13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC COLCHESTER

CO: Lt Col R Edwards • Adjt: Capt K Smith • RSM: WO1 G Patterson

2022 was another exciting year for 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC; filled with exercises, operational deployments, enduring commitments and AT. Below are some of the highlights and achievements from the last months of the year.

RLC Ski Championship

Ex KNEES BEND saw 17 individuals from the Regt deploy to Hemsedal on a four-week training programme in preparation for both Nordic and Alpine Skiing events. Despite being a very junior team, the male teams in both categories secured impressive third overall positions. WO2 (SSM) Tina Jones was awarded her Corps Colours for dedication to the sport and Pte Marr was selected for the Corps Female Alpine team.

Ex JEBEL SAHARA

The final quarter of 2022 was a busy one for 63 Air Assault Support Sqn, with the troops split across multiple continents. A section from Airborne Troop deployed on Ex JEBEL SAHARA in Morocco, delivering EPLS and TCV support to 2 PARA, as well as controlling the Drop Zone, calling in, and clearing the Air Despatch loads. Personnel also deployed to Norway conducting Arctic Training and BV 206 driving in preparation for Ex JOINT VIKING with 2 PARA.

Junior commanders

Ex JUNIOR ENDEAVOUR recently brought together junior soldiers of all cap badges from across 13 AASR to develop leadership skills and understanding of the Army Leadership Code, Values, and Standards. Both theory and practical tasks throughout the week provided a fantastic opportunity for the junior commanders to develop and refine their personal leadership styles.

Ex LIGHTING STRIKES TWICE

Petroleum operators from 82 and 63 Air Assault Support Sqns recently deployed on Ex LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE with 27 Regt RLC to revise and practice the core components of their trade. The troops honed their skills throughout the two weeks, whilst constructing and decommissioning a Primary Bulk Fuel Instillation and an Enhanced Storage Module. It also provided the opportunity to set up and demonstrate the Light Forces JOFS Equipment, sharing best practices with counterparts.

Dashain and Tihar

Oct saw 15 Sqn QOGLR host the first Dashain and Tihar festivals following the Sqn’s re-designation to 13 AASR. To celebrate, the Regt’s Nepalese community and guests came together to enjoy comedy sketches, cultural dances and songs performed by the Sqn’s SP and their families. The auspicious period of Dashain and Tihar festivals is an occasion for families and friends to reunite, give blessings and exchange gifts.

Extra-curricular activities and sporting successes

On 12 Dec 22, members of 47 AD Sqn navigated their way through 33 miles of snow, ice, and cold weather from their current home at RAF Brize Norton to their former home in Lyneham. Starting and finishing in the dark, and walking through the bracing winter conditions, the team achieved their objective to complete the distance in under 12 hours whilst raising an impressive £420 for the Walking With The Wounded charity. Keeping to the arduous theme, a job well done for 15 Sqn QOGLR Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL team who successfully navigated through 70km of the challenging Wales terrain to secure a Gold Medal. Finally, a notable mention must go out to Cpl Heaney who was awarded the British Army Sports Official of the Year for outstanding achievements and contributions to Army Netball. She is one of the most qualified Netball umpires in the whole of the Army.

The Regiment now looks forward with optimism to the opportunities and challenges of 2023 on the conclusion of another memorable year!