Royal Air Force News Friday, November 14, 2025 P5
News
Highmast finale F-35 joins Harrier & Tornado in Italy as CSG heads home
Staff Reporter F-35 LIGHTNING stealth fighters launched combat training sorties from the deck of the HMS Prince of Wales alongside Italian Air Force Tornados and Harriers as the Carrier Strike Group returns to the UK. The drill off the coast of Italy is the last ahead of the CSG’s arrival back in Britain after an historic eight-month deployment spanning Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific. Falcon Strike brings together participants from France, Greece, the United States and the United Kingdom, integrating fourth and fifth-generation aircraft, refining coalition tactics and strengthening logistics cooperation among F-35 users. Air Marshal Allan Marshall, Air
In Brief
Crisis call
CIVIC LEADERS in North Wales joined forces with Valley personnel to plan how their local RAF station can support emergency services in the event of terror attacks or natural disasters. The training event is part of the North Wales Resiliency Forum’s planning, and is organised by liaison officers from all three Services and the Army’s Regional Brigades.
and Space Commander, said: “Exercise Falcon Strike is another outstanding demonstration of how far our collaboration with the Italian Air Force has come. Training side-by-side with our Italian colleagues strengthens interoperability, deepens mutual understanding and ensures that both nations remain ready to deliver decisive air power whenever and wherever it’s needed. “This exercise showcased not only fifth-generation capability, but the trust and professionalism that underpin every mission we fly together. “Over the past eight months, the Royal Air Force has delivered a truly global contribution through Operation Highmast from the UK to the Mediterranean, across the Middle East and deep into the Indo-Pacific. He added: “This has been a sustained
GENERATION GAP: F-35 joins Italian Harrier during CSG exercise
demonstration of reach, resilience and relevance: projecting air and space power, strengthening partnerships and reaffirming the UK’s commitment to regional security.
“As our crews now operate alongside Allies once again here in Italy, the success of Highmast speaks to the professionalism and determination of every person involved.”
Leeming stars shine at awards PERSONNEL WHO have gone want to do it again – you have a the extra mile for the RAF hunger to do it more and more.” Leeming community have The Wifinity Champion Award been recognised at the base’s for Leeming connectivity went to Excalibur awards evening. FO Taje-Wayne Sutherland. Winners of 13 categories out of Cpl Aiden Jones was named more than 120 nominations were Innovator of the year, while announced and given the prize Mentor of the Year went to Flt Lt crafted by the base’s workshop. Andrew Mawdsley. Civil Servant of the Year Liv The Resilience Award was Hart said: “It’s great to show presented to FS Scott Archer and people how much they Sgt Stuart Jardine was named mean to the bigger picture Fundraiser of the Year. because everyone is doing The Health and such an amazing job. I Wellbeing Award went to think everyone has had an Sgt Graeme Jackson, the amazing night.” award for Community Team of the Year was the Development was Physical Education Flight presented to FS and Sgt Dan Law Matthew Fox and the said: “When you get Local Champion recognised for hard Award was won LIV HART work it makes you by RAF Leeming
Community Primary School. The Ellis Award for Sporting Achievement was presented to Cpl Tom Whitworth, Aviator
of the Year to AS1 Samantha Wain and the Award for Special Recognition went to Ken Holland.