Royal Air Force News Friday, December 26, 2025 P9
News
Anglo-French pact builds Euro-security Staff Reporter Lyon, France
CHIEF OF the Air Staff ACM Harv Smyth joined his counterpart Général d’armée aérienne Jérôme Bellanger in Lyon to boost Anglo-French combat power. They discussed future opportunities and shared challenges, building on the Lancaster House declaration on defence and security cooperation, signed earlier this year, which pledges
collaboration on joint operations, exercises, and capability programmes. ACM Smyth said: “By working together, we continue to enhance our operational capabilities, promote AngloFrench relations and uphold our shared commitment to global security.” The two men discussed the Multi-National Force Ukraine, otherwise known as the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ and the success of recent joint operations and exercises.
FRENCH CONNECTION: ACM Harv Smyth with FAF chief Gen Jérôme Bellanger
Vets hearing loss alert Simon Mander VETERANS ARE more than twice as likely to get hearing loss than civilians, according to new research. The findings, published by the Royal British Legion, follow research by the University of Chester. It found exService personnel are 2.33 times more likely to experience deafness than non-veterans, and 1.6 times more likely to have tinnitus.
A total of 658 veterans were surveyed about the level of noise they experienced and their use of hearing protection. The results of the survey showed that the most common reason for not wearing hearing protection was that it was not compatible with operational effectiveness and it found an association between deafness and anxiety and/or depression. The RBL recommends making compensation and hearing aids
more accessible. Professor Basma Ellahi said: “These survey findings should inform future directions for practice and policy to better support veterans and their support networks.” British Legion campaigns director Angela Kitching said: “The Royal British Legion has long recognised the challenges that Service-related hearing impairment presents for veterans and their families. “We welcome this research, which fills an important evidence gap on hearing loss and tinnitus in working-age veterans.”
The eat is on Kerry Janes
MARHAM PERSONNEL went cold turkey as volunteers turned out for a brisk fancy dress Yuletide trek. More than 120 took part in the annual Christmas Turkey Trot organised by Physical Education staff at the Norfolk station.
AIR FORCE chefs celebrated back-to-back wins at Exercise Joint Caterer 25, scooping 60 awards and the Tri-Service Trophy. The Armed Forces’ flagship culinary competition brought together top RAF, Royal Navy and Army cooks. The Tri-Service Trophy is awarded to the Service with the most Best-in-Class points, which the RAF also won in 2023. This year the RAF had 18 winners, the Royal Navy eight and the Army four. In addition, Air Force chefs secured three gold medals, 23 silver, nine bronze, three merit and 18 best in class awards. Catering Warrant Officer Simon Jacobs said: “These events showcase the skills needed on operations and put chefs under real pressure – just like in the field. “The camaraderie and applause you hear here reflect the sense of honour in representing
your Service.” Marham WO Derren Parker said: “The best chefs go on to represent the UK internationally and eventually become mentors and judges. “The Parade de Chef challenge really tested teamwork – producing 22 plates from field kitchens under time pressure.” After 20 years as a civilian chef, Cpl Matthew Strickland competed in his first Ex Joint Caterer, and his sugar craft centrepiece was awarded Gold, Best in Class and the inaugural John Retallick Award – named after a judge who passed away in 2023. Cpl Strickland said: “This is an event exemplary of the ethos of the catering trade, with the highlight of an RAF win!” Odiham’s AS1 Rhys Yates had just 70 minutes to cook two main dishes and two desserts, in a tiny theatre kitchen in front of a live audience, and was awarded Silver and Best in Class.