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TTEEAAMM BBRRIIEEFF The Official Magazine of the MAMS Association Issue No 15 (Dec 13)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL

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CHAIRMANS NOTES

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on the good times and also the bad times. Our thoughts

go out to our absent friends and their families, sadly this year there have been many. All will

be greatly missed especially at this time of year.

I’m writing this when many of you will be getting prepared to celebrate festive season,

although I am aware that some of our members will be on operational detachments, and will

be away from their loved ones, unfortunately that is all a part and parcel of Service life.

This year I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to meet many

Association members in various areas of the world. Firstly in February at Sgt’s Mess at RAF

Brize Norton, there were over 100 movers past and present who attended WO Ray Ralph’s

farewell Top Table after 40 years service. He is now working for Airbus in Germany on the

A400M.

On one my many trips with Etihad, whilst taxing into Nairobi Airport my aircraft ended up

parking next to a RAF C17A being offloaded by a 1 AMW MAMS Team (lead by FS Andy

Harrison) nothing ever changes eh, MAMS in Nairobi again!

Then last month in Remembrance week at Lydiard Park Swindon, I caught up with some of

the JADTEU AP Team taking an active part in The British Legions Charity event “Run for

Remembrance”, where even the AOC ran with the team (accompanied by his bag man, Staff

Officer “Flt Lt Rob Croft”).

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A week later I attended the Annual WO & SNCO’s Top Table took Place at RAF Brize Norton.

However, this year the start had to be delayed by a few hours due to OP ROUNDUP being

called, which meant no access on or off the Station. Therefore as Movers do, they improvised

and sourced alternative venues in Carterton village for refreshments (Barista Coffee Shop,

and Golden Eagle!). Also due current security situation, WO Pete Polidano’s VIP Guest a 4*

USAF General from Ramstein AFB (Pete’s Boss) arrived at Brize, but when Roundup was

called, had to make a sharp exit and unfortunately missed Pete being dined out.

To round off the year there was a gathering of Movers at the Dubai Rugby 7’s, this year I was

fortunate enough to be one of the invited guests of “Heavyweight Express”. The MD of the

company being one of the former members of the winning ERO MAMS Team in the 1987

Airlift Rodeo, “Geordie Sweeney” (other members were myself, Mike Stepney, Mike (Jock)

Rowan and Rip Kirby. His company is located in Dubai and the UK, and assisting him run the

business are several former Movers including Rich Thackery, Roger (Chockie) Gough, and Lee

Mathews. Not forgetting his roots, Heavyweight Express in one of current sponsors of the

“Dave Wall Golf”. Another guest at the 7s this year was David (Nip) Betts, who flew into Abu

Dhabi from his home in Australia, so it was really great to catch up with all them over a few

ales, after some 20 years.

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On the social front, a date for your diary, Sat 31 May 2014, RAF MAMS Association Reunion

Dinner. The cost of the function will be £30 per person, with the venue being the former

Officers Mess, at RAF Hospital Wroughton. The venue is also offering accommodation at a

reasonable cost of £50 for a twin room, including breakfast per night. Hopefully we will get a

good turnout for this event as it will be a great opportunity to catch up with new and old

friends. Full details of the event are on the RAF MAMS Website

Well that’s all from me wishing you all a great Christmas and New Year in 2014.

Enjoy this issue,

Best wishes to everyone

Yours

Tony Geerah

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Winter 2013 Membership

Where has 2013 gone, it does not seem 5 minutes ago that I was writing to say that I was off

to Ascension and needed someone to stand in for me and then writing my article whilst

sitting on the balcony in Ascension watching the sun go down. That all seems so long ago. It

was good to see some of the old faces at the Annual Trade Top Table in November even if

two idiots nearly caused it to be cancelled due to their driving round the station in ski masks

and causing a security alert. Luckily the Mess Staff were very flexible and all went well in the

end be it an hour and a half late. Pete Tuite was unfortunately taken ill on the way to the

function, Pete, if you are reading this, get well soon. Next year’s date for the Top Table has

already been set as the 14 Nov 14 so keep your eyes out for more information on the

website.

New members since the last Team Brief are Glyndwr Jones currently living in South Wales and

happily retired, David Walker now living on London and a Met Police Officer, Andy Quincy

working and living in Manchester in a logistics role, Rob Andrews who has not told us what he

is up to now but is living in Bedford shire. Come on Rob, we always like to hear what people

or up to. Bob Simmonds tried to join again, nice try Bob, Bob is still working in Logistics and

living in the North of England. Lorraine Hughes currently serving on 4624 RAuxAF Sqn but due

to leave soon. Kjell Olsen who is still serving with 1AMW, Al King still living in the Swindon

area and serving with Wiltshire Police, John Bessell who is probably on some well deserved

leave having just returned from Afghanistan, Dave Barratt currently living in Wales, Robert

Towers living and working in Sunderland, Mike Brundle currently living in South Wales and

enjoying his retirement.

Membership currently sits at 557 members which is an increase of approx 200 since we

became internet based. As always I would like to thank those that continue to donate the

original £6.00 per year membership fee as this ensures that the Association continues to

thrive.

And finally do not forget the planned Association Reunion Dinner on the 31 May 14 at the

Alexandra House, Wroughton. More news to follow.

Happy Christmas and all the best for 2014

Steve Beaumont

Membership and Treasurer

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1 Air Mobility Wing. Enabling Disaster Relief to the Philippines

The following is an account, taken from Situation Reports to the A4

Force Headquarters, of 1 Air Mobility Wing (1 AMW) involvement in Op

PATWIN, the Defence effort in support of the Department for

International Development (DfID) following the devastation of parts

of the Eastern Philippines by Typhoon HAIYAN. As I write, 1 AMW

have a team in Cebu as part of the C130 Detachment delivering aid

to various locations in the Philippines, with Flt Lt Dan Woollard

assisting DfID as RAF Liaison Officer in Manilla.

The following account provides an insight into the

responsiveness of the 1 AMW and the planning involved in force

generating 1 AMW teams at short notice as and when the need

arises.

Monday 11 November

2059. Initial scoping for 1 AMW to deploy to a team to Minhad to prepare loads and provide

route support for a C17 sortie departing the UK on 15 November. Given the tight timescales

involved, PJHQ have placed a 1 AMW team on readiness.

Tuesday 12 November

0800. 1 AMW requests for information include a recommendation to employ the 1 AMW

Permanent Air Movements Detachment Middle East (PAMD ME) in Abu Dhabi for liaison

duties with the Dubai based World Food Programme (WFP).

0848. Notification of C17s being re-tasked (15 and 22 November) to support the movement of

DfID loads from the UK to the Philippines. C17 tasks are to be prepared to recover UK entitled

persons. The first C17 task is expected to depart the UK on 15 November with the 2nd

departing the UK on 22 November.

1000. A team of 6 (led by Flt Lt Dan Woollard) have been briefed. The team have prepared on

the basis of operating for up-to 72hrs in an austere environment, including ration packs, and

Typhoid and Malaria Jabs, the latter of which have been administered.

1200. PJHQ J4 Movs notified 1 AMW of the following proposed route to move DfID Plant and

ACHE.

15 November: Brize Norton - Minhad (slip crew) – Singapore (slip crew) – Cebu –

Singapore (slip crew) – Minhad (slip crew) – Brize Norton.

22 November: Similar route to be confirmed.

Given the length of the transit time (22 hours), 1 AMW would not be safe to conduct the

offload at Cebu. Therefore, authority has been sought to deploy the team to Minhad,

departing Brize Norton at 0200 tonight. It has been agreed with PJHQ J4 Movements that the

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team will rendezvous with the C17 on 15 November, travel with the C17 to conduct the

offload at Cebu, and recover to Minhad. The team will then remain in Minhad and deploy

with 2nd aircraft, departing the UK on 22 Nov.

We understand from HQ Air Command, that just 1 x C17 task is currently approved. However,

PJHQ J4 Movements are working on 2 x C17 tasks. There is a possibility of an additional Lynx

Mk8 Helicopter to deploy for HMS DARING by C17.

1700. PJHQ are still to approve the deployment of 1 AMW personnel.

1746. No approval to deploy received. The team has been stood down but are at 2-hours

notice-to move to deploy tonight if required.

2000. Authority to deploy the team to Minhad received.

Wednesday 13 November.

0200 A 1 AMW team of 6 personnel, led by Flt Lt Dan Woollard, deploy to Minhad

1300. Following an initial request to scope the deployment of a ‘main-deck transfer loader’,

DfID have elected to purchase a loader currently situated at Amsterdam airport. DfID, via

MOD Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Logistics Operations) have requested a 1 AMW subject-

matter expert to accompany them to Amsterdam today to advise them on suitability.

1415. FS Tew deployed to Amsterdam, recovering tomorrow.

The following options are being scoped:

DfID are considering a request for the first C17 task on 15 November to conduct a further task

between Dubai and the Philippines (17 -18 November) before it returns to the UK. The load is

currently unknown. We have strongly advised that the PAMD ME is brought into the planning

cycle to advise on the suitability of airfield locations in the Middle East and to act as Liaison

officer with Aid Agencies and the WFP Depot.

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The Movement of 2 x Bell 212 helicopters from Brunei by C17 is a possibility.

Potential 30-day Tactical Air Transport detachment (Tac AT Det) in the Philippines.

Given current information on suitability of airfields, C130 would appear to offer the most

utility.

Given the above, 1 AMW have self-generated an additional team to be brought to reduced

readiness. These are ‘ring-fenced’ for the potential Dubai task. In the meantime, they will

scope equipment, including life support, required for the potential Tac AT Det.

1550 It has been confirmed that the initial C17 task will be to move DfID Landrovers and

Plant from the UK. Given this information, the potential Dubai task and DfID concern over

costs, we plan to send 4 personnel forward (including the Mobile Flight Commander) and

retain 2 personnel in Minhad. Those remaining in Minhad will be available to assist with the

Dubai preparation if it comes to fruition.

The Minhad team have been advised that tasking may change down-route. If the Tac AT Det

comes to fruition, Flt Lt Dan Woollard is earmarked as the 1 AMW Detachment Commander.

HQ Air Command is alive to the fatigue issue – we have batted off a couple of ‘red-eye’

proposals that would have compromise safety.

Thursday 14 November

A Transport Op Order (TRANSOP) was issued last evening for the task on 15 November with

the C17 crew slipping at all locations, including a double-shuttle between Brunei and Cebu to

move helicopters, and return to Minhad to collect a DFID load. This would have involved the 1

AMW team significantly exceeding safe working limits. This TRANSOP was later rescinded.

A C17 is due to depart UK at 150700Z, slipping in Minhad and Singapore. It will pick up the 1

AMW pre-positioned team in Minhad, who will offload DfID vehs and plant at Cebu. The C17

will recover to the UK. Our team will get off at Minhad on the return leg and await any further

tasking. This is a contingency measure on our part to ensure we have a team far enough

forward and available for any future onload in Dubai. We will recover them as soon as

possible afterwards. Currently, this is the only confirmed Op PATWIN task.

FS Tew returned from Amsterdam. We understand that the transfer loader will depart

Schipol, Amsterdam, on a DfID Chartered AN-124. The DfID team were very appreciative of FS

Tew’s input - the original asset selected for procurement was rejected due to FS Tew’s

intervention. This was a useful exercise for 1 AMW that has provided DfID with a glimpse of

the expertise and capability we offer.

We have scoped support to a C130 Det, originally based on assumption of 3 lifts per day from

Manila to Cebu during daylight hours. This later changed to the same number of lifts from

Cebu to Tacloban. There will be forward-basing of personnel at Tacloban so 1 AMW personnel

will travel route on each sortie. Planning assumptions are for a period of 7-14 days – we will

prep for 30 days! Loads would be vehicles and loose bulk freight. The Joint Forces Logistics

High Readiness Response Team (JFLogC HLRT) will provide in-Theatre command and control.

Given the approaching weekend we are conducting prudent preparation, including standing-

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up a team, briefing, inoculations and a kit/docs check. We have scoped a team of 12 with Flt

Lt Tim Twaite leading.

1340. From COS Support/XO Air Command to the A4 Force Elements Commander “pass on

my thanks and best wishes to the Team on this excellent effort”

Friday 15th November

1720. The 1 AMW team depart Minhad to Cebu (via Singapore). It is worth noting that 1

AMW personnel, integrated within the Air Movements Squadron as part of the 1 AMW Force

Readiness Cycle, were involved in the C17 onload at Brize Norton that was extensively

covered today in the media.

Flt Lt Woollard will remain in Cebu after offloading the C17 to assist the JFogC with

Movements Control Centre / Host-Nation Support and to act as RAF Liaison Officer in support

of DfID.

Cpl McLean and SAC Lawson to return to Singapore until the C17 return leg passes through.

A team of 5 personnel will depart for Minhad at 0200 on 16 November.

A 1 AMW team of 8 will depart on a C130 from Brize Norton at 1000 on 16 November. The

plan is to route via Akrotiri; Minhad; Mumbai and Columbo to Cebu, and remain at Cebu until

further notice. The 8 x 1 AMW personnel flying route will be supplemented by Cpl McLean

and SAC Lawson who will join in Singapore.

500 tents are arriving at Minhad by road from the WFP depot in Dubai on 16 November. 2 x 1

AMW personnel will palletise the load, rest and then fly route with the C17.

Saturday 16 November

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Flt Lt Dan Woollard is in situ in the WFP Movements Control Centre as RAFLO to assist the

DfID Liaison Officer.

The C130 departed 16 Nov at 1200. Despite a plan to reduce the 1 AMW to 4 personnel, we

have managed to retain the team of 8 thanks to some neat footwork by Flt Lt Tim Twaite that

focused on the risk this posed to the delivery of PATWIN. The C130 was delayed in Madras

but is on-route again and due to commence operations from Cebu at 192200 GMT.

Sunday 17 November

The Joint Task Force Headquarters Philippines has reduced the size of the 1 AMW C130 Team.

We have questioned this decision as the planning assumptions we worked on when scoping

the task appear to remain extant and the aircraft and team have yet to arrive. However,

clearly this is a Theatre call and they are best placed to make it.

2 x C17 tasks have been completed on schedule (1 load from UK and 1 from Minhad). An

additional C17 is planned for 22 November to deploy Plant and aircraft pallets from the UK to

Cebu, picking up tentage that ‘bulked out’ from the earlier task.

Monday 18 November

1340. PJHQ have requested that 1 AMW personnel do not remain in Minhad as the C17

routes back to UK today. The 1 AMW plan was for the team to remain at Minhad to await

further tasking given fluidity of the plot. After much to’ing and fro’ing, the decision was taken

- as the C17 was on the ground at Minhad - for the team to return to the UK today. They are

to be prepared to re-deploy to Minhad on Wednesday if required.

1410. PJHQ confirmed that 5 x 1 AMW were initially assigned to C17 on 22 November to

facilitate on-load of exercise freight from Penang. This requirement remains. The original

route factored in appropriate rest to conduct the on-load. However, as the revised plan is to

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crew-slip at all locations (Minhad; Penang; Cebu; Penang), this is no longer feasible.

Therefore, we are now pre-positioning the team to Penang for both the Cebu and Penang

legs.

1450. Notification that a DfID VIP and party will be joining the above C17 en-route. DfID have

endorsed the tasking of a Liaison Officer to smooth the processing from a commercial carrier

to the C17. Flt Lt Ian Leman (OC PAMD ME) has been tasked accordingly.

19 November

Flt Lt Twaite and his team have arrived in Cebu. They are now focused on achieving initial

operating capability for 2200 GMT today.

The planned DfID VIP plot is subject to change with the decision on where the VIP will join the

C17 not yet made. Flt Lt Ian Leman will now deploy to Penang to facilitate the Exercise

BERSAMA LIMA recovery and the arrival of C17 slip crews and the 1 AMW team. However, Flt

Lt Leman will be on hand in Penang to handle the VIP party when they route through.

20 November

The following is an excerpt from Flt Lt Tim Twaite’s SITREP after 24hrs in-Theatre: “The outbound journey out was particularly tiring with a flying time of 30 hrs 10 mins. Having

seen the pallets built by the previous team at Minhad, I can confirm that would have been a

ridiculously hard job due to the size and sheer volume of the load.

It has been an extremely hot and humid day where we have delivered 20 tonnes of aid. In

Cebu there a plethora of NGOs all trying to deliver their aid across the Philippines. There are

approximately 9 nations assisting with providing airlift where possible I am working with

representatives from DfID and the WFP to implement a method of Non-Governmental

Organisations bidding for airspace. Multinational aircraft will then have loads allocated in the

day prior to the task; along the lines of a mini air freight centre / Force Movements Control

Centre operation, albeit on compressed timescales.

FS ‘Sparra’ Brooksby and Sgt Rachael Gilding have done an excellent job. FS Brooksby led the

load preparation and physical loading, whilst Sgt Gilding flew with the aircraft conducting the

offloads. All the troops pulled together, and have impressed me significantly”.

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The C17 on 22 November will move plant from the UK, picking up pallets in Minhad on route.

The 1 AMW Team will route UK-Penang, where they will load prep and onload Exercise

BERSAMA LIMA freight and passengers on it’s return leg. The 1 AMW team will handle in

Cebu.

As 1 AMW’s motto of “Swift to Move” suggests, it is

operations such as PATWIN where 1 AMW, as a A4

Force High Readiness Air Combat Service Support Unit,

provide a highly responsive and unique Defence

capability delivering Air Movements support across

the globe. Whilst the ‘flash-to-bang’ of Operation

PATWIN was short, for 1 AMW this is normal business

that we train and prepare for every day. Like the

operation between January and April 2013 in support

of the UK’s assistance to the French mission in North

West Africa, it is 1 AMW’s ability to respond at scale

and within readiness timelines for emerging

operations such PATWIN which is our core business. In

addition, 1 AMW support between 40-50 Defence

Exercise Programme tasks per month, as well as providing personnel to the Joint Movements

Unit in Afghanistan; locations in the Middle East; Cyprus; the Air Port of Embarkation Wing at

Brize Norton and 7 permanent overseas detachments across the globe, plus 4 in the UK.

Indeed, during the period of Op PATWIN, 1 AMW had a team in Kenya assisting a 16 Air

Assault Brigade rapid air land exercise. Therefore, on any given day, it is often the case that

over 100 1 AMW personnel are deployed on task.

Sqn Ldr Ken Felton, 2 IC 1AMW

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Photos from the last meet & greet held at the Blunsdon Arms in Swindon

on 13 Dec 2013.

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More from MAMS behaving badly

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1 Air Mobility Wing Big Bake Charity Event

by Cpl Mel Shepherd (1 AMW MT) 1 Air Mobility Wing (1 AMW) have recently held a very successful Big Bake Charity event in the aid of The Kajiado Children’s Hospital in Kenya and SSAFA (more details on these charities are below). The event took place on 8 Oct and was held at 2 locations at Brize to ensure maximum turn out. The Air Terminal had a team of 5 personnel and we planned to catch troops reporting for the Akrotiri schedule. The team located in the Hive had 4 personnel ranging from 1 AMW Support Staff to 1 AMW Senior Management - it was a case of ‘all hands on deck’ due to the high level of tasking which meant that there were not many 1 AMW personnel available to help. As Chairman, I organised a committee and coordinated the event. Personnel from 1 AMW baked items and we had an excellent selection of baked goods, ranging from cakes to quiches. The standard of baking was impressive and definitely contributed to the success of the day. In preparation, I had also written to several bakery companies within the local vicinity to request donations to help with the event. To my delight, The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys in Witney replied and said they would be delighted to donate some baked goods. They donated a very generous amount of muffins, cupcakes and brownies; overall, there were around 400 items! After setting up both stalls and decorating the tables, we were ready to go. The Air Terminal was very busy as the Akrotiri flight was being processed and the cakes were extremely popular due to the volume of personnel in the area. It went down a treat with the children and brought a great family feel to the Air Terminal. Our stand outside the Hive also received an excellent turnout with people visiting the stall from all over Brize Station. It was particularly busy during tea break and during the lunch hour. By the end of the day everything had gone, including all the donated items from The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys. To our amazement, when we counted all the donations at the end of the day we had made just over £650. It was an excellent day that turned out to be a great success with a significant sum raised for our 2 charities.

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The 1AMW Big Bake Committee would like to say a big thank you for everyone that came along to support us on the day. We would also like to thank all the bakers who contributed by baking cakes and The Fabulous Bakin’ Boys; without their generosity, this event would not been possible. We have our fingers crossed for an even bigger bake next year! Kajiado Children’s Hospital

1AMW have supported The Kajiado Children’s Hospital in Kenya since 1979 and this charity is very close to everyone’s hearts. The mission of the hospital is to maintain or improve the lives of children with disabilities; these injuries may have caused by widespread diseases and road traffic accidents. The hospital also provides the children with a school and they work within the wider community, which stretches out, to around 60 kilometres. This charity does not receive much funding from the government and depends heavily on donations, especially money to help build additional treatment rooms so they can provide more treatment and open up the facilities to patients in desperate need of help.

SSAFA

SSAFA provide lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force. SSAFA are there for you and your family, whenever and wherever you need them and will always treat you with dignity and respect. This includes practical, financial and emotional advice to all. SSAFA also provide a Health and Social Care facility which include dedicated teams of doctors, nurses, social workers and health visitors. The health and Social Care work closely with the military, partner organisations and SSAFA volunteers in the local communities.

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FROM THE 540

By

Ian Berry

1968 - 45 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Palisadoes - Exercise Sane/Incumbent. Fg Off RG Clarke plus 2. Positioning of

1 Bn Yorks & Lancs Regt at Kingston, Jamaica. Britannia tasks 6566,

6575/6/7. (Palisadoes later became Norman Stanley International Airport)

Belize - Exercise Agent. Flt Lt EM Coombs plus 2. Positioning of personnel and

equipment of 1 Bn Green Howards.

OCTOBER

Accra - Exercise Attract. Fg Off DJ Powell plus 5. Recovery of personnel and

equipment of 1 Bn Welch Regt from Accra to Luqa and recovery of units of

Ghanian Defence force from Luqa to Accra. Britannia tasks 6591/2 and Herc

task 3292.

West Raynham - Special. Fg Off PA Wiblin plus 5. Deploying 6 x Bloodhound

missiles from UK to Nicosia on Belfast task 6785.

NOVEMBER

Yeovilton - Exercise Eden Apple. Flt Lt EM Coombs plus 5. Recovery of

personnel and equipment of 899 RNAS (Buccaneers) from Sardinia to UK.

Argosy tasks 4264/5/6.

Naples/Luqa - Special. Fg Off David Benson plus 2. Positioning and recovery

of Valetta Engine in Italy and misc freight to Malta. Argosy task 4045.

DECEMBER

Idris - Special. Flt Lt JP Murphy plus 2. Positioning of personnel and equipment

of The Ministry of Information in Tripoli, Libya. Belfast task 6798.

Cottesmore - Special. Fg Off Jim Stewart plus 4. Rotation of Redbeard

weapons between UK and Cyprus. Herc task 3648.

REDBEARD WEAPON ON TROLLEY

(RAF MUSEUM COSFORD)

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REDBEARD ON WEAPON TROLLEY

(READY FOR LOADING INTO CANBERRA)

1973 - 40 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Predannack - Exercise Quick Shave. Flt Lt Gordon Townsend, Sgt Dave

Wright, Cpls Geordie Sanderson & Ian Berry, SACs Dave Moss & Dave

Cromb. Deployment of ARI Cabin from 1 ACC Wattisham to Culdrose satellite

airfield.

Sao Paulo - Special. Flt Lt Mike Collins, FS Reg Carey, Sgt Eddy Leonard, Cpl

Dave Wilkins, SACs Polly Parkin & Terry Fryer. Deployment of Harrier to Brazil

for Sales Demo.

OCTOBER

Sharjah - Exercise Varnish. Fg Off Tony Willis, FS Tony Barrell, Sgt Bob

Turner, SACs Jim Marchant & Boot Pratt. Deployment of 1 Bn Coldstream

Guards and elements of AAC to UAE.

Goa - Special. Flt Lt Alistair Gallagher, FS Chas Dalgleish, Sgt Dave Bernard,

Cpl Carson, SACs Hugh Curran & Troop Smith. Delivery of Sea King helicopter

to India for Indian Navy.

NOVEMBER

Honington - Exercise Knee Run. Fg Off Pete Arnold, FS Merv Corke, SACs

Keri Eynon & Fred Kitts. Deployment of personnel and equipment of 12 Sqn

(Buccaneers) to Lossiemouth.

West Raynham - Missex. Flt Lt Gerry Keyworth, FS Bob Hope, Sgt DK

Henderson, Cpl Jimmy Jones, SACs Ian Place & Tim Newstead. Rotation of 25

Sqn (Bloodhound Missiles) between UK and Germany.

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DECEMBER

Wittering - Exercise Trout Bench. Fg Off Tim Leaning, FS Dave Eggleton, Sgt

John Bell, JT Ted Moore, SAC Jimmy Barr plus 1. Deployment of 1 Sqn

(Harriers) from UK to Decimomannu.

Halim - MOD Special. Fg Off Brian Hunt, FS Al Storey, Sgt Ben Johnston, Cpl

Gerry Phelan, SACs Dinger Bell & Gordon. Deployment of 2 x Scorpion

CVRTs to Indonesia for MOD Sales Team.

1978 - 35 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Bodo - Special. Sgt Taylor plus 3. Deployment of personnel and freight of 50

Sqn (Vulcans) from Waddington to Norway.

RSAF Ronneby - Special. Flt Lt McLeman plus 5. Recovery of Bloodhound

missiles from Sweden to UK.

OCTOBER

Odiham - Special. Flt Lt Dick Leonard plus 4. Offload Puma helicopter from

Belize after rotation.

SGT DAVE ROBERTS AT ODIHAM AFTER OFFLOAD

Sculthorpe - Cyprus APC. Fg Off Vernon Jones plus 2. Deployment of

personnel and equipment of 100 Sqn (Canberras) to Akrotiri and recovery of 2

x RB199 engines from Turin to UK.

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NOVEMBER

Karachi - Exercise Midlink. Wg Cdr David Gamble (OC UKMAMS), FS Stu

Everitt plus 1. Deployment of personnel and equipment of 120 Sqn (Nimrods)

from Kinloss to Pakistan.

Georgetown - Special. Flt Lt Powling plus 2. Deployment of 1 Bn Black Watch

to Guyana and recovery of Guyanan Defence force back to UK on an

exchange exercise.

DECEMBER

Ottawa/Calgary - MOD Special/Exercise Med Man. Flt Lt Ron Turley, Sgt Bob

Turner, Cpl Hugh Curran, SAC Martin Gledhill plus 2. Deployment of Lynx

helicopter to Ottawa for cold weather trials and recovery of AAC Beaver aircraft

from Calgary to UK.

Finningley - Special. Flt Lt Powling, FS Sam Heaphy, Sgt Ian Berry (Akt Movs),

Cpl Dave Giles plus 2. Onload of a Whirlwind helicopter for 84 Sqn in Cyprus.

(Sgt Berry travelled route to supervise offload at Akrotiri).SEE PHOTO NEXT

PAGE

1983 - 30 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Lossiemouth - Operation Pulsator. Fg Off Andy Towler plus 5. Deployment of

personnel and equipment of 12 Sqn (Buccaneers) to Cyprus in support of

operations in Lebanon.

Nandi - Exercise Coconut Grove. FS Gordon Black plus 3. Recovery of 1 Bn

Scots Guards from Fiji & Brunei to Hong Kong.

OCTOBER

Benbecula - RA Ranges. Fg Off Mark Vincenti plus 6. Rotation of 26 & 37 Sqn

RAF Regt rapier units in the North Hebrides.

RAPIER LAUNCH AT HEBRIDES RANGES

Brize Norton - Taceval Part2. Sqn Ldr Pete Arnold plus 2 officers and 28

airmen. Receiving ammo pallets inbound from Lyneham, Keevil and Boscombe

Down

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RAF AKROTIRI DECEMBER 1978 - OFFLOADING WHIRLWIND HELICOPTER

FROM LECONFIELD

NOVEMBER

Edinburgh - Special. FS Owen Connell plus 2. Recovery of Scottish Police

from Greenham Common to Scotland after “Peace Protestor” duties.

Nellis AFB - Exercise Red Flag. Fg Off Kettell, FS Gordon Gray plus 2.

Deployment of advance elements of Strike command for Nevada exercise.

DECEMBER

Whenupai - Special. Fg Off Steve Heaton plus 2. Delivery of spares for HMS

Invincible in New Zealand.

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Singapore - MOD Special. Wg Cdr Bob Dixon (OC UKMAMS) plus 5. Delivery

of urgent spares to HMS Invincible. Team were on Christmas standby.

1988 - 25 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Hong Kong - Special. Flt Lt Lee Doherty, Sgt Norman Gage, SAC John

Belcher. Resupply to Hong Kong and Katmandu Garrison.

Corlu - Exercise Ally Express. Sqn Ldr David Thompson, Flt Lt Mike

Stephenson, FS Tony Dunphy, Cpl John Kerswill, SACs Deano Dawson &

Andy Rice. Movements support to IALCE in North West Turkey.

OCTOBER

Calgary - Exercise Medicine Man. FS Martyn Skelton replaced FS Tony

Dunphy as MAMS reforce joining the full time detachment of Flt Lt Chas Hill

and Cpl Graham Chisholm

Bamenda Bafut - Exercise Drakes Glory. FS Mick Mahon & SAC John Belcher.

Deployment of 22 SAS to Cameroons.

NOVEMBER - NOTHING TO BE “GLEANED” FROM THE 540 FOR THIS

MONTH. MANY THANKS TO THE PERSONAL JOTTINGS OF MIKE

STEPHENSON, MARTYN SKELTON AND JOHN BELCHER WHICH HELPED FILL

IN THE GAPS. IB

DECEMBER

Gardermoen - Exercise Hardfall. Flt Lt John Hunter, Cpl Stu Whitton, SAC

John Belcher. Deployment of RM personnel and Gazelle helicopters to

Norway. (Interesting note in John belcher’s notes concerning the recovery

back to UK from Gardermoen on a VC10 - “Over Birmingham, a main wheel

exploded and damaged the fuel pipes to two of the engines, the hydraulic

system and the autopilot. Managed to land at Brize and had a brake fire.

Evacuated the aircraft using the emergency slides…”

30

1993 - 20 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Vaerlose - Exercise Action Express. IALCE exercise in Denmark.

Brindisi - Special. Deployment of 2 x Sea King helicopters to Italy for HMS Ark

Royal utilizing a chartered AN124 Ruslan.

OCTOBER

Brunei - Exercise Suman Warrior. Sgt Taff Kelly plus 2. Deployment of 42 cdo

RM to Brunei and recovery of 1 Para.

Aqaba - Exercise Golden Sands. Flt Lt Andy Hulls plus 4. Recovery of 1Bn

Royal Irish Regiment from Jordan to UK.

NOVEMBER

Shaikh Isa - Exercise Desert Forger. Flt Lt Rich prime plus 5. Rotation of 13 &

617 Sqn (Tornados) support equipment at Dubai Air Show.

Gaberone - Exercise Lions Leap. Flt Lt Jane Finding plus 2. Deploy elements

of elements of SF to Botswana.

DECEMBER

Brunei - Exercise Curry trail. Flt Lt Jason Comfort, WO Ian Berry, Sgt Derek

Grayson, SAC Phil Overson. Recovery of 42 Cdo RM from Brunei to UK.

Sigonella - Exercise Sharp Guard. Flt Lt Davidson plus 2. Recovery of 201 Sqn

(Nimrods) from Sicily to Kinloss.

31

1998 - 15 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Oleszno - Exercise Ulan Eagle. Flt Lt Roofe, Sgt Eddy Sunderajoo, Cpl Craig

Fitches, SAC Mat Rainer. TALO element of airborne assault in Poland.

Riga - Exercise Coop Best Effort. Flt Lt Crabtree, Sgt Alec Ross, SAC Andy

Hartley. Deployment of Latvian and Estonian Special Forces from Latvia to

Skopje, Macedonia.

OCTOBER

Atar - Exercise Nomads Dawn. Flt Lt Arnold, Cpls Harrison & Thomas.

Recovery of elements of SF from Mauritania to Marakesh and then recover pax

and freight of 7 Sqn (Chinooks) from Marakesh to UK.

Atlanta - Exercise Alabama Star. Fg Off Kingston, Sgt Neil Baldock, Cpl

James, SAC Whittingham. Recovery of 128 Royal Yeomanry (TAVR) from

Georgia to UK.

NOVEMBER

Ellington Field - Special. Flt Lt Gary Norman, FS Doug Betambeau, Cpls Stef

O’Donnell & Bishop (4624 RAuxAf). Recovery of pax and freight of 7 Sqn

(Chinook) and 845 RNAS (Sea King) from Texas to UK.

Tampere - Special. Flt Lt Hubbick & SAC Rainer. Deployment of support

equipment and personnel of 899 RNAS (Sea Harrier) to Finland.

TAMPERE – FINLAND

32

DECEMBER

Kuwait City - Operation Bolton/Desert Fox. Flt Lt Knight, Sgt Hughes, SACs

Saunders & Mansfield. Resupply of Paveway II Missiles to Kuwait.

North Island - Special. Flt Lt Wilson, FS Taff Isaac, Cpl Hughes, SAC Byatt.

Collection of TLAMs (Tomahawks) from San Diego and deliver to Prestwick.

2003 - 10 YEARS AGO…

SEPTEMBER

Davis Montham/Cold Lake - Exercise Torpedo Focus. Sgt Al Stacey, Cpl

“Yorkie” Booth, SAC Pickersgill. Deployment of 2 sqn (Tornadoes) from Goose

Bay to USA and redeploy 6 Sqn (Jaguars) from Davis Montham to Canada.

Muscat - Operation Telic. FS Duncan Andrews, Cpls Baker & Wiseman, SAC

Irving. Recovery of 51 Sqn (Nimrod R1) from Oman to Waddington.

OCTOBER

Cold Lake - Exercise Maple Cat. Sgt Paul Crake, Cpl Baker, SAC Keevans.

Recovery of 41 & 54 Sqns (Jaguars) from Canada to Coltishall..

Waterkloof/Gaberone - Exercise African Shield. FS Ken Holmes, Cpl Stubbs,

SACs Coleman & Gilding. Deployment of TCW to South Africa and 30 Sigs

Regt to Botswana utilizing a C17.

33

NOVEMBER

Walvis Bay - ACE. Flt Lt K Wright (RAAF), Cpl Hanns, SAC Ainley.

Deployment of an engine change kit to Namibia to rescue a u/s Herc.

Paris/Belize - Exercise Panther Cub. Flt Lt K Wright (RAAF), Sgt Kev Skinner,

Cpl Pickles Plowman, SAC Phipps. Deploy to Paris to fly to Belize on a French

Air Force Airbus A310 and collect UK troop s and baggage back to Brize

Norton.

DECEMBER

Banja Luka - OCUKLAS/Salvage. FS Steve Joyce, SACs Brown, Tilston & Dix.

Rotation of Army air Corps units in Bosnia.

Konya - Exercise TLP/03. Flt Lt Sarah Moore, Cpl Worgan, SAC Irving.

Recovery of 13 Sqn (Tornadoes) from Turkey to Marham and 4 Sqn (Harriers)

from Turkey to Wittering.

34

Wake Island

By Sharon Hughes

I knew I'd be writing this article about our "brief" stay on Wake Island before we left a

beautifully sunny RAF Brize Norton at the start of the UK’s heat wave on Saturday 6th July.

What I didn't anticipate was just how much time we'd get to see and experience just about

everything the “island” has to offer.

Our stay was supposed to be limited to one night, but it would end up being another two

weeks before we were able to leave the paradise island and start our long journey back,

arriving home just in time for the end of the heat wave in UK!

We were tasked on a C17 to take

some freight out to Wake, an atoll

of islands consisting of Wake,

Peale and Wilkes islands, owned

by the US Government and run by

the United States Air Force. The

islands are shaped like a horse

shoe with a beautiful blue lagoon

in the middle and located north of

the Marshall Islands in the Mid

Pacific.

While USAF run the island, they only have a small detachment of personnel there as part of

611 Air Support Group. It’s used by the military as a pit stop on the way to Asia and other

countries in that part of the world. The rest of the island is inhabited by around a hundred

civilian contractors employed to run and maintain the camp, a mix of people from all over the

world, but mainly the USA, UK and Thailand.

Our descent into the airfield was a rather stomach churning one as the crew took the

opportunity to practice an evasive landing. But this was compensated by some amazing views

of the atoll from the air. When we arrived, it took relatively little time to offload our freight

and prep the backload for our return leg the following day.

As we thought we only had a short time to see what was there, we took the advice from the

brief we were given about the islands and set off to see the Japanese Anti-Aircraft gun

position left behind from the Second World War. The real experience turned out be in getting

to Peale Island itself as we had to wade across a small channel of water which, although it

was only knee deep, had several rocks underneath leading to a couple of flip flop casualties.

Others made the sensible decision to stump up $5 for a kayak!

It was quite a trek to find the gun, but it allowed us to see much of the local wildlife on the

way; mainly hermit crabs ranging in size from the tiny to the really big. After much

perseverance we found the gun, which we were surprised to see was mostly still intact

although a little weather beaten. It was by this point the weather started to close in so we

35

quickly took our tourist(y) photos and decided to head back. We walked through the

vegetation to the other side of the island to see if we could find a less rocky and quicker route

back. It then became a bit like a scene out of a Hitchcock film as we stumbled across what

looked like a bird sanctuary. There were so many birds on the ground and low flying around

us it became a bit disconcerting!

As we headed back along the other side of Peale, we saw yet more evidence of what the war

left behind, as we found a beach hut that had been abandoned due to a partially exposed

UXO. Not too far from there, we stumbled across a Jetty which was used for docking sea

planes before the war. We later learnt that there had been a hotel there, where transiting

Pan-Am passengers would stay on their way to Asia in the 1930s. It’s hard to imagine it was

ever there now.

We eventually made it back to the accommodation, even if we did have to swim across

slightly deeper water than anticipated. There were a few phones and cameras that came

perilously close to drowning! It was only then that the sun decided to make an appearance.

Later in the evening we took advantage of one of the very few nights that the Drifters bar was

open and watched the sunset over the Pacific.

Arriving early at the airfield the next day to backload the aircraft and depart as soon as it

opened, our plans were soon scuppered by a slight technical snag. Initially it was only a short

delay and this gave us time to see the memorials to the American Marines, contractors and

Japanese servicemen that are set against a scenic backdrop next to the terminal. We were

also witness to the handover of command of the Island between two USAF officers. It was a

rather unconventional ceremony conducted over webcam by a Colonel back in the United

States. The outgoing officer then hopped on the waiting plane and took off . It then became

clear we were stranded for a little longer than predicted.

The next couple of weeks felt like it was a bit back to basics, as there’s not a huge amount on

the islands. No mobile phone signal, very slow internet, limited TV from the American version

of BFBS and the bar and shop only open 3 days a week, and even then the shop is only open

for an hour resulting in a large queue around the shop. There used to be a bowling alley on

the island, but after Super Typhoon Loke blew through in 2006 it was destroyed. You can still

see some of the devastation the storm left behind on some parts of the islands. Now some of

the bowling balls and pins decorate the borders of the grass in front of the accommodation.

We did our best to keep ourselves entertained, with plenty of sunbathing, snorkeling and

kayaking and on one evening we had a CO’s Cup event. We had mixed teams of AMW, 99 Sqn

and RAFP, we even had a team of Americans join in. Events included a Kayak relay, Pool, Ping-

Pong, Corn hole (or bean bag throwing as it had been dubbed) and sandcastle building. It got

very competitive and there were some quite interesting sandcastles going on but fun was

definitely had by all and the winners took home an artistic trophy fashioned out of a coconut.

It wasn’t long into our stay that it felt like we’d become part of the island and were welcomed

by everyone there. Base Ops Manager Cory invited us to a BBQ at his house, which is

something he does for a few of the workers on the island every week or what they call

“Sunday Fun-day”. The food was incredible and there was so much of it that despite there

being loads of us there, no-one went hungry! We were also welcomed by the Thai

36

community. On Saturday nights, they invite everybody to the “moonlight” club for some

authentic Thai food and Karaoke, which also has a floating bar!

A lot of the Thai contractors who’ve been working on the island for many years have built

their own beach huts, which they use as their “home away from home.” We were invited to

Po’s beach hut to yet another BBQ (we certainly weren’t complaining!) when we arrived he'd

cooked up so much steak and ribs along with some sticky rice and a very spicy Thai sauce.

He’d also cooked up about four different types of fish which he’d caught earlier that day and

was insistent that we all tried some, thankfully it was good! After that he decided to teach us

the skill of getting coconuts down from the trees, we had a couple of near misses with our

heads as they flew down! He then cut the top off the coconut with a machete and we were

able to try the milk from inside which was very sweet but tasty. The coconut itself wasn't

what we were expecting and was quite jelly like in texture, not everyone was keen on that

part!

On another “Sunday fun-day” on the

island, the Firefighters treated us to an

afternoon of learning to how to be

firefighter, which involved a couple of us

dressing up in all the gear. Not pleasant in

the sweltering heat! We learned how to

unreel the hoses correctly, and most

importantly how to operate the hoses, I

don’t think any of us managed to go back

dry! But the best part was operating and driving the Fire Trucks themselves. It was definitely

the highlight of our stay!

The last thing on our to-do list before we left the island was to take the “history tour” and

visit the 98 Rock. Wake Island is rich in history from the Second World War, some of which

we’d discovered for ourselves already, but we didn’t know just how important Wake had

been during the war. It was even where George H.W. Bush dropped his first bomb as a Navy

pilot. We were able to watch the documentary about the story of Wake Island before we left

on our tour. There was a lot to take in and it is an incredible story of strength, courage and

bravery of the US Marine Corps and civilian contractors who fought for two weeks to defend

the islands, before eventually having to surrender to the Japanese.

The island had been attacked on the same day as Pearl Harbour, but it had almost become

forgotten about as it was decided to abandon the rescue attempt over fears it would be too

risky and would leave the West Coast of America open to attack from the Japanese. Those

actions sealed the fate of those left behind on the island after the surrender.

Most of the survivors of the battle were sent to POW camps across Japan and China, some of

whom survived the war to tell their tale. But the 98 civilian contractors kept behind on the

island were forced into hard labour to build a garrison and roads for the Japanese. Once

they’d finished their task in October 1943 the prisoners were rounded up, blindfolded and

executed. One managed to escape and carved 98 US-PW 5-10-43 on to a rock; sadly he was

later recaptured and executed.

37

It was quite a sombre moment seeing the rock and imagining what it was like for those who

were left behind on the island. The names of those who were killed are listed on a plaque

next to the rock as a fitting memorial. It was a nice way to end our stay on Wake.

Despite having had a great time during our stay, we were all ready to go home and were very

relieved to hear the aircraft was fixed after the GE’s worked tirelessly to get it sorted as soon

as the part arrived. We were able to wave goodbye to everyone from the ramp as we taxied,

and I’m sure the Americans were just as happy to finally see us go as we were to be leaving!

Our experience on Wake was amazing, and one not many people can claim they’ve had, and

one which I doubt we’ll get to experience again, but that why I’m sure it’ll be one of the most

memorable trips we’ll ever do.

WAKE ISLAND MAMS TEAM

A / WO Ady Tew, Cpl Ursula Beetham, SAC Sharon Hayes (Author), SAC Ben Dyson

OK Who has been smoking on the ramp !!!!!

38

Episode 5 of my Mobile saga JOHN CONDUIT's UKMAMS TASKS 1992

Dates Route Aircraft Team Task

From To

7 Jan 92 8 Jan 92 Lyneham-Molde-Fagernes-

Gutersloh-Lyneham Herc Cpl Roberts, SAC Dickson

13 Jan 92 14 Jan 92 Lyneham-Wattisham-Lyneham Herc, Road FS Breithaupt, SAC Furzey

23 Jan 92 23 Jan 92 Lyneham-Fagernes-Lyneham Herc SAC’s Dickson, Huggard

27 Jan 92 31 Jan 92 Lyneham-Honnington-Lyneham Herc, Road Flt Lt lendon, FS Breithaupt, Sgt Hazlewood, Cpl Roberts,

SAC Dickson

7 Feb 92 7 Feb 92 Lyneham-Evenes-Fagernes-

Lyneham Herc

10 Feb 92 12 Feb 92 Manston Road +8

30 Apr 92 16 May 92 Lyneham-Goose Bay- Edmonton-Fairbanks-Edmonton-Goose Bay-

Lyneham Herc

Flt Lt Dolan, Sgt Hibbert, Cpl Roberts, SAC’s Tremain,

Gash, Walton

11 Jun 92 15 Jun 92 Boscombe Down Herc FO Vine, FS Breithaupt, SAC’s Walton, Samuel,

Fowler, King IAT

39

20 Jun 92 20 Jun 92 Lyneham Herc FO Vine, FS Breithaupt, Cpl

Moore, SAC’s Walton, Samuel, Gash, King

Families Day

27 June 92 27 Jun 92 Brize-Gutersloh-Manchester-

Brize Tristar FS Breithaupt, SAC Manser

7 Jul 92 7 Jul 92 Lyneham-Zagreb-Lyneham Herc Flt Lt Porter, SAC Manser

12 Jul 92 17 Jul 92 Brize-Calgary-San Diego-

Washington-Brize Tristar

FO Summers, WO Allen, FS Breithaupt, SAC’s Manser,

Furzey

20 Aug 92 31 Aug 92 Lyneham-Marham-Lyneham Herc, Road Flt Lt Finding, FS feast, Cpl

Sullivan, SAC’s Warker, Blythe

3 Sep 92 11 Sep 92 Lyneham-keflavik-Goose Bay-Edmonton-Gander-Lyneham

Herc Flt Lt Higgins, FO Prime, FS

Simpson, SAC’s Gash, Fowler

14 Sep 92 17 Sep 92 Taceval Various

19 Sep 92 19 Sep 92 Lyneham- Aalborg-Wittering-

Lyneham Herc

FO Prime, FS Breithaupt, Cpl Stacey, SAC King

40

21 Sep 92 17 Oct 92 Lyneham-Corlu-Lyneham Herc Lots IALCE

21 Oct 92 24 Oct 92 Lyneham-Gander-Edmonton-

Gander-Lyneham Herc Flt Lt Natrass, SAC Manser

31 Oct 92 1 Nov 92 Brize-Gander-Winnipeg-Brize VC10 SAC’s Manser, Hoskinson

3 Nov 92 3 Nov 92 Talo Herc FO Jones, Sgt Laing, SAC’s

Howard, Fowler TALO

9 Nov 92 9 Nov 92 Lyneham-Leeming-Lyneham Herc SAC Manser

14 Nov 92 14 Nov 92 Lyneham-Kinloss-Lyneham Herc Cpl Sullivan, SAC Howard

17 Nov 92 19 Dec 92 Lyneham-Adana-Akrotiri-Kuwait-Dharan-Akrotiri-Adana-Brindisi-

Coltishall-Lyneham Herc SAC Wilson Dharan Det

41

The Gill Sword Presented to Flt Lt Gareth Elliott, OC C Flt and Ops Officer at 1 AMW

The Gill Sword is presented annually to the Officer in the Logistics Branch who has brought the most benefit to the Royal Air Force through the performance of his or her professional duties. On 11 Oct 13 this was presented to Flt Lt Elliott of 1 AMW who has provided an exemplary performance over the past 12 months. His citation is below: Flt Lt Elliott is nominated for the Gill Sword in recognition of his consistently exceptional achievements, demonstrated on both enduring and contingent operations. Commanding his Mobile Flight on Op HERRICK, Elliott was faced with a number of serious ground-handling incidents. Mindful of the potential for these developing into a critical aviation safety incident, Elliott acted promptly to raise overall standards, energising his team leaders through outstanding leadership. Such was the improvement in his team’s cohesion that, during a sustained insurgent attack on Camp Bastion, his Flt swiftly marshalled Tristar passengers and crew to safety from incoming enemy fire. Indeed, Elliott’s personal courage and example, by rapidly taking charge and directing his team’s response, was vital to the successful actions in resolving this serious incident. Following his Afghanistan tour, Elliott deployed to Ghana to prepare and execute the deployment of an African-led Stabilisation Force to Mali as part of Op NEWCOMBE. Initially operating within a PJHQ Reconnaissance Team he demonstrated superb professional and personal qualities. Utilising his outstanding diplomatic skills to influence decision-making, Elliott developed exceptional working relationships with the Host Nation. Adeptly overcoming both language and cultural barriers, he expertly addressed and resolved challenges over the inadequate preparation of Ghanaian Army freight, which could have jeopardised the mission. He remained alive to the mission’s high-profile throughout, and displayed superb patience and tact with Ghanaian liaison officers despite many promises of support being reneged upon. Elliott then deployed from Ghana to assume command of a multi-discipline detachment in France, also supporting Op NEWCOMBE, and successfully executed the rapid deployment of a French Air Force UAV battery to Mali, despite major aircraft serviceability issues and changing tasking priorities. He closed this detachment in an exemplary manner, attracting huge praise from his French hosts. Whether in command of his Flt, under the threat of enemy action or the pressure of a high-profile, critical contingency task, Flt Lt Elliott has consistently demonstrated an exemplary level of performance and conduct. His truly superb leadership and professional attributes personify the very best that the Logistics Branch has to offer. He is utterly deserving of this award.

42

Ex JOINT WARRIOR 19 – 26 Apr 13 by SAC McClure

Ex JOINT WARRIOR is a high-profile Joint and Combined Exercise, involving UK and NATO assets. I deployed as an Air Movements trade specialist, as part of a 10-man Mobile Team tasked to provide Rapid Air Land (RAL) serials in conjunction with 47 Sqn in order to deploy elements of 16 Air Assault Brigade and 42 Commando Brigade into the exercise Joint Operating Area (JOA). Our base was to be RAF Leeming and the DOB, into which we would fly, was the airfield at West Freugh in Scotland.

1AMW personnel are routinely involved in the preparation, deployment, sustainment and recovery of Land Forces on exercises and JOINT WARRIOR proved no different. Prior to the commencement of the exercise, all 1AMW personnel undertook RAL specific training and rehearsals on live airframes. RAL training is considered a high-end skill as it involves the controlled unload of an entire aircraft’s load of troops and utility (often armoured) vehicles under operational conditions. Failure to follow the recognised

procedures could result in serious injury, or worse. As an SAC Movements tradesman I was required to assist in the preparation and loading of Troops In Fighting Trim (TIFT) and their associated vehicles. TIFT is approved by the Air Mobility Force HQ (AM FHQ) on a by-exception basis, to reflect particular operational circumstances. I was able to practice my marshalling techniques and refresh my memory on the intricacies of the C130 aircraft. Having never deployed on JOINT WARRIOR before, I found the training really beneficial; especially being able to train and work in our specific traffic teams. Given the high number of serials planned (albeit reduced due to aircraft serviceability on the day) I was also able to increase my flying experience and become accustomed to military low-level flying.

As well as the individual training benefit from undertaking RAL exercises, it is also important for 1AMW, as an A4 Air Combat Service Support Unit, to demonstrate and remain current in RAL insertions. As a Force Element with a team constantly held at R0 and ready to deploy globally in support of operations and exercises involving the Air Mobility Force, 1AMW personnel may be typically called upon to deliver RAL insertions as part of a contingent operation. Ex JOINT WARRIOR is the perfect training environment, with real time key players allowing for insertions to

be practiced and honed across the board. It is also an important exercise because it allows 1AMW personnel to foster relationships with supported and supporting Units that it would not otherwise have exposure to. Despite the long working hours, I learnt a great deal from my involvement in Ex JOINT WARRIOR and would happily volunteer to go again.

Send your story by Email to editor@ukmams.co.uk

43

MAMS ASSOCIATION REUNION DINNER 2014

Ladies & Gentlemen

Are you interested in attending the MAMS Association Reunion Dinner 2014.

VENUE

Alexandra House, Wroughton (formally RAF Wroughton)

www.swindonalexandrahouse.co.uk

DATE

Saturday 31 May 2014

PRICE

£30 per head (This has been heavily subsidised by the association)

This will include a 3 course meal and wine

DRESS

Jacket & Tie

OTHER INFORMATION

Accommodation is available at £50 per room B&B.

The Association requires the following information (This is just initially so that we can book the venue, this

is not a confirmation)

Are you interested in attending if so then please email editor@ukmams.co.uk

Final responses by end of January 2014.

For those that have already replied then please ignore this request

If you require any further information then please do not hesitate to ask.

In February/March we will send out the menu for your choices of meals, we will also be requesting the

payment (deposit) for the function.

Also if you require accommodation then you are to contact the hotel direct, the details will be added to the

menu choice in Feb/Mar next year

Many thanks

John Conduit