commander - Gp Capt Stamp.

Managing director: Ron Pearson • Sub editor: Kerry Wells • Sales managers: Sally Haynes/Amanda Mains

Global Gateway - www.raf.mod.uk/rafbrizenorton

3

N

News EW

S

FROM THE STATION COMMANDER

On 11 May 2012, I was greatly saddened to hear that one of our own had been killed whilst serving in Afghanistan. Cpl Brent McCarthy, an RAF Policeman who had been stationed at Brize for two years, was an exceedingly popular and professional airman and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. That his repatriation took place here, at his home unit, was a stark reminder to us all, not only of the danger and unpredictability of operations, but also of the huge

importance of supporting those who are away and the families left behind. We continue to have many personnel from this Stn deployed on operations around the world; they are constantly in our thoughts. On behalf of everybody at RAF Brize Norton, I would like to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of this young man and to send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time.

This will be my final Global Gateway foreword as I approach the end of my time in command of RAF Brize Norton. Before I reflect back on the last month, I wish to thank all who have driven Brize through such an immense period of change: those in units that so slickly transferred from RAF Lyneham, those who maintained our contribution to operations through this transition and of course the families and wider community who support all of the activity at this diverse Station. An enormous amount has happened here in my time, and there is yet much change to come, both in terms of the structure of Brize and the introduction of new platforms. April saw Voyager’s first flight on the military register, crewed by AirTanker Services crews. June will see 10 Sqn begin to contribute to the Defence Exercise Programme, moving troops to training areas around the world as they train for operations. In addition to these exciting developments we also hosted certification trials of the A400M in May, giving us a glimpse of the future of tactical airlift. There have recently been many charity events at Brize but one that stood out, for its size and diversity, was the ‘Big Bounce’; a fantastic effort, led by 47 Sqn personnel to raise funds for Cystic Fibrosis (a cause close to the hearts of those on 47 Sqn). Over £10,000 has now been raised and I am heartened that so many of you flung yourselves

into this event and made it a success for the charity. Well done to all involved. In addition to this, at the time of writing, a group of Brize Wives have just been cycling through the night on ‘spin‘ bicycles with the aim of achieving the equivalent distance of Brize to Bastion; in the end they completed their mammoth undertaking 30 mins early and over target by some 5726km! They have so far raised over £4700 for SSAFA, The Royal British Legion and The RAF Benevolent Fund, which is a great achievement. Needless to say, I will look back on my time here with great fondness. As I bid you farewell, I welcome your new Station Commander, Gp Capt Steve Lushington, a former OC 101 Sqn. RAF Brize Norton is home turf to him and I wish him well as he inherits a Station with so much promise and with such enthusiastic and professional people. Together we have supported Op HERRICK, Op ELLAMY, a wealth of ad hoc tasking, facilitated the transfer of some 2 000 people from Lyneham and have also continued to meet our many and varied standing commitments. None of this would have been possible without the focus, dedication and personal sacrifice of our personnel and the tolerance and understanding of families and the local

4

community. My own family have been incredibly supportive of me during my 2 year tenure as Station Commander and I would like to extend a huge thank you to them, for all of the sacrifices that they have made to allow me the privilege of command at this wonderful Unit. My thanks also goes to Mrs Kim Boreham (my PA) for her dedication and support during an extremely busy period of the Station’s history. I am very proud of our Station and of all who work here; for all of your support and achievements, I thank you most sincerely.


FROM THE EDITOR Brize has seen another month full of activity, welcoming new aircraft and taking part in force development visits, charity events and ceremonial parades. Alongside this we sustain the endless routine tasking that our aircrew and support personnel work professionally to meet. The recent acquisition of an 8th C17 and the build-up of Voyager’s capability in the Air Transport role is great news for the Station and for Defence. Also, despite unrelenting operational pressures, the Station contributed to the highly memorable Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Flypast, sending two C130Js and a VC10 as a fine representation of the RAF’s AT and AAR fleets. The Station Commander has already praised the magnificent efforts of the ‘Big Bounce’ team and of the Brize Wives. There have also been many other great examples of charity fundraising that deserve a mention. ADW supported two children’s charities as well as the RAF Benevolent Fund with their 10 hour sponsored bike ride that never left a supermarket! 99 Sqn plan to hold another of their well organised aircraft pulls (anything but an Antonov please).

216 Sqn chose motorbikes to raise money for the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and several of Air Mobility FHQ opted to run half-marathons, having now raised over £1000 for the Hutchinson’s Disease Association. As always, I commend the valuable Community section of the Magazine that will keep you abreast of family events and support services, both on base and in our local communities. You will find information on the next Families Consultative Group meeting, on HIVE and welfare contacts and some helpful words from the Padre.

Flt Lt Mike Udall - Deputy Editor

Wiltshire Local Policing Award for Sgt Keith McCarthy On Wed 7 Mar 12, Sgt Keith McCarthy, Air Ops (Plans) SNCO attended an awards ceremony at Wiltshire Police HQ in Devizes to receive a Commander’s Certificate of Merit from the Force’s Local Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Hedley. Along with Wg Cdr Lester Pearce, RAFRLO(SW), Sgt McCarthy – previously Contingency Plans Co-ordinator at RAF Lyneham - had been nominated for his work on Exercise March Hare, a Wiltshire Police-led Disaster Victim Identification exercise of four days duration, held almost exactly a year before in March 2011. The largest exercise of its kind ever run by the Force, and involving several hundred participants from across the South West region’s various Police Forces and Partner Agencies, it focused on handling the aftermath of a major incident in the region. Wg Cdr Pearce and Sgt McCarthy provided the essential link between the Royal Air Force and Wiltshire Police’s core-planning team and were instrumental in facilitating the use of RAF Lyneham’s real estate, dealing with all the logistical requests and ensuring the all-important catering arrangements were in place. Organising the exercise took a full eighteen months, but nothing could have prepared the planners for the pressures that arose during the exercise itself. With key individuals dropping out due to other operational pressures, it was the

tight stewardship of Wilts Police’s Major Incident Planning Manager, Mr Bob Young and his team, closely helped by Wg Cdr Pearce and Sgt McCarthy and assisted by other RAF Lyneham personnel, that kept the Exercise on track and led it to a successful conclusion. Recognition of assistance is also due to others working at RAF Lyneham at the time, namely Sqn Ldr Alison Griffiths-Brown (then-OC Catering) and her team, particularly FS Phil Strongman, Mrs Kath Williams (Station Health and Safety Officer), Sqn Ldr Ray Morley (OC Ops Sqn) and the Senior Operations Officer, Flt Lt Al Davidson. Unfortunately, Wg Cdr Pearce could not make it to the awards ceremony at Devizes. However, Sgt McCarthy was delighted to attend to receive his own award and collect Wg Cdr Pearce’s certificate on his behalf. Sgt McCarthy said that he felt humbled to receive the certificate at the same ceremony as Police Officers and Police Staff who had carried out great deeds within their communities, saving lives and apprehending criminals in the face of considerable risk to their own personal wellbeing. However, he was also very proud of his award and the assistance the Royal Air Force had been able to provide to Wiltshire Police as they prepared to assume lead responsibilities ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

5

N

News EW

S

216 Sqn

Sqn Charity motorcycle ride out Due to the early arrival of summer in March, a plan was hatched to hold a charity motorcycle ride out to the south coast, after some research a decision was made to help the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton with some much needed video gaming equipment and games. Fundraising was carried out by the means of cake sales and ‘Guess the amount of sweets in the jar’ and donations from attending riders. The day of the ride out finally arrived after many weeks of continuous and much needed (so I’m told) rain had left us all a bit deflated, but the sun rose bright and early above 216 Sqn on Sunday morning. The majority of us met at the Sqn for pre-ride brews and to distribute the gaming equipment that we were to deliver. A quick chat about the route and we set off for our first rendezvous point at the A40 petrol station. Leaving the Sqn, one of the bikes spilled all of its coolant onto the road, two of the lads chased off after a Porsche and within the first 8 miles we were separated into four groups, true military precision in it’s finest hour! After quick repair, coolant top up and regroup we were again all on our way to the coast with a minimal delay. Pit/rest stops were planned for about every 40-60 miles as this was the fuel range of one of the bikes and we were very soon stopping in Winchester for a well earned coffee and slice of cake, where Chf Tech ‘Baz’ Vivian led us to the local Costa Coffee. Here he presented the first person in the Queue with his loyalty card, took himself to the rear of the Queue and insisted the card was passed down the line! After going around Winchester three times (we weren’t lost as had 2 sat-navs and a map within the group???) we finally found what we thought was the correct road and resumed our journey. We headed due south towards t h e s e a t h ro u g h some beautiful English countryside and then followed

the coastal road east, breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of Brighton’s nostalgic pier. Five long hours after setting off from the Sqn we had finally arrived at the Hospital, tired, sore and in need of some refreshments. We were met by Rosie, the duty nurse from the surgical ward who gave us a guided tour and introduced us to some of the children and parents on the ward who were actually pleased to see our sorry faces! We had a good chat with the kids, although certain members of the group were encouraging the children to see how high there beds could raise and suggesting they race to see who could get the highest first-you know who you are! We attempted to set up the Wii and Wii fit in the games room but were duly informed by the children that they would be better off doing it as we clearly had no idea. With the motorcycles safely ‘abandoned’ on the hospital grounds we headed down the hill to the promenade in search of food. A bag of chips whilst sunning on the pebble beach in our designer leather ‘beachwear’ was more Michelin tyre than star, but just what we needed and then Cpl Keith Johnston treated us all to an ice cream each while we discussed which route we were going to use for the journey home as it had gone 4pm and one of the lads had no lights fitted to his bike. We opted for the quicker but less fun option of using motorways, which served a purpose and we all arrived home safely, very tired but with a big grin on all of our faces. Overall a good day out was had by all and all for a very worthy cause. Plans are already being discussed for a trip to the ACE cafe, ride out to Bath or Weston Super Mare so watch this space, all welcome as this ride was attended by members of not only 216 Sqn but also from 101 Sqn and 33 Eng. A big thanks to Cpls Keith Johnston, Phil Fenton-Ree, Sgt ‘Darth’ Smith, all that rode in support and everyone that donated and supported us on this trip to raise money for the much needed gaming equipment for the Hospital.

N

News EW

S

Brize Norton Kart Club RAF Championships – Fulbeck Round 1

Another year has arrived and a lot has been done over the winter period at the Kart Club in preparation for another packed season of racing. The club has welcomed new faces from around the Air Force: SAC(T) Jamie Corsby, SAC Rob Small, SAC Jack Webster, and Mr Patrick Button (Dependant). We have also undertaken a complete refurbishment of kart 59 from 2011 which has now become kart 73. The station entered 3 karts for the first round of the season, which saw us travel to Fulbeck in Lincolnshire on the 20th April. On arrival at the circuit we were greeted with very heavy rainfall, which lasted all through the night so apart from putting the tents up we left the rest of the unpacking until the Saturday morning. The morning and afternoon practice sessions were entertaining to say the least with the soaking conditions catching many drivers out. Brief gaps in the rain and the constant running on track caused dry-lines to form for brief moments, which required a different setup of the karts. After a semi-dry practice it then rained heavily again causing a reversal of the setup change for many teams. The paddock area was no better, being completely waterlogged gravel. However, the teams put their game faces on and pushed through. The drivers for qualifying were Cpl Adam Barron, Cpl Ben Edward and SAC Rob Small. After the 10-minute timed qualifying session Kart 71 ended up 6th in class with kart 72 in 12th and kart 73 in 20th. The 2-hour race started in the early evening as the threatening clouds receded and the track dried out. This caused 22 of the 24 teams to put slicks on for the start on a slightly damp but rapidly drying track. The racing was clean and closely fought. At the 40 minute point the problems began, Kart 73 driven by Patrick Button came into the pits with an engine problem. The engine was terminal so it was quickly removed and the kart returned to the track with only one of its 2 engines and SAC Rob Small at the wheel. Five minutes later Kart 72 being driven by Ben Edward and Craig Fulton was called in to the pits due to a transponder failure, which meant that Ben’s laps were not being counted and they 8

had to return to the pits for a new transponder. Rob Small in 73 had a moment into the chicane causing the kart to hit the tyrewall and bend a track rod. After returning to the pits with not long left of the race Rob and Patrick decided to call it a day and retire the kart. At the end of the 2 hours it was team Brize Boyz (Kart 71), driven flawlessly by Adam Barron and Jamie Corsby that came home first in class, having covered 127 laps. Brize Vertex (Kart 72) was classified as 9th and Brize Cool Runnings (Kart 73) came 20th only covering 38 racing laps. Brize Vertex’s transponder problem cost them dearly as the lap count wasn’t calculated correctly at the end of the race, which saw the team lower down the table than they should have been. For Brize Boyz we could not have asked for a better start with Adam Barron and Jamie Corsby bringing home a trophy for first in class. As reigning inter-station champions it is a big season for all of us as we look to retain the title.

The karts are now undergoing a strip, clean and rebuild before the next race at Llandow Race Circuit on the 9th June. Everyone is welcome to come to the circuit for the weekend to watch and support the team. If anyone is interested in joining the club as a mechanic for the teams or even taking a seat and trying it for yourself please contact SAC(T) Craig Fulton at 216 Sqn on x6107 or via email on 216SQNAV B 02. Ben Edward 216 Sqn


Photographs : SAC (T) Jamie Corsby

RAF Falcons launch the new season The world famous Royal Air Force Parachute Display Team, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, launched the 2012 Season with a fantastic display at The Leys in Witney watched by some 500 pupils from the local schools and an equal number of enthusiastic teachers, parents and members of the public and the Town Mayor Mr Eaglestone, who was Guest of Honour. The 10 members of the team were determined that the weather was not going to get in the way of their first public display although as the Drop Zone Safety Officer explained, it was touch and go right up to the last minute: “The weather conditions have been dreadful to be honest simply because it has been so changeable” said Flight Lieutenant Jon Conner. “Within a five minute period we have had rain, sunshine and thickening cloud all of which had the potential to force us to pull out of the display. Luckily after several ‘dummy runs’ over the area the weather conditions eased just enough to give us the window we needed”. The weather had also delayed the Ratification which is the formal approval given by a Senior Officer before the team can perform at public arenas. In fact, this approval only took place 3 hours before-hand and was reviewed by Air Commodore Jon Ager who said:” I was delighted to be able to ratify the RAF Falcon’s display for the 2012 season in some very challenging weather conditions. Despite strong and variable winds, the team performed superbly and accurately. Having seen them jump over many years, I know that 2012 will be another successful season for them and I wish them the best of luck.” Speaking after the jump, Officer Commanding the RAF Falcons Flight Lieutenant Ben Lonsdale had this to say: “It was a huge relief to get the guys down in what were very challenging conditions. They did a fantastic job and kicked off our new Season with a very exciting display. It was great to have so many people from Witney, especially pupils from the local schools, turn out to support us – we could hear them cheering as soon as we exited the aircraft – and that really made all the difference”.

Joining the Team Members of the RAF Falcons are all volunteers from No.1 Parachute Training School, who have qualified to be Parachute Jump Instructors (PJI). Volunteers enter a selection process which consists of up to 30 freefall parachute descents that are critiqued and assessed on the following criteria: exit, freefall skills, canopy control and landing accuracy. Candidates also need to demonstrate teamwork, leadership and the potential to become a freefall instructor during their tour on the team. The RAF Falcons are recognised as the UK’s premier parachute display team.


9

10



11

N

News EW

S

Voyager achieves its

Brize welcomed a new aircraft to the skies of Oxfordshire on Sunday 08 April 2012 as Voyager took her maiden flight under the command of an AirTanker crew. The aircraft, a converted A330-200, departed on schedule and, following a brief pause to establish Air Traffic Control clearance, it took off just after 12:15 (local). Voyager headed south-west towards Yeovilton before heading on towards Land’s End and finally turning back to Brize Norton. After one hour and 25 minutes in the air, she crossed Runway 26 to make the final approach and landing. The flight signalled the latest milestone of the 27-year Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme, an exciting new capability for the RAF. This is a historical event in the programme and one which the Voyager Team has been working towards over the past four years. AirTanker has provided the required infrastructure, recruited the engineering and flight operations teams, provided the required work-up training, and achieved the necessary licences from the Civil Aviation Authority. All is now in place to

12

provide the FSTA service for the next 24 years. Phill Blundell, Chief Executive o f A i r Ta n k e r, commented on the capability that the Voyager programme offers on the completion of the first flight: “The aircraft is a magnificent airframe which c o m b i n e s e f f i c i e n c y, effective tasking capability and reliability. The programme brings together the best of the civilian aviation industry with military operational expertise and will offer an innovative and multi-functional capability to meet the demands of the 21st Century.” Since the first flight, Voyager has been flying every day to allow the

AirTanker Sponsored Reservist crews to complete the relevant familiarisation and consolidation flying before they start supervising the airborne work up of the No. 10 Squadron crews. Air Transport flying is expected to commence during May 2012. Voyager is quiet, reliable and fuel efficient and its passengers can look forward to travelling on a modern and comfortable airframe which offers ample leg room and is equipped with in-flight entertainment. Dave Mitchard, Managing Director of AirTanker Services, emphasised the achievement of the team: “We have all been looking forward to introducing Voyager into service as a valuable asset for the MOD. I am proud of the team’s achievements in reaching operational service and the hard work will now continue to ensure we offer the best possible service for the RAF.” The next 12 months will see the Voyager team conduct planned procedural activities ensuring the aircraft continues through its intensive programme to be ready for future operational environments.


first flight in RAF service Captain’s comments:

James Davis, Sponsored Reservist (SR) and Training Captain, AirTanker Services “It was a real privilege to be the aircraft Captain for the inaugural flight of Voyager in service with the RAF. The purpose of the sortie was to complete a ‘shake-down’ of the aircraft and also to conduct airborne training to renew operational recency with my accompanying SR pilot, David Hall. Joining us on the flight Deck were Captain Iain Cullen, Head of Crew Training for AirTanker Services and Wg Cdr Dan James, Officer Commanding No. 10 Squadron. “Throughout the flight the aircraft performed remarkably, further demonstrating the reliability, capability and strategic value that Voyager will bring to future RAF operations. I am very proud to have been involved in the first flight and I am looking forward to delivering training to the 10 Squadron crews in due course.” Wg Cdr Dan James, OC 10 Sqn comments below: “I was delighted to have the chance to witness at first hand the professionalism and skill of the AirTanker Instructor Pilots on Voyager’s maiden flight for the RAF. All of the members of No. 10 Squadron are eagerly looking forward to our training on this fantastic aircraft and working with our instructors to deliver military capability. These are undoubtedly very exciting times and I feel honoured to be a part of the introduction of Voyager into service.”


13

News N

EW

S

A400M

The A400M is set to be the newest transport aircraft in the Royal Air Force Inventory. It sits midway between the C130 Hercules and C17 Globemaster. For many Station personnel it is merely an airlift platform that they have worked on in previous posts or something of a dream that is yet to come to fruition. To try and dispel the myths surrounding the aircraft and the project, RAF Brize Norton hosted the aircraft on 2-3 May 2012 as part of the aircraft certification trials. It also afforded Station personnel the opportunity to visit the aircraft and see it ‘in the flesh’ for the first time. Airbus Military were keen to promote the aircraft which is due to enter active service in 2014. The visit enabled Members of Parliament, Senior Military and MOD Personnel and Station personnel the chance to visit and fly in the aircraft. Up close, the aircraft does not seem that big, but upon entering the freight bay it is the height that is really noticeable. The freight bay is designed to transport the large armoured vehicles that are currently used by the British Army. The engines and propellers are particularly large although the soundproofing inside the fuselage means that you do not need to use earplugs. This makes it significantly more comfortable than sitting inside a Hercules! The cockpit is as one would expect from a modern aircraft with computer screens and a side stick which replaces the conventional yoke. This is slightly disconcerting when you first sit at the controls but it does not take long to get used to it. There is still some further testing to be done but all personnel who visited the aircraft could not fail to be impressed. Although the visit was fleeting, the sight of the aircraft sitting next to Voyager on the Brize Norton apron gave an insight to the future of the Air Transport Fleet. The A400M is due to appear at the Royal International Air Tattoo in July 2012 where it will be formally named by the Chief of the Air Staff.

RAF Factor Charity Single Available to Download Now The superbly talented winner of the very first Royal Air Force (RAF) Factor singing competition, Teresa Hind, has just released her own charity single. The beautifully haunting song entitled ‘The Fight Goes On’ was written by Teresa (28) and is available to download now from iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify and a host of other good music websites. The single, which was only launched last week, has already seen Teresa appear as high as no 17 in the top 100 singer-songwriter UK charts and also featured in iTunes top 25 new releases. Proceeds raised from the single will benefit three deserving military charities - The RAF Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), RAF Association (RAFA) and British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA); all of which support servicemen and their families especially during times of hardship, loss and grief. The song is a tribute to the courageous young men and women who serve in the Armed Forces and who fight for our country on a daily basis. Teresa met Service personnel to ensure that the wording and tone of the song were just right. It was also important to her that anyone could appreciate the message. “I desperately wanted to relate to anyone who is, or has been, in a position where they have had to fight on, even when they’ve felt they had nothing else left to give,” she said. Teresa thoroughly enjoyed winning the RAF Factor as well 14

as having the opportunity to record the charity single. “I get so frustrated that these days we measure success on material


worth,” she added. “It means so much to me that this song will hopefully raise much needed funds for very worthy causes. It’s a feeling that money just can’t buy.” An evening of live music to celebrate the launch took place at RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, on Thursday 29 March 12 and was superbly supported by Fergus Atkinson-O’Sullivan (RAF Factor runner-up), Sarah Birch (RAF Factor Finalist) and two superb bands Ferrocene and Ravenous. Teresa lives in Peterborough and works in sales at Lafarge UK, an international construction company. She is married to Cpl Darren Hind who currently serves at RAF Cottesmore as a Police Dog Handler. Indeed it was her husband who entered her into the RAF Factor competition. Teresa has been singing and writing since the age of 11, performing in a variety of bands and events over the years. She even performed a self-penned ballad for her husband on their wedding day two years ago. Singing is a big passion of Teresa’s and she hopes to be afforded more opportunities to record and perform in the future. The RAF Factor journey not only created new experiences and opportunities but many new friendships were developed along the way. There are many people to which Teresa would like to extend her gratitude for all their support but especially her wonderful husband Darren, her Mum Bridget, Flt Lt Helen Verney (the organiser) and a special thank you to Chris and Julie Dorman, who are like a second set of parents to Teresa. “Chris summed up exactly what I wanted the song to say in

just four words, ‘The Fight Goes on,” she said. “I thank them for their ongoing love and support - and for the song’s title!” A huge ‘thank you’ must go to everyone who helped make the recording possible, especially to sound engineer Biffo Twang for donating his expert recording services, Michelle and Gary Kitchener at Metheringham Music Factory for kindly donating rehearsal and recording time, to Fergus Atkinson-O’Sullivan for helping to creating the beautiful musical accompaniment, to Teresa Hind for writing a fantastic song, to Helen Verney for creating and chairing the RAF Factor concept and to all the RAF Factor Committee for making this whole experience possible. The RAF Factor search for a singing star started in September 2010, when the RAF Factor Committee first formed. Six heats were conducted between April and June 2011 at RAF Brize Norton, RAF Cranwell, RAF Odiham, RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, RAF Cosford and RAF Honington. Over 40 contestants entered in total and the 10 best were selected to compete in the Grand Final at RAF Cranwell on Saturday 3 September 2011. The final was an outstanding event, perfectly showcasing the high level of talent within the RAF and ably supported by ‘The Cover Notes’ from the RAF College Band. An expert panel of judges and the audience voted and the winner, by a clear margin, was Teresa whose rendition of ‘Get Here’ by Oleta Adams was absolutely outstanding. It is hoped that a second RAF Factor will take place in the near future; details to be released when finalised.


15

Carterton Kebab House 9 The Tower Centre, Alvescot Road, Caterton Tel: 01993 845577 Open 4pm - 12am 7 days a week

Burgers, Doner Kebab, Shish Kebab, Kofte Kebab, Vegetarian Kebab, In-house Special, Fried Chicken, Scampi, Chips, Chicken Nuggets and lots more

ALL OUR FOOD IS FRESH

Fried Chicken - Pizza - Cafe Free Home Delivery (minimum order £8) within 3 miles radius

Spend £17 and get a FREE 9” pizza with 1 topping

Delivery Hours: 4pm - 11.30pm

Breakfasts also available

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

15%

Discount for RAF personnel

Telephone orders welcome

01993 01993 844866 844866 4-5 Tower Centre, Alvescot Road, Carterton, Oxon OX18 3JG

Set in mature parkland on the edge of the picturesque village of Shrivenham and on the borders of Oxfordshire andWiltshire.A mature course set in 110 acres, Shrivenham Park has developed a deserved reputation as offering a good and interesting test for golfers of all abilities.

•18 hole mature parkland golf course • Excellent greens • Visitors, societies, groups and novices welcome • Loyalty scheme • 7 days-a-week • Regular special offers • Lessons with a PGA qualified professional • Special discounts for armed forces personnel

“Where good golf doesn’t have to be expensive golf ” 01793 783853 or visit www.shrivenhampark.com 16


VOYAGER

The Passenger’s Perspective The RAF’s new Multi-Role Transport and Tanker aircraft, the Voyager aircraft, has soared into history by carrying its first ever passengers. Flight RRR932 departed RAF Brize Norton at 0900hrs on Friday, 04 May 2012. For this momentous flight, 50 passengers were invited on board the flight to Prestwick Airport and back allowing the 10 Squadron cabin crew to undertake the necessary training. Upon entering the cabin, a distinct smell of newness and an air of excitement greeted us. Voyager offers generous legroom and plush blue seating in a 2-4-2 configuration. It also boasts a full in-flight entertainment system with large screens. The pilot under training, Wg Cdr James (OC 10 Squadron), welcomed us on board for what was to be an auspicious occasion - Voyager’s maiden passenger flight. Flt Lt Iain Cullen, a Sponsored Reservist and Head of Crew Training for AirTanker, Captained the aircraft alongside Wg Cdr James as the Pilot under training. Looking out of the window, I could see us taxying past its soon-to-become predecessor, the TriStar; what a step forward in capability! The short taxy seemed to be what was the beginning of a new chapter. The first Voyager passenger flight’s route was two hours in duration. It took us from RAF Brize Norton, up to 41,000ft over the Lake District, Aberdeen, the Outer Hebrides and Stornoway before descending into Prestwick for a short stop. (Top Gear was on the entertainment system, in case you were wondering!). On the way back to Brize, we headed back via the North Sea, where a lovely chicken, mushroom and leek dinner was served. We were given a headset, as well as warm towels. 10 Squadron’s service was excellent and the flight was very smooth. Among the passengers were personnel from Air Tanker, JADTEU, the wider RAF and MoD. The aircraft was well received by passengers on the flight. FS Jones said “It is comfortable, well equipped, and certainly an improvement from the TriStar”. Other passengers agreed that this was a welcome development in the history of RAF Brize Norton’s transport fleet. SAC Beckett said ‘Something I did notice is that there is plenty of legroom - you don’t get that on many flights’. He added ‘The entertainment was good, it was comfortable and the stewards were helpful. I thought it was pretty good really.’ Master Aircrew Phil Chappell of 10 Squadron, said ‘This is another step in the development of the RAF’s newest passenger aircraft. We are very happy to be working in conjunction with our partners, AirTanker and hope to deliver a first class service to the MoD for the length of this contract.’ Speaking from the flight deck, Captain Iain Cullen said ‘The Voyager is a great aircraft to fly. It is very flexible and hugely capable. We look forward to flying this aircraft for many years to come.’ By LAC Robinson

Angela’s Taxi’s

Distance no object Airport Transfers / Station/ Seaports All modern cars Lady drivers available. Also 8 - 16 - 27 - 51 seater coaches. Disabled Vehicles available All vehicles fully Air conditioned. www.angelastaxis.com [email protected]

01993 771122

DAMOS TAXIʼS Based in Witney, Oxfordshire

• We are friendly and honest • We always deliver what we promise • All of our drivers are professional and smartly dressed • Chip and pin facility in all cars

• All major debit and credit cards accepted • Licenced to serve RAF Brize Norton, on or off camp • 4, 6 & 8 seater vehicles available

[email protected] www.damostaxis.co.uk

01993 703 322


17

T

M A E

30 Sqn’s

HMS OCEAN Visit

30 Sqn’s affiliation with HMS OCEAN dates back to her commissioning in 1998. In that year, 18 personnel from 30 Sqn flew out to Jacksonville, Florida to board OCEAN as she began her two-week trip back to the UK. Unfortunately, the world has moved on since then and the high operational tempo over the last few years has meant that the relationship between 30 Sqn and OCEAN has fallen by the wayside somewhat. Last year in particular was especially busy for both units. The C-130J was providing an essential logistical airbridge for the deployed elements of Op ELLAMY in Italy, whilst also moving from RAF Lyneham to RAF Brize Norton. HMS OCEAN and her crew, meanwhile, having set sail on a six-week training exercise in April, also found themselves embroiled in the Libyan crisis. They would not return to the UK until December, arriving back just in time for the holiday season, preceded by the success of their YouTube version of Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’. This year, in a highly successful attempt to rekindle their affiliation, 10 members of 30 Sqn visited OCEAN as she sailed from her home at HMNB Devonport, Plymouth, to Greenwich, London, where she will be stationed throughout the London 2012 Olympics. The first group of 5 Sqn members arrived nervously at Plymouth on a Sunday night, completely unsure of what form of reception would await them. The level of hospitality received that evening set the bar for the week to come, with a superb welcome laid on by the junior officers in the wardroom that made the 0600 wakeup call the following morning all the more shocking. The next few days were spent being shown around the vessel (with a displacement of 21,000 tonnes, OCEAN is the largest ship in the Royal Navy). On Monday afternoon, 4 Army Lynx were embarked as OCEAN was at dock and 30 Sqn personnel had the perfect view of the manoeuvres from the ship’s bridge. A high crosswind combined with serviceability issues meant that instead of setting sail at 0800 on Monday morning as planned, it was not until 2000 on Tuesday evening that we actually left Plymouth. However, rather than proving a setback, this delay actually meant that the first group had a rare opportunity to visit another Navy vessel – a Trafalgar-class nuclear submarine. Standing only feet away from a working nuclear reactor certainly was an experience, though perhaps not one that anyone was in a rush to repeat. On Wednesday morning, the first group were transported by LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) to Portland Harbour, where they were replaced by the second tranche of 30 Sqn

20

members. This transit invoked images of the beach landing scenes of Saving Private Ryan; unsurprising as LCVPs appear to have remained largely unchanged since the Second World War. The second group were fortunate enough to be aboard OCEAN as she transited up the Thames itself while the national press looked on. As the ship passed between the Thames Barrier, the total clearance was only 10m. However, one 30 Sqn member judged that at one stage that clearance dropped to only 1m; a remarkable achievement for a vessel that is over 200m long.

Overall, this visit was an excellent opportunity to revive an affiliation that has dwindled over recent years. All those involved received an insight into life aboard the Royal Navy’s largest ship, as well as a chance to experience air operations from a naval perspective. It is hoped that 30 Sqn will be able to host a reciprocal visit in the near future to further solidify the relationship between the two units.

ADW Charity Cycle – Sgt Jon Keast

On Thursday 22 Mar 12, Airborne Delivery Wing (ADW) embarked upon a 10 hour, 260 mile cycle challenge with a difference - it took place in Sainsbury’s superstore in Witney. The aim of the event was to raise awareness of (and funds for) the superb work done by the Children’s Heart Unit Fund (CHUF) at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, and the Children’s Hospital at the John Radcliffe in Oxford (as well as the RAF Benevolent Fund) by cycling the distance from one hospital to the other. By placing 3 static bikes at the front entrance to the store, the 16 ADW personnel who had volunteered as cyclists were in the optimum position to let people know why on earth they were doing something so daft. Over the course of the next 10 hours and cycling in shifts, they not only completed the London – Newcastle leg that they had planned, they also made it more than half of the way back. Far exceeding expectations, the team completed a total of 400 miles and, thanks to the generosity of Sainsbury’s customers and staff, raised over £1400 for the Wing’s chosen charities. ADW would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this challenge a success; in particular the management and staff of Sainsbury’s for allowing us to use their store, and the general public who contributed so generously.

If you would like to find out more about any of the charities mentioned above, please visit www.chuf.org.uk, www. oxfordradcliffe.nhs.uk or www.rafbf.org.


21

T

M A E

EXERCISE Proud Lion

Personnel from 101 Sqn travelled to Reims, France in the first week of May to pay their respects by parading the Sqn Standard at Mailly-le-Camp and other 101 Sqn WWII graves in the region. Lancasters of 101 Sqn carried out an attack on Mailly-le-Camp on the night of 3/4th May 1944, approximately a month before D-Day. Mailly was a large French army camp, taken over by the Germans as a Panzer training depot and was home to a battalion of the 21st Panzer Division, which then re-equipped with the legendary King Tiger tank. The plan was to attack with a two-group force of 346 Lancasters and 16 Mosquitoes from 5 and 1 Group led by Wg Cdr Leonard Chershire. Mailly-le-Camp was obliterated and the mission aims successfully achieved. During the raid, 42 Lancasters (12% of the force) were shot down by German night fighters, resulting in the loss of 259 aircrew. 101 Sqn lost 5 Lancasters, 25% of the 20 that attacked. Of the 39 aircrew from 101 Sqn in these 5 Lancasters, only 2 survived, both to become POWs. Sgt Noel Merrion was the bomb-aimer in SR-A when his Lancaster was attacked by a night-fighter well short of the target. Ordered to jump he released the escape hatch and glanced back into the fuselage to see a wall of flames. He bailed out and hid in a wood for the rest of the night before trying to make contact with the resistance. He was hidden by the French in an abbey for a week but was betrayed to the Germans and forced to

hand himself to the Gestapo. Noel was initially imprisoned in Reims, before being shipped to a POW camp in Poland. Sgt Jack Worsfold, tail-gunner in SR-Z, had a lucky escape. Trapped in his turret when the Lancaster exploded, he woke up to find himself in some woods near Aubeterre. The trees and some power lines had broken the fall of the doomed Lancaster’s tail section and he survived with a broken thigh and bullet wounds! Jack was found by the French, who treated his wounds. However, unable to walk, he was soon captured by the Germans. Nine members of 101 Sqn set off on Tues 1st May 2012 for Mailly-le-Camp led by Wg Cdr Brookes, OC 101 Sqn. After a long journey through Oxfordshire’s busy roads and onwards to Folkestone, a Channel Tunnel crossing, and an even longer journey to Mailly-le-Camp (all in one of MT’s finest 56mph limited minibuses), the team arrived at their accommodation with just enough time to prepare their No. 1 uniforms for the following day. The villages of Aubeterre, Voue and St Remy were visited on the morning of Weds 2nd May, where the 101 Sqn Standard was paraded in front of the local Mayors at each village, residents and the brother of a Lancaster Navigator killed during the raid (Flight Sergeant Nigel Lacey-Johnson). Lionel Lacey-Johnson, along with OC 101 Sqn, laid a wreath at the graveside and individual crosses were laid at the gravesides of each 101 Sqn member killed in the raid. Lunch was taken in a nearby village with Hugette Rouillard, a local French lady who helps organise the liaison with the local Mayors. Since Hugette could speak English from an early age she first acted as an interpreter for the British Expeditionary Force in 1939 at the age of 13, and then later in the War helped her Uncle (French Resistance) to care for a downed Halifax airman, hiding him from the Germans. Hugette now has many links with 101 Sqn and attends the memorial every year. After lunch, the

graves at Poivres were visited. Poivres was the site of 5 downed Lancasters with 37 aircrew killed from 12, 50, 101, 463 and 625 Sqns. In addition to the RAF losses, 5 members of one French family were killed when a Lancaster that had been shot down crashed into their house. The Standard was again paraded and crosses were laid at the gravesides. The morning of Thursday 3rd May followed the same format as the previous day with the war graves at Chapelle Vallon and St Mesmin visited. Again, we were impressed with the upkeep of the graves by the local population with each grave well cared for and dressed with fresh flowers. Two Lancasters were lost at Chapelle Vallon and one at St Mesmin. The afternoon was filled with a parade practice at Mailly-le-Camp in preparation for the following morning. The British liaison officer at Mailly-leCamp, Lt Col Corden, hosted 101 Sqn personnel in the evening taking everyone to a Champagne winemaker in the local area. As well as a chance to taste different types of Champagne, it was an opportunity to learn about the production process from the planting of the vine on suitable land through to the labelling of the bottle. Friday morning was parade day, and Air Cdre Ager had arrived to join the members of 101 Sqn for this event. 101 Sqn were the only serving RAF personnel at the parade and joined the French, the many veterans who’d made the journey to remember their fallen comrades, and the Air Training Corps Band. The reception and lunch that followed the parade was an opportunity to meet the other participants. Some of the veterans had actually taken part in the raid on Mailly-le-Camp

on the night of 3/4 May and returned safely to the UK. One gentleman, Norman Gregory, had survived the Mailly raid only to be shot down on his next mission and was held as a POW in Poland. He brought copies of his POW paperwork to show everyone and shared his stories and experiences with the 101 Sqn personnel over lunch. Another veteran who took part in the raid, a DFC-holding former Air Observer from the Royal Australian Air Force, had travelled all the way from Australia for the parade and act of remembrance - a truly remarkable feat for a nonagenarian and an inspiration and example to us all!

The Green Bike Transport Scheme The Green Bike Transport scheme was initially run from RAF Lyneham; due to the closure of the camp the scheme has naturally moved to Support Equipment Flight (SEF) at RAF Brize Norton. The scheme was set up to try and utilise the unwanted and discarded bikes around the Unit and recycle them to a basic level that will allow their use by personnel across the Station. The bikes that came over from Lyneham were in a bad state and at least half of them went to the scrap yard in the sky. We did manage to save around 40 bikes and at present there are 25 bikes ready to go. We, at SEF, spend our evenings setting the bikes up ready to be given out. We ensure that the bikes are at a safe level for general use. I would like to point out that if you are going to throw yourselves down some serious mountains then these bikes may not be for you, they will however, get you easily around the Unit.

To get yourself a bike, please get in contact with us at SEF (Ext 7507) and we will provide one for you. There is a very small charge of £10 to aid to the maintenance of the bikes: This is this money that funds the refurbishment scheme. Once bikes have been signed out there is no reason to register them, as they have all been pre-registered to the scheme. If you have any unwanted bikes that could be added to the Green Bike Scheme, please arrange to drop them off to SEF and we

CT Robbie Mullaney, Mr Steve Shawcross, WO Paul Batcheler, Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Dom Stamp, Sgt Liam Moxam

can hopefully get them recycled. This would hopefully get people out of their cars and onto the bikes; we all know how parking space at Brize Norton is at a premium, plus cycling about the Unit may even get you fit.


25

T

M A E

99 SQUADRON CYCLING TEAM

In 2011 the newly formed 99 Squadron Cycling Team took on Britain’s greatest cycling challenge; John O’Groats to Land’s End. Determined never to take the easy route the team cycled over 1000 miles and climbed over 42,000ft in just 11 days. For 2012 we are taking on Europe with the aim of raising awareness of our two charities the Royal Air Force Association and Help For Heroes. The first of our challenges began on the 28th April as the team left RAF Brize Norton for an epic, fast paced, speed run out to Landsmeer in the Netherlands. On the 29th September 1941, 99 Squadron lost one of its Wellington Bombers and more importantly all members of the crew onboard. Each year 99 Squadron has been committed to honouring the fallen crew of Wellington Bomber T2879 by performing a ceremony at the memorial site in Landsmeer. The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) have been kind enough to support 99 Squadron Cycling Team for the past two years and with their main aims as a

26

service charity focusing on supporting war veterans, injured personnel and service families it was a simple decision to collaborate our resources and use this opportunity to promote RAFA again for 2012. The second event for 2012 sees the team take on 6 climbs of the Tour de France in just three days at the end of June. This demanding route overall climbs the height of Mount Everest after just two days and saves the best for the final day. The long Col du Galibier and the notorious hair pin bends of Alpe D’Huez stand between our cyclists and success. As with any team, much of the logistics, fundraising and promotion is organised behind the scenes. Over the winter of 2011/2012, many hours were spent fundraising and promoting the team at outdoor exhibitions in London. Various social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook have also produced great results with followers such as Carol Vorderman, Andi Peters and Mathew Pinsent all taking time to promote the team. A special thank you must go to ‘Honour Our Forces’ as they recently secured a space for our team as special guests on


Sinson & Sykes B F Sinson - GDC 53967

A P Sykes - GDC 53867

Crowns, Bridges, Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry. Hygienist’s Preventative Programme Evening appointments available Car Parking facilities

Dental Practice Denplan available • NHS places now available

Tel: 01993 842534 50 Burford Road Carterton, Oxon. OX18 3AD

the Jonathon Ross show. The time and effort put in by all members of this team over the winter months has secured huge sponsors for 2012 such as Schwalbe, Slime, Spin Cycle Works, Cliff Nutrition and Zipvit. 99 Squadron Cycling Team is dedicated to encouraging new members into the sport and pushing experienced cyclists to their limits. Our two main events for this year could not be more different and with the team determined to train together and enjoy every aspect of the sport 99 Squadron Cycling Team is set to improve dramatically in 2012. Please follow the team @ Facebook.com/99sqnbike Twitter @99sqnbike

Carterton based accredited counselling Trauma work / debriefing Groups, couples or individuals Depression Self harm & eating disorders

Relationships Death, dying, grief & loss Birth issues including miscarriage & abortion Anger management Anxiety and panic attacks

Mary H Hopper

MSc, Pg Dip Ed, DipCPC, RGN, RM, RSCN, RCNT

Tel: 07765 68 69 55 [email protected]

THE BROADSHIRES OSTEOPATHIC PRACTICE Lorna Dixon & Associates

01993 867134

The Broadshires Health Centre, Broadshires Way, Carterton,Oxon OX18 1JA Back & Neck Pain, Joint Pain, Frozen Shoulder related to neck pain, Sports Injuries, Headaches, Osteopathy For Children REGISTERED WITH ALL PRIVATE HEALTH INSURERS

www.broadshiresbacks.co.uk

27

CO

M

M

U

TY I N

Domestic abuse campaign -

Community MATTERS Welcome to Community Ma

tters. If you have comments or any contributions please con tact, Lin Kennedy, the Com mu nity Development Officer (CDO), RAF Brize Norton, Carterton , OX18 3LX. You can also contact Lin on phone numbers 019 93 897068 or 07786801107 or by em ail: BZN-BSW-PMSCDO@mo d.uk For advice and guidance or

to assist with any housing welfare issues that you may be encountering contact WO Yvo nne Conway the Station Com munity Support Officer (SCSO) on: 01993 895350 or email: BZN -BSW-PMSSCSOWO@mod. uk If you require informatio n about anything at all, including being posted in or out, sch ools, local services or any aspect of living in the area, contac t Mel at the HIVE on: 019 93 895349 or email: BZN-BSW-PMS10 [email protected] A useful websi te to find general information abo ut your local area, no ma tter where, is http://www.upmystreet.co m/ For personal and family sup

port contact Emmanuel Wa lcott, SSAFA on: 01993 841497 /897251.

Speak out today A campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse is being launched today (14/05) by Thames Valley Police in partnership with Domestic Abuse Co-ordinators and Crimestoppers. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness and promote early intervention in an attempt to break the cycle of abuse. The majority of domestic abuse still goes unreported and the focus of the campaign is to encourage people to contact either the police, Crimestoppers or specialist support agencies. The campaign is urging family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to come forward and let the police or other agencies know if they suspect someone is being abused. A dedicated website speakouttoday.co.uk and video has been launched to provide practical information for victims and those supporting them, and includes vital links to national and local support services. Further information on domestic abuse can be found on the Thames Valley Police website http://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/

Carterton Neighbourhood Management Update Neighbourhood Officer PC Claire Sadler provides the update this month: “The team completed a speeding operation with Roads Policing on Buckland Road, Bampton. Thirty motorists were dealt with, including two vehicles being seized. A further 7 motorists were dealt with on the A361 at Bradwell Village. “Four men were found by landowners believed to be hare coursing outside Bampton towards Black Bourton. Officers worked with the local landowners to locate these males who were arrested and charged. Vehicles and dogs were also seized.

28

“We were joined by Special Constables to conduct an antisocial behaviour evening in Carterton where officers were on foot and bike. A Section 59 warning for anti-social driving was issued and numerous youths spoken to about their behaviour and how it may effect others. “We have been assisting with cycling proficiency at local schools in the area. This month’s picture is the winning poster in a colouring competition for 4-5 year olds at Carterton Primary School after the team had paid them a visit. Well done to all who entered. “Please be mindful to lock and secure your push bikes/ scooters when not in use, even at home, as there have been several thefts in Carterton. We are doing our best to stop this but as the saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’.


Families Consultative Group (FCG) We hold FCG meetings at Jaggers Bar, Families Club, Upavon Way. At the last meeting, chaired by the Station Commander, occupant of service accommodation living in the Carterton area were given the opportunity to meet staff who provide support to serving personnel and families and raise issues of concern. The issues raised at the last meeting included:

For all matters relating to housing, please report them in the first instance by phone to: • Housing: DIO – 0800 169 6322 (Aldershot HASC). • Repairs: MHS – 0800 707 600.

• Cost of housing. • The time taken to carry out repairs to fires and boilers. • Mould. • Housing. • The development of the area around the Families Club. • Rubbish. • Anti-social behaviour. A number of the issues were raised at the meeting and they had neither been raised or reported before. Everyone present was asked to report ALL incidences or concerns as soon as they become concerns, so that they can be dealt with.

• Police: 101 (non urgent).

If you need further assistance, then contact:

• Housing matters – WO Yvonne Conway the Station Community Support Officer (SCSO): Phone: 01993 895350 or email: [email protected] • Police matters – Cpl Steve Morris. Email: [email protected]

The message is: Please Report ALL concerns as soon as they become a concern or a nuisance.

Alvescot 2012 Village Fete

Mistral supports British Spouses Just in time for summer, Recruit for Spouses has teamed up with Mistral, the British clothing label, to offer its members a 15% discount. The discount voucher, valid until 19 July 2012, can be spent in any of the Mistral stores located across the South of England. And if there isn’t a Mistral near you, your shopping spree is only a few clicks away as this fab offer also runs on-line. Recruit for Spouses Company Founder, Heledd Kendrick, says: “Part of the process to help British military spouses re-enter the workplace is to build up their selfconfidence and we all recognise the lift you can get just from wearing something you love. It’s also a real boost for our candidates to know that a great British brand like Mistral is behind them too.” Mistral Managing Director, John Lewis, says: “I feel we should do what we can to help families of our serving troops, as well as the troops themselves. I hope that by working together, we can do at least a little to help.” Recruit for Spouses is a not for profit recruitment service. It is working with a range of companies including EDF energy, Amazon and lots of smaller businesses to provide a range of employment opportunities. Joining is FREE, whether candidates are looking for a job locally or perhaps just want to find work that is home-based to fit around children, postings or deployments. For further information, please visit www.recruitforspouses.co.uk If you would like more information please contact: Recruit for Spouses Press Officer - Jo Kierstead at [email protected] 0777 589 7361 www.recruitforspouses.co.uk

Saturday 16 June, 2:00 to 4:30pm. Alvescot Village Playing Field. £1 entry. As well as traditional attractions, this year’s fete has a sporting theme with opportunities to watch and join in various sports. There will be a raffle, bottle stall, refreshments and a lot more besides.


29

Burford gh play ng throu Learni

All staff fully trained and continue with their professional development Each childs development is planned individually through their Key worker.

Opening hours Monday to Friday 9-12 We also offer full day sessions which run from 9-2.30pm (Tuesday and Thursday) Morning session £10.00 Full day sessions £10.00 for the morning and £9.00 afternoon (children need to bring packed lunch) OFSTED February 2011 report - Good

“Children are happy and thrive within the setting” Please contact us during opening hours on 01993 824031 to arrange a visit. We look forward to seeing you. TanneRs Lane, Oxfordshire OX18 4NA

30


T

M A E

Biggest Loser

The Biggest Loser Brize Norton was launched at the Health & Lifestyle fa

Ten eager candidates put themselves forward to embark on a challenge to change their lives. A PEd Flt team, headed up by Cpl Dan Wallis and Mrs Steph Hill set up a 12 week programme. This included weekly weighins, 3 instructor lead sessions per week, numerous programmes on their TGS keys, Nutrition expert workshop and support and encouragement throughout from the PEd Flt. Over the 12 week period each candidate continued to work their usual shift patterns, night shifts, guard duty etc. The sessions were demanding and varied. The purpose of this was to educate the candidates on the benefits of exercise and to demonstrate the variety of exercises that can form part of their normal routine.. Taking real life into consideration, the option to train in the gym, attend instructor led classes and to encompass a very effective home workout plan (for times when they couldn’t get a babysitter!) was explored. They were given the opportunity to reflect on their previous weeks training and eating, at each weigh-in. This educated the group into factors that could become barriers to their mission or enlightening statements that would spur them on. The finale of the 12 week Biggest Loser 2012 Challenge took place at the Brize Fitness Bonanza. This was open to the whole station, a set of popular training disciplines such as Cross Fit, Body Max, Spinning and running, set up in a relay.

“I hope the Biggest Loser BZN can occur again to give other people the opportunity to change their lives. It is a fantastic way to increase fitness and health of personnel here at RAF Brize Norton.”

“Now I have passed the RAFFT and lost the weight, I now actually look and feel my age again. I look forward to exercising rather than seeing it as a chore.” “I have spent ye ars failing the RA FFT, spending time and time ag ain on DRTP. I w an ted to rectify this once and fo r all…11 weeks in to the process I can pass the RA FFT with ease at Level 10.02!”

“I can’t wait to continue the great success I have already achieved.”

“I have gained the knowledge that I require to continue to keep my fitness at the highest level possible and my weight at the lowest.” 32

r 2012!

air in February this year.

“I would highly recommend the Biggest Loser to anyone who wants to lose weight and make a lifestyle change, whilst working in a team.” “The process has been a lifestyle education, and to that end it has truly been a LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE.”

The final weigh-in, in the presence of the Fitness Bonanza competitors, each candidate showed the audience their amazing achievements. Rob Bates was hailed the Winner of Brize Biggest Loser 2012 losing a staggering 19.2% of his body weight in a 12 week period. All of the candidates lost significant weight losses (20-45 Lbs) and inch loss, making the challenge a huge success. The Biggest loser was such a triumph that we will be looking for more candidates for the next Biggest Loser ‘Change your Life’ campaign. Please contact PEd Flt with any enquiries and to submit your interest to Fitness Manager Ext. 5437.

“Sessions have been hard, but the results have been great week after week. This has kept my motivation going. I have had to change my uniform and can now fit in clothes I haven’t worn in years!”

e end this isn’t th y sa ly st e “I can hon est Loser e, the Bigg m r fo d a of the ro t what e start (bu th n e e b st BZN has ju ment and me commit ti fe li a f o a start) ing.” g undertak in sh li re m a one that I

33

rd’s Pet Care Lt Howa d

6A Park Street, Hungerford, Berks, RG17 0EF

Tel. 01488 - 685314

Premium Dog and Cat Foods including Arden Grange Burns Pet Nutrition We also stock Hills Science - dog and cat treats, collars and leads, beds, James Wellbeloved pet toys, and cat litter and accessories. Symply Royal Canin - a selection of wild bird and aviary bird foods and treats. - hay, straw and shavings, as well as mixed poultry corn, layers pellets and layers meal.

Special orders and standing orders welcome.

Surgeries in Witney and Carterton Consultations all day by appointment • • • • •

We are justifiably proud of our school and our students. This is a school where the opinions of the community are valued. We expect high standards and have high aspirations for our students. We want our students to be happy, to enjoy their learning, be valued members and achieve beyond their expectations. Headteacher: Mr Niall McWilliams Upavon Way Carterton Telephone:- 01993 841611 Oxon Email:- [email protected] OX18 1BU Website:- www.cartertoncc.oxon.sch.uk

Vaccinations Health checks Neutering Microchip ID Comprehensive operating facilities inc. dentals • Ultrasound and radiology

• • • • • •

Nurse consultations Dietary advice & weight clinics Puppy parties & socialisation Pet passports Computerised laboratory Hip and elbow scoring

Preventative affordable healthcare

01993 703146 Please visit our website at

www.tremainvetgroup.co.uk 1 Farm Mill Lane Witney Oxon OX28 4BJ Tel: 01993 703146

17 Alvescot Road Carterton Oxon OX18 3JL Tel: 01993 845808

Darboe and Baily Ltd trading as Tremain Veterinary Group

34


Family Law Specialists INCLUDING DIVORCE & SEPARATION

www.bccsolicitors.co.uk • Financial Matters • Children Matters • Over 25 Years Experience

10% Discount to Service Personnel

01993 770778 61a High Street, WITNEY OX28 6JA


35

T

M A E

878 Squadron Flying High”

“

There are currently 1,009 Air Training Corps squadrons in the UK. Only one of these however is the proud owner of an RAF C-17 Globemaster! That honour has been bestowed on the cadets of 878 Sqn ATC. 878 is based in the small market town of Highworth, approximately 13 miles from Brize Norton and so it is only fitting that a squadron in so close a proximity holds close ties with the Station. Formed in 1991, the squadron currently has a strength of thirty cadets and comes under Wiltshire and Dorset Wing. 878 Squadron now holds the unique and enviable position of being ‘adoptees’ to ZZ171, the old lady of 99 Squadron’s C-17 fleet. The adoption was carried out on 2 April 2012 between OC 99 Sqn, Wg Cdr David Manning and OC 878 Sqn (ATC), Flt Lt Tim Johnson VR(T). The experience started with a brief from Flt Lt Chaz Haston on the diverse roles and capabilities of the C-17. The cadets certainly got an eye-opener on just how versatile the aircraft is from carrying enormous cargo loads to aeromedical missions to airdrops to holding 100+ passengers! They also received an insight into the types of missions the aircraft has been involved in including flying into numerous war zones, delivering aid globally to natural disaster areas and even the rescue of a Russian submarine! It also highlighted just how essential the C-17 fleet is to the UK armed forces as a whole and the outstanding effort the personnel of 99 Squadron has contributed since its reforming in 2000. From here the cadets were shown to the aircraft and given a guided tour by members of the aircrew. They were certainly in awe of the sheer size of the C-17 and clearly enjoyed the experience

36

of getting up and close to the aircraft. After this, the formal adoption took place as the cadets posed for the cameras with OC 99 Squadron. After lunch (where cheeseburgers were definitely order of the day!) the cadets split into two groups with one group departing for the station fire section and ten lucky individuals returning to 99 for an afternoon of experience flying. At the Fire Section, they were given the chance to get to grips with all the fire equipment on offer. This included a ride in a fire engine and using the ‘Jaws of Life’, the high power pneumatic cutting gear. No trip to the fire section would be complete with a good dousing down with a hose which the cadets surprisingly enjoyed! Those chosen to fly first assisted the crew with the pre-flight walk-around and left for a local flight over the southern English countryside. The experience of those seated in the cargo bay was described as “slightly nauseating” and “a very strange one” in that you can feel that you are moving, yet everything around you appears stationary. Indeed the only view available is a tiny port hole on the opposite side of the aircraft! However, sitting on the flight deck of a large aircraft like the C-17 gives a fresh perspective on flying from being a humble passenger on an airliner. Just the sheer size of the windows allows a remarkable panoramic view of the landscape. It certainly differs from the tiny Grob Tutor used by the ATC for experience flights and one the cadets won’t forget. The cadets enjoyed the whole day immensely and felt privileged to adopt one of the C-17 fleet. Hopefully this will be the start of a long and productive relationship between 878 and 99

Squadrons. As a whole though it is important the RAF continues to provide these kinds of opportunities to its ATC groups as today’s cadets may well be tomorrow’s airmen.

Views from the Cadets

The first thing we did was go to 99 Sqn for a brief on the squadron and its aircraft. This lasted approximately half and hour and gave us all a fantastic insight to the role of the squadron and the aircraft that they fly. We then went out on to the pan and visited C-17 ZZ171. This is the aircraft that we would later adopt and is the oldest C-17 in the RAF fleet. We looked around the flight deck and in the cargo hold and how it could be rapidly changed to fit various kinds of cargo. After this, we went to look around the exterior of the aircraft and how the flaps worked in an unusual way meaning that the aircraft did not need to be flared normally on landing. After lunch, I was lucky enough to have been chosen to go on a flight on our adopted C17. Before start-up, I was able to do the walk-around with the pilot; checking the landing gear, control surfaces and engines. After that, it was time for departure, with no windows, the experience of takeoff is a very strange one; you can feel that you are moving, yet everything around you appears stationary. After that, I was lucky enough to be invited up to the flight deck and was up there for two touch and gos. Then we headed down to Somerset to test some equipment that had been recently serviced on the aircraft. Before we knew it though, it was time to land, bringing to an end, a fantastic experience and a fantastic day. Cadet Cpl Dan Lewington

On Monday 2nd, me and 9 other cadets from 878 Highworth Sqn got the opportunity to fly on C-17 Globemaster ZZ171 which our Air Training Corps squadron has adopted. The flight itself was highly enjoyable and a great experience, far better then the Grob Tutor we fly in our Air Experience Flights. The pilots completed a series of circuits and touch and go’s, which we got to over see under the watchful eye of the Loadmaster. Everyone at 99 Squadron was very welcoming and with aspirations of joining the Royal Air Force myself, I would be more than happy to be work in such a relaxed hard working environment. Therefore I hope that similar opportunities will come about for our cadets in the near future. Cadet Cpl Rob Hinton On the 2nd April 2012, 878 Squadron got the opportunity to venture out to RAF Brize Norton and adopt a C-17. After a short presentation about Brize at 99 Squadron we had a tour around the

aircraft which was very interesting. Then we had a group photo with the aircraft in the background, which led to lunch! As we dispersed from the mess, some got the amazing experience to have a flight in the C-17 as the rest spent the afternoon at the fire section. Arrival at that part of the base led us to an insight into what the fire team do and a briefing informing us what we would be doing. As we were led out of the building we were allowed to participate with some powerful cutting tools that were used to save lives. A fire engine tour was next on the agenda and we were amazed by the amount of equipment one vehicle could carry and the price that it came at! A vehicle without equipment cost around £500,000 and a vehicle with equipment cost around £1,000,000! Finally our time at Brize was coming to an end but it wouldn’t have been complete without an encounter on the hoses that the engines had in store! After showing the fire team our gratitude we clambered back on to the minibus (a little damp!)

and travelled back to our squadron in Highworth. It was a great day out, and I would recommend anyone to experience it for themselves if they get the chance! Cadet Hannah Godwin On 2nd April 878 Squadron visited 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton. Here we were given a tour of the C17 Globemaster which our squadron adopted. We learnt about how the Globemaster works what it’s used for. We were given a short brief before the tour which educated us about its role as a passenger and cargo aircraft. It also showed us the various destinations which it travels to. In the afternoon 10 cadets had the opportunity to fly in the aircraft and I was one of the lucky few to be selected to travel in the C17. It was the best flight of my life. The sound of the engine was so loud, that we had to wear earplugs so that we didn’t damage our hearing! This is just one example of the power of this amazing aircraft. As well as sitting in the passenger and cargo area where the soldiers sit when flying out to war, but we were allowed to sit in the cockpit and watch the Globemaster take of and land. It was great to watch the ground getting larger as we landed and then watching it shrink as we took of straight after. When we were sat in the back it was slightly nauseating because the only window we could see out of was the size of a football which allowed us to just about see a small cloud! Overall I feel very lucky to have been given this experience and I would like to thank Sgt Potter for organising this trip. Cadet Kym McElroy

37

T

E

AM

Brize ATC Visit to the

Houses of Parliament

On Wednesday 29th February and Wednesday 25 April, 12 members of Air Traffic Control left at an early, ungodly hour, to visit the seat of power, the Houses of Parliament, kindly hosted by the Serjeant at Arms, Gp Capt (Retd) Michael Naworynsky. A short train ride into London saw us arrive in advance of our 0900 meeting time at Westminster Hall where we joined up with some personnel from RAF Marham before our guide for the morning, Milburn Talbot (Retd. Royal Navy), the Deputy Principal Door Keeper, began by talking us through the history of the oldest surviving part of the Palace of Westminster. Westminster Hall dates back to 1099, built by order of the son of William the Conqueror, William II (Rufus). It has been used for many events over its 900 year history, such as feasts and coronation banquets, through to some well know trials, including those of William Wallace, King Charles 1 and Guy Fawkes. Moving on, we walked into what looked like a corridor connecting Westminster Hall to the Central Lobby but was, in fact, St Stephen’s Chapel, originally the chapel for the Monarch. Used as a chapel until 1547, it was then used as a debating chamber. The seats lining the walls are thought to be the reason why the current House of Commons has seats opposite each other in a confrontational manner. Plaques on the ground mark the spot where the original Speakers seat was located and where King Charles I stood when he entered Parliament with

400 soldiers to arrest 5 members of the House of Commons, igniting what would become the English Civil War. After this, we were taken through the House of Commons, where MPs now sit to debate. Hit by a bomb during the Second World War, it was rebuilt by order of Churchill who specified the entrance to the chamber, which survived, was to be left in its damaged condition. To this day, the broken brickwork still surrounds the door into the chamber. From here we moved into the House of Lords. A tour of the rear chambers allowed us to the room where The Sovereign prepares to give the annual address to Parliament. We moved into the House of Lords, which on first sight has enough gold in it to light the room without any lighting. The Monarch is not allowed into the House of Commons (the last time a Monarch did so was when Charles I stormed in with his 400 soldiers so they don’t want to let another one in!) so the House of Lords is where the Monarch goes to attend Parliament when they are required to do so. An interesting difference between the two chambers is that MPs in the commons either vote yes or no when deciding on a bill. In the Lords, they vote either content or not content. After moving back to the central lobby for the Speaker’s procession, where the mace (the symbol of the Monarch in the Commons) is carried by the Serjeant at Arms, accompanied by the Speaker, to the chamber before the debates of the day we then took our seats in the gallery of the Commons ready to watch Prime Minister’s Questions. Our host, Michael Naworynsky, holds the responsibility of security within the Palace of Westminster, as well as dealing with

MPs who fight in the commons bar! We watched Prime Minister’s Questions with great interest from behind the clear screen between the gallery and the actual chamber. PMQs is popular around the world, as it is one of the few places where the elected leader of a country is required to take questions from MPs on a weekly basis. The resulting banter, insults and comedy one-liners are also reasons to watch! Whilst taking lunch in the Serjeant at Arms office, we were joined by the very busy Serjeant himself, who whilst in the RAF served at Brize Norton, and still lives nearby. He no doubt gets his copy of The Gateway and will be reading this to see if it is factually correct! Lunch was to be more than a nicety, as we would need the energy to complete our next, and final, part of the day, climbing Big Ben. 334 steps lie between the ground and the actual Big Ben bell and with our lightning pace we made it up there to hear both the 1445 and 1500 strikes. Ear protection was provided, of course! Following this we descended a few steps to walk behind the face of the clock before heading back down. All had an incredibly interesting day. Thanks must go to Fg Off Wise for organising the day, along with the Serjeant at Arms and his very well informed and extremely helpful staff. I’m sure they would want me to say that visiting Parliament, watching debates and touring both Houses are all things that you can do simply by writing to your local MP… If you’re at RAF Brize Norton then his name, of course, would be the Rt Hon David Cameron! SAC Stephen Jackman

The Baton

RAF Brize Norton has been given the honour of custodian of the Baton until the Baton run on 16 June. The Baton run was originally from RAF Lyneham to the National Arboretum, Lichfield and switched to RAF Brize Norton last year in November. It is a symbol of support not only for the injured service men but for their friends and family. Here is some information with regard to the Baton. www. thebaton.co.uk It has recently completed a trip to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro with the Help for Heroes team, last year trekked with Prince Harry to the North Pole, and later this year will climb Mt Everest. Fg Off Masters - “It is a great honour to be entrusted as the custodian of “the Bastion Baton” until the Baton Run in June from RAF Brize Norton to the National Arboretum in Lichfield. This is a poignant symbol of the support given to serving personnel, family and friends. Making supporting the cause so much more important to the Community at RAF Brize Norton.”

You and the Baton By carrying the Baton you can be an inspiration to others and help keep “the message” alive for decades to come. As custodian of this Baton and the message within it, you are charged with the safety, integrity and pride it deserves. What you will be carrying is the handle cut from a stretcher that was regularly used by the Medical Emergency Response Team on the battlefield and hospital at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Pause for a moment....reflect that as the integral part of a stretcher it carried people to safety, sadly some have died on it, the hands that once held it were at times bloody and under fire often in a life saving effort to get someone to a waiting vehicle or helicopter. If it could talk what could it tell us? We can only imagine the experiences that this humble object carries, should you choose to carry the Baton you will join many others and be part of those experiences. Carry the Baton...keep the message alive! Alan Rowe MBE Founder of the Baton


41

T

M A E

99 Sqn

Aircraft Pull & Families’ Day

30th June 2012

Following the great success of last year’s aircraft pull event, 99 Sqn will

again be running the annual aircraft pull challenge. Having won the original event in 2010, 99 came up a bit short in 2011 as a pie and chips fuelled 216 team powered to victory! This year’s Hercules pull event promises to be a special event with teams from many local Police Constabularies, Brize Norton support units and the flying Squadrons all competing to get their hands on the trophy. As well as the aircraft pull event, there will be a host of activities for all ages to enjoy. A variety of training and operational aircraft will be on show for people to see up close, a variety of stalls, shops and children’s play areas will be open and available. Most importantly though, the 99 Sqn Madras bar will be serving a wide range of beverages complete with its own casino and numerous bands playing some great tunes! For 216 there will also be a range of hot food stands! The day aims to raise funds from team sponsorship for RAFA and BLESMA (British Limbless Ex Serviceman’s association) and all the good work they do for current serving and ex RAF and military personnel. For more information please contact either Flt Lt Chris Coates, Flt Lt Ryan Foils or F/S Robin Kirkpatrick on Brize Extension 6764/6728.

42



43

44


CO

M

M

U

TY I N

Padre’s Peace ‘Network’ Church

The term ‘networking’ is something we are very familiar with in this day and age. Social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter are all the rage, though interestingly I tend to rely on my wife’s page rather than my own for this type of social interaction: perhaps that’s a male thing! She also has many more friends than I do, again perhaps something to do with how the gender thing works – I am happy to be corrected…! Recently I attended my Career Transition Workshop, a part of my resettlement package as I am due to retire from the Service next year, and again one of things emphasised in getting a job on leaving was ‘networking’. I’m not sure how this will work for me as I fully intend to play golf on retirement and networking may well only involve who I can get to play with me. But I get the point, in that making oneself know as someone who has skills and qualities that will be useful in the workplace is an important part of

the job search process. It seems that the old adage, ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’, may be true after all. But I wonder have you ever heard of the phrase ‘Network Church’? This is something that the chaplaincy team have been trying to develop at Brize Norton and in its simplest form it is a list of people who are involved in or with a Christian church or fellowship in their home community but who also want to be involved in worship, outreach and prayer on the station. This might be a family who live in Carterton and who attend one of the churches there for Sunday worship, but who also want to actively support the chaplaincy and get involved in our Marriage or Alpha courses. It might be someone on the Station who has their home some distant from Brize, where they have settled their family in say Liverpool or Lincoln and are with us on unit for their working week, disappearing on a Friday or at the end of their shift pattern, but who want to practise their Christian faith while they

are in the workplace or on operations. So they might attend our monthly prayer breakfast, meeting for bacon rolls and a quick word with the ‘Boss’ before work on a Friday. Network church fits how Brize Norton functions as a station and a community, so you may be asking, ‘how do I get my name on the list as I would be interested in joining?’ That is very simple – email one of the chaplaincy team with your details, or better still call in a have a chat with one of us. We’d love to hear from you. We’re also about to start a new initiative on Wednesday 4 Jul 12 – a short lunchtime service at 1210 running weekly, very relaxed in nature, where the network church and anyone else can gather in the station chapel, join in a time of worship, and then enjoy a quick bite to eat before returning to work. Full details will be on our ‘Moss’ team site page soon and we would be delighted if you want to join us. Padre David Edgar Senior Chaplain

Never thought about God before? Thinking about Him now? SASRA has helped generations of Service Personnel and their families think about the big questions. On Deployment? Contact

[email protected] At Home? Contact SASRA HQ

[email protected] Tel 01252 310033

SASRA, Havelock House, Barrack Road, ALDERSHOT. GU11 3NP

46


T

M A E

Ex CROWN P INNACLE 1-12, Inyokern Airport, California

Following a 2 week deployment to California on Exercise CROWN PINNACLE I was ‘voluntold’ to write an article on the Exercise; I guess that is what you get for spending 2 weeks in the US during the UK’s rainiest month on record. As the Exercise’s Logistics Officer, I decided to stick to what I know best and give an overview of the entire Exercise by breaking it down to its four phases of operation; planning, deployment, sustainment and redeployment.

Planning

Ex CROWN PINNACLE runs 4-5 times per year as an Air Mobility Force Headquarters (FHQ) sponsored Exercise and aims to provide a training package to prepare C130 crews and support personnel for operations. 47Air Despatch (AD) Squadron also deploy with this Exercise in order to train their personnel in operational air drop capability. The Ex is based out of Ridgecrest, California; an area specially selected as its environmental conditions are similar to those faced in current Areas of Operations and offers reliable weather for operationally focused flying.

48

As an FHQ led Exercise, planning was initiated months in advance by bringing together all stakeholders at Initial, Main and Final Planning Meetings chaired by A7 FHQ. The Exercise was allocated one C130J aircraft which would operate from Inyokern Airport, a civilian airport less than 10 miles from Ridgecrest. Nearby, China Lake AFB would offer crucial Host Nation Support as required. Training objectives from each support function (A1-A9) then moulded the deployment training.


Deployment

The Ex deployment was to comprise two phases; advance party deployment, consisting of 13 personnel who would initially set up the detachment and the main party deployment. Due to aircraft load restrictions, the plan modified so that part of the main party travelled by mil air and the rest by civ air. Continual alterations to the intended plan was a common theme throughout this Exercise and required all Exercise personnel, particularly the Logs and Admin personnel, to display a positive, flexible and fluid approach in order to make ‘things happen’. Though frustrating at times, this all developed individuals’ skills of flexibility and resilience to change and further prepared personnel for the challenges faced during out of area detachments. Other challenges faced included certification of the Fuel quality, ensuring suitable crash cat cover and, if that was not enough, sorting out a damaged aircraft propeller from the deployment. It seemed as though each day brought another inject to contend with that tested the logistics skills of the entire team to the full. With a superb coordinated team effort from Brize Norton FHQ, Brize Norton Logistics Squadron, A4 HQ Air, DSCOM, Host Nation and deployed staff, a total of 73 personnel eventually arrived into ‘Theatre’ on 3 Apr 12 to officially commence Ex CROWN PINNACLE 1-12.

Sustainment

In order to sustain the Exercise for its full duration, logistic support was paramount and ranged from contracting hire vehicles to procuring fuel and aircrew rations as well as securing accommodation and medical support. Sustainment also required robust supply lines of communication with civilian freight forwarding agents based at Los Angeles International Airport. All of this support was provided by personnel from Mobility Supply Flight from RAF Brize Norton and consisted of one Deployable Supply Group (DSG) Cdr, one JNCO Mover, one SAC Mover and one SAC Supplier. Additional critical logistical support was also provided by RAFLO McCarran, based at Las Vegas and RAFLO St Johns, based on the east coast of Canada. The multi-location, and indeed multi-national, logistics support network was routinely tested throughout the Exercise with challenges varying from provision of a new C130 J prop to spare parts required to regulate cabin pressure. Customs clearance of spares into the USA, specifically Los Angeles, is historically a long winded and lengthy process and, unfortunately, this trend continued for Ex CROWN PINNACLE. Such is the fluid nature of Logistics support that during Ex

CROWN PINNACLE, the logistics team was also called upon to provide assistance to Ex MAPLE FLAG in Canada by arranging for the movement of aircraft chaff. Furthermore, the team also arranged the return of medical kit left in Arizona from Ex ACE earlier in the year.

Redeployment

In order to maximise the training benefit for crews on this Exercise, multiple legs were incorporated into the return flight to RAF Brize Norton. Custom clearance delays and dip clearances constraints meant that the Exercise C130 was required to leave Inyokern on 11 Apr 12. However, five spares required for pressure regulation had not been released by customs staff and therefore a plan was hatched to redirect these spares to Halifax airport in Canada, in order to meet the aircraft on its night stop.

Lessons Identified

It cannot be ignored that the deployment and redeployment of the Exercise was a particularly testing experience for all those involved with multiple injects that could have compromised the entire success of the Exercise. However, the training achieved by 47AD, MSF, Intelligence, Admin, Engineering, Flight Ops and TACATC and aircrew personnel proves that the Exercise was a success and achieved the level of pre deployment needed to meet operational commitments. Although only one Hercules J frame was available for this Exercise, a 100% sortie rate was achieved with 6 crews maintaining crucial currencies and gaining experience. The crew were even able to fly further sorties above the initial training objectives with an additional landing area identified by TACATC whilst on the Ex. The fact that such an impressive training rate was achieved, despite the logistics injects, further demonstrates the necessity for robust, agile and flexible logistics personnel. Indeed, all Mobility Supply Flight who deployed on Ex CROWN PINNACLE displayed optimum esprit de corps to ensure the success of training Brize Norton personnel in preparation for operations.


49

FRED’S WORKSHOP

it is the

thday 30th Bir ... of

PHILSERVE Ltd Ltd Half Price MOT when combining your MOT with a service during 2012 Special Discounts for Forces Personnel * The one stop shop for all your motoring needs * * MOT Test Centre for Cars, Vans and Mini Buses * * Vehicle Diagnostics, Servicing and Major Repairs * * Fully PAS125 Equipped Body Shop * * Free estimates on all scratches & bodywork * * Insurance work undertaken *

UNIT 1A CANNONS YARD ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT

(NEXT TO ABC TYRES) CAR SERVICING & REPAIRS INCLUDING ELECTRICS, ENGINE TUNING, A.B.S. TESTING, HYDROLASTIC SUSPENSION PUMPING, BRAKE PIPES MADE TO PATTERN, MOT PREPARATION, FAULT CODE READING INCLUDING JAPANESE

COMPETITIVE RATES – FLEXIBLE HOURS

Tel: (01793) 848994

“It’s your car, it’s your choice”

* 24/7 Breakdown & Recovery Service* * Free Collection and delivery service or free courtesy car *

M.O.T Test Centre

[email protected] www.philserve.co.uk

01993 842638

Belle Terrace, Carterton Industrial Estate, Carterton, Oxon OX18 3ER Copyright 2010 Philserve Ltd. All Rights Reserved.


51

CO

M

M

U

TY I N

Reading Half Marathon

One of my first lessons I learnt in the RAF was ‘never to assume’, as we all know what that makes! I guess most of us still make many assumptions, one being that we think everyone else leads better lives than ourselves, and that’s why people stare when they see something or someone that doesn’t look ‘right’; human nature I guess. You are now thinking where is this article leading and what connection does it have with the Reading Half Marathon? Let me firstly connect assumption and staring. When you see someone that is staggering down the road at 10 am with little or no co-ordination and if you hear them speak they slur their words and are slow to react or respond, then you assume they are drunk, so you stare at them. As we now live in a culture of 24 hour drinking, anything is possible. Before assuming, however, take a minute to think to yourself: maybe they aren’t drunk, maybe they have an illness, you just don’t know. So, let me tell you about Huntington’s Disease. What you have read above about staggering, lack of coordination, being slow to respond and slurring of words are just some of the symptoms and at present this is an incurable illness. Huntington’s disease, which is often called HD, is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system. In some way - which is not yet understood - the faulty gene leads to a damage of the nerve cells in areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex. This leads to gradual physical, mental and emotional changes. Each person whose parent has Huntington’s disease is born with a 50-50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Anyone who inherits the faulty gene will, at some stage, develop the disease. This disease has been described as ‘the

gradual and relentless dismantling of a human being and the most cruel disease known to man’1. However, for every disease, there is a charity to help sufferers. The Huntington’s Disease Association is a UK registered charity which supports people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD). They also provide information and advice to families, friends and healthcare professionals who support Huntington’s disease families. The charity is one of the AM FHQ’s nominated charities and is very important to me. What better way then to raise awareness and funding than

CCRO Brize Norton

Update

by Sqn Ldr Jackie Millard-Smith

As the Community Careers Recruitment Officer (West) I am employed by the Inspectorate of Recruiting to inspire interest in a Service career by delivering a wide range of opportunities, including visits, to over 1800 schools, colleges and universities in the West of England. I also conduct Potential Officer Candidate visits for external applicants in the process of preparing for OASC. Hosting groups of between 30 & 80 students at a time requires all available hands on deck, and so I have enrolled the help of a enthusiastic team of JOs and NCOs on stn who provide hosting support to me during large group visits in a secondary duty capacity. Flt Lt Kevin Booth, Flt Lt Matt Allen are appointed as Deputy CCROs; FS Ben Milner, CT Ian Griffiths, FS Nick Walker, Sgt Claire Stewart, Cpl Stu Rowe, Cpl Ken Smith, Cpl Bilko Andrews are all appointed as Visit Support SNCOs/NCOs accordingly. 52

All play an integral part to the overall success of these visits. You will regularly see the members of my team escorting large groups of students around the Station and in the respective messes, and so I urge you to welcome our visitors and engage with them if you can to enhance their experience. I am looking for a 3 additional volunteers to join my team, and am conducting interviews as we speak; if you would like to register your interest for future vacancies please get in touch.

Careers Visits

Since Jan visit momentum has been intense, with face-to-face engagement with over 484 visiting students from 16 different educational establishments. Approximately 82% of the visitors (age 17-21) were undertaking study on a 2 year Public Service College course, the remainder have been mixture of potential officer groups nominated by AFCOs in the West and bespoke individual visits. Some of the groups travelled from as far field as South Devon (South Devon College) and as far East as Kent (The Marlow Academy), others were more local such as Gloucester College and Abingdon&Witney College. In addition, a number of bespoke individual visits were conducted for Potential Officer/ SNCO aircrew/ATC applicants due to attend OASC imminently. Each visit aims to deliver an enjoyable, informative and


to run a Half Marathon? I suggested entering the Reading Half back in November 2011: for me personally this was my 5th year. After a few maybes, eventually a total of 6 of us from RAF Brize Norton committed and paid the entrance fee. Sqn Ldr Amanda Hoban, Sqn Ldr Andy Graham and myself from the FHQ, Sgt Flippa Wright and Cpl Susie Eastaugh from 4624 Sqn, Sgt Jase Crooks from 99 Sqn, (though he’s now at 45(R) Sqn RAF Cranwell). We all undertook individual training that suited our own needs throughout the winter, each week increasing the distance. Sunday 1st April seemed an age away but before long the day arrived. With 20,000 participants at the start-line, there were plenty of nerves, swapping of ‘tactics’ (which for a few of us was just to finish) and passing around of jelly babies, cereal bars and energy drinks. Sgt Flippa Wright was prepared with his plastic carrier bag full of goodies, eating and drinking everything before the start. The forecast was to be cool with a max temp of 9°C, which would have been ideal for running. However, whilst walking to the start line, which always takes an eternity, the sun was out and it was warming up rapidly. We all went our separate ways at the start, apart from Susie and I, due to our estimated finish times which dictated where you start in the pack! The atmosphere and support at Reading was unbelievable, with the streets lined with well-wishers. After 2 miles I ’lost’ Susie due to the sheer amount of people in the crowd, though approx 6 miles in I had tap on my shoulder from Amanda, and for the next 6 miles we stayed within 100m of each other. By this time the sun was rapidly draining me of my energy (the temperature actually got to 14o C and was very sunny with little breeze) and it felt like someone was hitting my thighs with a lump hammer! My thoughts were that 2 to 3 hours of discomfort for us and was nothing compared to the suffers not only of Huntington’s Disease but also for anyone else that

engaging overview of life on an RAF station and the careers we offer, allowing the students to meet serving personnel at work in a selection of roles. As always, 216, 101, 99 and 33 (Eng) Sqns all played a pivotal role in delivering a memorable experience for the students of an aircraft tour, complemented by a variety of briefs on the respective aircrew and support careers. A huge cast of sections also regularly contribute to the success of the visits: Fwd Logs Sqn, RAF Regt Flt, Fire Section, RAFP Dog section, RAFP Ops, Parachute Training School, Gymnasium, ATC, Medical Centre, 501 Sqn and the Armoury - all delivered an outstanding package to ensure these careers visits have impact.

OASC Guidance & P2 Commissioning Opportunities for Serving Airmen

I am qualified and practiced in selection and boarding procedures for OASC and am happy to offer serving airmen general guidance (and top tips) on the overall selection process and interview technique; furthermore, the nature of my role enables me to advise personnel on the latest forecast branch availability, should you wish to channel your aspirations. Serving airmen applicants are strongly advised to ensure they are familiar with the revised registration and selection process P2 applications remain highly competitive and so preparation is key. To book an appointment you can contact me on ext 6792 or email BZN-CCLO for further information. Future Recruitment Despite the drawdown of manpower, the RAF’s recruiting effort will continue in order to maintain the viability and structure of the Service in the medium to long term. This year we are looking to recruit around 2300 regular RAF personnel plus

is threatened by life changing illnesses. Not a moment too soon, I finally got the Madjeski Football stadium in my sights. The last 200m are run in the stadium, backed by the fantastic atmosphere of the crowds, which is really quite an overwhelming experience and makes for an emotional finish to the race. Then, it was over. We all met at our rendezvous point to exchange finish times and experiences and to take on much needed calories that were burnt. I am extremely proud and grateful to all the team, for giving up precious time to train and running in aid of Huntington’s Disease. We have collected over £1000, which is excellent in the current financial climate, and more importantly raised awareness of this little known disease. If I can take this opportunity to thank, the teams families, friends and our work colleagues for taking the time to not only sponsor us at our Just Giving Page but also in the old fashioned way of us hassling you in person with a sponsorship form, I am extremely grateful as will be The Oxfordshire Branch and Head Office of Huntington’s Disease. WO Tim Ketcher AM FHQ Sqn Ldr Andy Graham 1.38.47 Sqn Ldr Amanda Hoban 2.05.04 WO Tim Ketcher 2.10.41 Sgt Jase Crooks 1.43.40 Sgt Flippa Wright 2.04.55 Cpl Susie Eastaugh 2.13.30 Also running for MacMillan Cancer Support was Sgt Andy Davies (4624 Sqn) 1.43.24 and for Myeloma UK Sgt ‘Wilkie’ Wilcock (99 Sqn) 1.58.22 1

From Learning to Live with Huntington’s Disease, One Family’s Story by Sandy Sulaiman

750 Reserves. Of the 2300 regulars around 280 are commissioned. In the present climate of force and manpower reductions, this will be a challenge. Further details are available at www.raf.mod. uk/rafcareers Widespread press reports of redundancies, in addition to the rebalancing of the flying training pipeline (post SDSR) and associated freeze in the intake of ab-initio pilots in FY 11/12 has resulted in a general misconception that the RAF has suspended recruiting entirely. This is simply not true and has had an impact on the RAF’s ability to recruit sufficient quality candidates for selection and entry into training. We continue to need to attract a number of high quality people for officer branches and airman trades. Serving personnel can play a major role in spreading the recruiting message that the RAF is recruiting, whether that is by word of mouth or media, or by undertaking engagement activities with external youth groups. At this time Gp Capt IofR encourages the use of low cost/no cost initiatives to reawaken interest in the RAF and increase applicant rates – any proposed initiatives should be coordinated through local AFCO staff in the first instance.


53

McCruddens

Vehicle Repair Specialists

General Servicing & Repairs • Automatic & Manual Transmissions McCruddens vehicle repair specialist is a family run business established in 1979 based in Carterton, Oxfordshire. We offer our customers a comprehensive range of servicing & repairs of modern & classic cars. The management and staff pride themselves in their workmanship ensuring we deliver an outstanding level of customer service and value for money.

www.mccruddens.com Tel. 01993 844406 Email: [email protected] Unit 5-8 Carterton South Industrial Estate, Blackbourton Road, Carterton OX18 3EZ

VOLVO Specialist in Witney

D & A AUTOS

SALES . SERVICE . REPAIRS ALL MAKES & MODELS www.da-autos.co.uk

01993 700545

Mac’s Garage (Witney) Ltd. Burford Road, Witney, Oxon OX29 0RB Telephone (01993) 772136 Fax (01993) 700821 Email: [email protected]

M.O.T. Testing all makes Service & Repairs Vehicle Diagnostics Air Conditioning

10% discount to Armed Forces on production of ID card Directors: K.F. McShane, L.M. McShane, S.E. Thomas Registered in England No. 05389184

54

Established over 25 years

Insurance approved repairers

Accident Repair Centre Car & Commercial Body Refurbishing Specialists Unit One Carterton Industrial Estate, Black Bourton Road, Carterton, Oxford OX18 3EZ Tel/Fax 01993 845480 E-mail: [email protected] • Insurance repairs • Resprays • MOT preparation & servicing • Valeting • Lo bake oven • Free courtesy vehicles available • Car hire (small, family, 7 seaters & vans at competitive rates)


FREE ACCESSORIES

From the 1st June BMW will be including over £1700 of complimentary accessories on all new R1200GS models. The items include: • BMW Vario Panniers • BMW Tank Bag • BMW tinted screen • Akrapovic exhaust end can • BMW inner bags Fantastic finance deals are also available on all new BMW’s, with low deposits and very attractive monthly payments. North Oxford Garage

01865 319000

Wolvercote Roundabout, Oxford OX2 8JP • www.oxfordbmwbikes.co.uk