ACM Sir Stephen Dalton has presented 17 awards and personally thanked
100s of personnel for their work a the games. He said: "With the
Olympics, Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and our
round-the-clock operations, overseas and at home, I could not be more
proud of the dedicated and professional young men and women of the RAF
and of course the families and friends that support them – well done and
thank you all...More information »
General Sir David Richards, has praised Air Cmd personnel for their role
in defending the UK and supporting overseas ops. He said: “The breadth
and importance of their work on behalf of Defence is truly
impressive...Whether through the delivery of world-class training,
keeping a round-the-clock vigil to protect UK airspace, or as a rapidly
deployable HQ to deliver air power in support of our interests overseas,
they can all be very proud of their invaluable contribution...More information »
A RAF Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) has been declared ready to support
NATO following a series of grueling tests which culminated in Exercise
Agile Eagle held at RAF Waddington. Gp Capt Tony Innes paid tribute to
those who had made it happen:
"During the exercise the EAW HQ performed superbly and the deployment
allowed the station to test its ability to continue to support the
plethora of operationally-focused...More information »
Greg’s drive-time show will come live from the BFBS studios in Camp
Bastion every day from 10 -14 Dec 12. The programmes will be simulcast
on BFBS in Afghanistan and on BBC Radio 1 in the UK, enabling Greg to
link families, friends and the Radio 1 audience to troops in theatre.
Greg said: “I’m really excited to be bringing Radio 1 out to the troops
and show them how much we appreciate their hard work...More information »
We have received the following message from the DIO Communications Team:
"RAF Wyton – Telephone problem. Because of a technical problem with the
telephone system, Ops Accommodation staff based in the Swales Pavilion
at RAF Wyton are unable to receive or make phone calls. Military numbers
also appear to be affected. When calling in or out a permanently
engaged signal is being received. The matter...More information »
The Chancellor, George Osborne is due to give his Autumn Statement next
Wed, 5 Dec 12. Many commentators are expecting him to extend the Public
Sector pay freeze or to cap it until 2017...More information »
A Battle Back adaptive sports and adventure training centre to enhance
the recovery of injured and sick personnel from all three Services has
opened at Lilleshall. Beth Tweddle, the Olympic gymnastic said: "The
Battle Back Centre is a fantastic facility...It's wonderful that
servicemen and women, who have given so much for our country, can use
their experiences at the Centre to build their motivation and their
self-belief...More information »
Following an Extraordinary Meeting of the Trustees of The Royal Air
Force Dependants Fund it has been decided to increase the benefit
payable on the death of a subscriber to the scheme from £10K to £15K.
This increase was effective from 0001 hrs on Fri 26 Oct 12. The scheme
is open to all members of the RAF & FTRS (RAF) on payment of a
monthly subscription of 50p through salary. Members of the RAuxAF may
subscribe...More information »
The RAF HCPT Pilgrimage Trust Group takes children aged 7-18 with
disabilities and/or special needs on a weeks holiday to Lourdes every
Easter. The group is made up of CRB-cleared RAF personnel including
medical staff. If you know of a child from the RAF community who would
like to join them for Easter 13 or you are able to volunteer (they are
especially men at the moment!) for this rewarding cause please
contact...More information »
The MoD is investing £46m in acquiring fifty-one new Foxhound patrol
vehicles for troops serving in Afghanistan. Members of No 5 RAF Force
Protection Wg based at Camp Bastion, were amongst the first within the
defence community to use the Foxhound protected patrol vehicle in an
operational environment and were extremely impressed. Cpl Fraser Bruce,
RAF, said: "This is a cracking bit of kit...More information »
Organisers of next year's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford
on the weekend of 20-21 Jul 13 are offering reduced ticket rates for
those who are prepared to purchase their tickets before 7 Jan 13. The
Air Tattoo’s Head of Marketing Helen Webb said: “We’ve introduced the
new pricing structure to reflect the growing number of people who are
looking for extra-value in these challenging times...More information »
The Commander of the Tonga Defence Services, Brig Gen Tau'aika
'Uta'atu,was guest of honour at the handover ceremony from the 4th to
the 5th Tongan Contingent at Camp Bastion. A society known for its
tribal traditions and passion - fierce and emotive, the Tongas support
RAF FP. Sqn Ldr Stewart Beekman said: "The Tongans really understand the
importance of force protection. They work seamlessly with the RAF
Regiment and RAF Police...More information »
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has outlined the vision for delivering
value for money and innovation in Defence at the Reform Defence
Conference in London. Mr Hammond said: "Our Armed Forces exist to
protect our country and provide the ultimate guarantee of its security
and independence. This must be the first duty of Government, and
everything we do in Defence is directed at supporting that objective...More information »
A new Royal website has been set up to feature the public life and work
of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The pages include a section on the
Day in the Life of Flt Lt Wales. Unfortunately, some of the photographs
used have already caused embarrassment. In shots showing the Prince at
work on the sqn at RAF Valley there is sensitive information on show. As
a precaution RAF staff have reset passwords...More information »
The families of II(AC) Sqn personnel gathered at
RAF Marham to welcome their loved one’s home from their deployment in
Afghanistan. The personnel flew directly into the Norfolk base. OC
II(AC) Sqn, Wg Cdr Nick Tucker-Lowe said: "This has been a tremendously
successful deployment for ‘Shiny Two’. With an operational pedigree that
is ‘Second to None’ the Sqn always strives for operational excellence
In The Times there is a report that MPs are to open
an inquiry into Britain's use of drones to kill militants in a move
that could prompt the US to reveal more about its 'secret war'. On the
subject, the MoD said:'The headlines 'British use of drones at heart of
secret war' and 'MPs to test British use of drones at heart of secret
war' are factually incorrect. RAF Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems
only operate
800 soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at Camp
Bastion were about to watch Skyfall when 007 star Daniel Craig walked in
to introduce it. Sgt Dave Hammond RAF, who was one of those lucky to
get a ticket for the film said: "It was great to be able to see the film
here and to have James Bond himself to introduce it was brilliant! It
was like a return to the old James Bonds. There was a bit of humour and
some spectacular
The MoD has launched a formal, written, public
consultation on the future of the UK’s Reserve Forces, ‘Future Reserves
2020: Delivering the Nation’s Security Together’. The consultation
period will run from 8 Nov 12 until 18 Jan 13. Anyone with an interest
in Reserve Forces is able to register their views and it is being asked
that individuals engage and provide feedback before the close on 18 Jan
13
With the centenary of the First World War just 18
months away, the RAF Museum is asking members of the public which
objects from its archives they would like to see on display to explain
the role of aviation in this momentous event. Peter Dye, Director
General of the RAF Museum, said: "The RAF Museum is justifiably proud of
its First World War collection, which contains the most comprehensive
collection of aircraft
Periodically in RAF News the Federation uses the
evidence someone has provided to illustrate a topic of concern. The
cases illustrate where policy is deemed as not quite fair or is
outdated, or where there is disadvantage purely because that someone is a
member of an RAF family. In this edition we hear from a couple. He has
not received the extension of service he was hoping for and is now faced
with leaving the Service sooner than anticipated but is too busy at
work to take resettlement. And she is concerned at the substantial debt
they already have and is worrying at the thought of possibly ending up
without a home...See full details
A Typhoon from 6 Sqn based at RAF Leuchars will fly over Murrayfield
this Saturday (17 Nov 12) just before the 2.30 pm kick. The match,
hosted by the Scottish Rugby Union, sees the Armed Forces Charity Test
Match between Scotland and South Africa. It is hoped the match will
raise funds for military charities. Weather permitting the flypast will
be at 1,000ft...More information »
Changes to Government pension tax policy introduced in 2011 means some
Service Personnel leaving the Service during this tax Year, Apr 12/13,
may attract a pension tax charge. Most Service Personnel will not be
affected, however, officers at OF4 level or above or Service Personnel
who have recently been promoted or received a significant salary
increase may see changes...More information »
In a Defence article Lorraine McBride reports on the swapping ideas and
experiences and sharing best practice that were themes of the 2012 Armed
Forces Community Covenant Conference. Rebecca writes: "Eighteen months
after its launch, the Community Covenant has proved a towering success.
The Covenant aims to remove any disadvantages and, secondly, to ensure
special treatment where it is justified...More information »
The latest recommended posting dates for Christmas 2012 have been
issued. For UK to Op Herrick, Op Kipion & BFPO 622 the date is 3 Dec
12 for other BFPOs it is 14 Dec 12. Latest Recommended dates of posting
from BFPO to UK (Surface) is 7 Dec 12 and from BFPOs to UK (Airmail) it
is 20 Dec 12. For children letters to Santa should be sent by 7 Dec 12.
The address is Santa's Grotto, Reindeer Land, SAN TA1...More information »
The funeral has taken place of retired RAF Flight Lieutenant William
Walker, thought to be the oldest veteran from the Battle of Britain and
one of those whom Churchill called "The Few”. His funeral took place at
St Clement Danes, attended by his friends, family, senior serving and
retired members of the RAF, and surviving members of the Battle of
Britain Fighter Squadron. The 99 year old Spitfire pilot...More Information
Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy in the series Downton Abbey serves her
colleague Allen Leech (Branson) in the RAF Field Kitchen of No 3 Mobile
Catering Squadron during the Centrepoint annual Sleep Out. Celebrities
and members of the public spend one night on the street to raise
awareness and sponsorship money for the charity. WO Willie Dixon said:
"At our busiest we could feed 100 people in 10 minutes...More information »
MODern Housing Solutions (MHS) are now offering customers text message
reminders to confirm appointments. Introduction of the new service on 12
Nov 12 follows the successful introduction of the option of an email to
confirm appointments, rather than a letter, earlier this year. This new
text message service will mean that customers calling in to raise a job
will have the option to receive a text alert the day before...More information »
Sun 11 Nov 12 the Nation (wherever they were) paid tribute to those who
have paid the ultimate sacrifice, and remember those they have left
behind. HM The Queen, members of the Royal Family, the Prime Minister
and dignitaries, attended the National Service of Remembrance at the
Cenotaph. They were joined by hundreds of veterans from previous
conflicts, as well as Service personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and
Royal Air Force on parade...More information »
It has been announced that the Service Pupil Premium is being extended
to state-maintained schools in England. Children of military personnel
who have died in service will be eligible and children of military
personnel will continue to qualify up to six year after their parents
have left the Armed Forces. The amount paid to schools for each eligible
child will increase to £300 in 2013-14. Let the school know by 17 Jan
13...More information »
