A Bomber Command Memorial, honouring the 55,573 airmen from Bomber Command who lost their lives in WW II is to be built in the north west corner of Green Park, adjacent to Piccadilly, London. Andrew Robathan said: "I am delighted. I am very much looking forward to seeing this unveiled as a well-deserved tribute to the aircrew who sacrificed so much...See full details
Liam Fox, has announced a contract award for 14 new Chinook helicopters on the front line in Afghanistan. ACM Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff, said: "Chinook is an exceptionally capable helicopter that in the hands of the very skilful RAF crews has proved itself time and again in many operational theatres and is the backbone of the Royal Air Force's helicopter fleet. This procurement will cement the role of the RAFs...See full details
Personnel who occupy Service Family Accommodation (SFA) and Substitute Service Family Accommodation (SSFA) under a Service Licence to Occupy agreement (known as a Licence to Occupy) are not classed as a tenant and, therefore, STANDARD HOME INSURANCE POLICIES DO NOT COVER the potential liability. With effect from 1 Aug 11 new TSAR guidelines are in place...More information »
Repatriation ceremonies for those killed in operational theatres will move to RAF Brize Norton by 1 Sep 11.The relocation of the repatriation ceremonies follows the decision to cease flying operations at Lyneham by 30 Sep 11. Dr Liam Fox said, "I am certain that RAF Brize Norton will maintain the standard of solemnity, dignity and respect to our Service personnel killed on operations as shown by the personnel at RAF Lyneham...More information »
The RAF Families Federation received a complaint that a Hire Car Company has refused a car to a customer because they only had a BFPO address. The DVLA confirm that they now issue driving licences with a BFPO address on them and that this circumstance should not now arise...More information »
Service housing and accommodation is under scrutiny, not only the current housing stock but more particularly, what the housing provision should be in the future for both family and single living accommodation. The Future Accommodation Project Team is looking at this as one of the work strands of the New Employment Model study ongoing at MoD. The FAP Team is working to tight deadlines and the RAF FF staff are due to provide them with an interim report in September. RAF FF Chairman, Dawn McCafferty, said, "Army and RN families have responded in huge numbers to their respective surveys and clearly wish to influence the debate. Hopefully, RAF families feel the same way and wish to contribute their views and ensure that the ‘light blue’ voice is heard loud and clear during these discussions. Please help us TODAY by completing our survey on Future Housing. Click on the blue computer icon above. Your views are very important. With thanks...See full details
Jon's wife Emma said, "Jon was everything to those that knew him, and he was the best friend and husband I could ever have wished for. Watching him today, I was the proudest I've ever been. I loved everything about him". AVM Mark Green said, "Jon's professionalism, competence and ever present smile made him stand out from the crowd. Jon will be sorely missed by all those that had the privilege to know him...More information »
Presenter Lucy Siegel meets members of 5131 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron recently returned home from Afghanistan as they talk about their work in the Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Task Force....More information »
Notification of selection for redundancy in Tranche 1 of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme will take place, as planned on 1 Sep 11 for Army and RAF, and 30 Sep 11 for the Royal Navy. Announcement of fields, and opening of the window for applications from those in the fields for Tranche 2, will be delayed to early 2012. All other Redundancy Programme policies remain in force...More information »
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton has spoken about the outcome of the Basing Review. He said: "These announcements will allow all of us to make sound plans for the future, both in terms of our operational delivery and our domestic lay down. I know that many, if not most of you, want greater certainty of tenure and postings; so these announcements will provide us with definitive guidelines...More details
National charity 4Children, in partnership with Take a Break magazine, is launching the 4Children and Take a Break Family Heroes Awards. The Awards will celebrate the unsung heroes across the UK who go above and beyond the call of duty to support families through tough times. The awards are open to everyone. A special category dedicated to finding an RAF family hero is being launched to recognise members of the RAF community who have made a significant impact on the lives of RAF children, young people and families. ...More information »
Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, visited Servicemen and women today in Italy who are currently supporting operations over Libya. 906 Expeditionary Air Wing personnel are based at Gioia del Colle airbase in Italy where they operate Tornado GR4 and Typhoon aircraft as part of the UK’s continued commitment to NATO to enforce UNSCR 1973. In the last fortnight an additional four Tornados were deployed to Gioia del Colle to increase the reconnaissance and strike capability of the Royal Air Force. Since operations over Libya began in March the Royal Air Force has successfully carried out hundreds of precision attacks on military targets across Libya. ...More information »
