Reg newsletter 2015 issue 6

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Welcome to the latest edition of the Regional Newsletter. With RIAT, STEM , DoE Garden Party all done and dusted , Summer Camps in full swing and cadets involved in IACE heading to the four corners of the Globe the Air Cadet Experience is running at full throttle despite many Squadrons being on Summer stand-down. Coming soon is the Regional Field Day with a range of competitions including the Public Relations and Photographic Competitions . We have received one set of photographs for the photo competition so lets have your entries. There are many great stories to publish but the achievements of 1383 (Fraserburgh) Sqn who were placed runner-up to the Marshall Trophy Winners and 1271 (Bathgate) Sqn being announced as Winners of the Morris Trophy it has been a superb summer for Squadron in the Region.

The Morris Trophy was presented by Air Commodore E J Morris CB CBE DSO DFC in 1967 and is awarded annually to the squadron placed second in the Lees Efficiency competition. Regional Commandant Grp Capt J Leggat said: “With over 1,000 squadrons across the UK this is a fantastic achievement for 1271 Squadron, West Scotland Wing and Scotland and Northern Ireland (SNI) Region. Over the last 48 years, the Trophy has only twice previously been won by a Squadron in SNI Region – in 1995 by 817 (Lisburn) Squadron and in 2005 by 1145 (Dunfermline) Squadron. This tremendous achievement reflects the outstanding endeavours of the cadets, staff, civilian committee and other Squadron supporters.”

Send your Pictures and Stories to your

Wing

Media Comms Officer or to Regional MCO at :media.sni@aircadets.org

In This Issue 

Marshall Trophy Success

Summer Camp Marham

Waterloo

Gold Awards

Morris Trophy

In view of their performance, 1383 Sqn is to be awarded a Commandant’s Special Commendation.

Scotland & Northern Ireland - REGIONAL FIELD DAY— 6th September 2015


RAF Valley Summer Camp, Cpl Andrew Macleod from 470 (Falkirk) Squadron was selected as “Best Cadet”.

His reward? A flight in a T2 Hawk aircraft from No 4 (R) Sqn. A once in lifetime experience for any cadet! Andrew was up very early on Friday morning to go and get measured up for his flying kit, to then get a medical, go through a series of briefs on safety and what to do in the event of an emergency. He was given the VIP treatment by all of the staff at 4 Sqn and had a fantastic time. The whole day was totally surreal for him, particularly the flight itself which lasted over 1 hour. As the pilot put the Hawk through its paces Andrew enjoyed aerobatics and took in the “Mach Loop” in the Welsh valleys which is the famous low level flying practice area used by NATO air forces. The route is well known as at points the aircraft cockpit is level with aircraft enthusiasts perched on the hillsides so they get a fantastic view of the aircraft roaring past.

Congratulations to those Squadrons who have been awarded a GOLD star rating, following their recent Health, Safety and Environment audit by the Regional HSE Advisor. Recent Awards go to:-

I didn't pick info on any awards over the past moth or so. No doubt the process will start again soon

Before you post photos on Facebook or any Social Media platform make sure they comply with ACO policy. Check ACP 50 BEFORE you post!


At the Palace of Holyrood with West Scotland Wing Gold Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awardees CI Lindsay Ferguson & Sgt Welly Saikat.

CI Ron McCulloch 297 (Musselburgh) Squadron receiving a Certificate of Thanks from Wg Cdr McCrae on retiring after 41 years of service. Hmmm ‌ I joined 297 Sqn in 1966 and Ron was there shortly after that . I left in 1971 and that was 46 years ago! I remember a trip to visit the Ark Royal in the Forth with Ron. So I surprised its only 41 years! Congrats Mr McCulloch!

Send Pictures and Stories Send to your Wing Media Comms Officer or to Regional MCO at :media.sni@aircadets.org


RAF Marham Summer Camp 2015 F/Sgt Ross Ewing Hi Sir, just back from RAF Marham Annual Camp. I've written a report to give cadets an idea of what an annual camp involves. Ever thought about going on annual camp? Ever wondered what it involves? FS Ross Ewing has just returned from a busy week at RAF Marham with this report. Saturday 11th July - After a very long bus journey from Scotland to Norfolk, 31 cadets from NE and SE Scotland Wings arrived at RAF Marham, home to the RAF Tornado Force. Camp kicked off with a briefing from the station ACLO - we knew immediately we were in for an exciting week! Sunday 12th July: - Sunday was spent at the Imperial War Museum Duxford for a special airshow. Cadets had a wonderful day visiting displays and exhibitions, and watching a particularly spectacular display from over 10 spitfires as well as other WW2 aircraft. Monday 13th July: - First on the agenda for Monday was the camp photograph in front of the Tornado GR4 gate guard. This was followed by an interesting trip to the Survival Equipment Section where we learned about the different pieces of life saving equipment carried by Tornado crews. After lunch we commuted over to air side to visit 93 Expeditionary Armament Squadron, responsible for arming the Tornado force. This visit was extremely interesting, with cadets even getting the chance to place together the parts of a Paveaway IV missile. That evening cadets got the chance to participate in inter-flight go-karting. By this time the operational activity of RAF Marham had kicked in, with Tornado's flying sorties from 1000hrs to 2300hrs. Tuesday 14th July: - After another early start for cadets and staff, cadets headed over to visit the engineers responsible for maintaining and servicing the Tornado fleet. Cadets and staff alike really got a sense of how much work goes into keeping such an old aircraft in the air. After lunch cadets spent the afternoon with the RAF Motivational Outreach Team who ran a number of fun activities on the sports field. Wednesday 15th July: - On Wednesday some of the cadets commuted through to 5 AEF at RAF Wittering to participate in flying. The cadets, many of which were first time fliers, got to grips with the Grob Tutror controls and even some aerobatics. We even bumped into the Regional Commandant and Assistant Regional Commandant in the mess! The other cadets back at Marham had a great day doing a multitude of sporting/adventure training activities. Thursday 16th July: - Thursday was an extremely busy day indeed. Many of the cadets undertook shooting on the range all day, many of which obtained marksmanship badges. Others visited the station church to visit Flt Lt Layton, one of the RAF Marham padres. Cadets undertook an interesting listening workshop with him which was very well received indeed. That afternoon we visited the Tactical Imagery Intelligence Wing - a very unique wing which specialises in the analysis of pictures and images taken predominantly by the Tornado. This was followed by an eagerly anticipated trip to the RAF Police Dog Section. With 7 prospective RAF Police Dog Handlers among our group, the visit went down a treat with practical demonstra-


Marham Camp Continued:and question and answer sessions. That evening we undertook a massive Casualty Evacuation Simulation in the nearby woods with many of the 30 strong ACLO team acting as the enemy. It was... Interesting to say the least... Great fun was had by all. Friday 17th July - Last full day! By now the cadets were well used to the buzz of living on an operational RAF base with jets screaming overhead continuously. First up was a visit to IX (B) Squadron - one of the three resident Tornado GR4 squadrons at Marham. Cadets were greeted by the Squadron Executive Officer (Sqn ExO) who alongside the Junior Engineering Officer (JEngO) gave cadets a fascinating insight into the capabilities of the Tornado GR4. Some cadets even got the chance to sit in the two hot seats. This visit was followed by the inter-flight drill competition judged by the Station Warrant Officer. An outstanding effort by both teams, with A flight just pipping B flight at the post. A few more photos followed this before we headed up to the fire section. Cadets got, to say the least, a bit wet... Cadets and staff alike had a brilliant time. After a quick change, it was over to the BBQ for some food and awards. The perfect end to a phenomenal week on an operational RAF base.

The 2015 Scotland & Northern Ireland Public Relations and Photographic Competition will take place at MoD Caledonia at the Regional Field Day In September.


Summer Camp Pics RAF Coningsby Thumper is doing well

RAF Wittering

RAF Halton


Battle of Waterloo 2015! - Alwyn Johnston who is a member of the 2180 (Galashiels) Squadron was at the Battle of Waterloo - well to be more accurate he was at the re-enactment that took place on 5th July at Peniel Heugh in the Scottish Borders. Cadets and staff from across south East Scotland Wing participated by acting as the French Infantry Formations, The result on the day ? Seems that this time round a late counter attack by Prussian Infantry won the day for Napoleon!


Send Pictures and Stories Send material to your own Wing Media Comms Officer or to the Regional MCO at: media.sni@aircadets.org

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