RJ 5000

The Royal Air Force (RAF) on the 25 March 22 achieved a significant milestone surpassing 5000 flying hours on the RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft.

SAC Cartagena pushing for pilot Shan Stephens.

provide a comment on this particular achievement, the only response was “Nothing further to add”.

In the previous edition we told you about SAC Alex Cartagena’s training with the British Bobsleigh Team. Following the conclusion of the season, Alex has given us an update as to his progress:

“All in all, a great season for us and the best GB development have done in over twenty years. Placing at least in the top 50% in all our races was a big achievement for us, our best results being 10th and 7th in Lillehammer.”

“We concluded the end of the season with the Inter-services. I was very lucky to be allowed in the front seat for the first time. In the Novice race as a driver, we came 2nd and the RAF won overall. Then in the senior's race, I pushed Shan Stephens (the pilot for Jamaica’s 2 and 4 man teams at Beijing 2022) and we came 1st! clean sweep for the RAF this season.” “I'm glad to be back home but the work doesn't stop. I have from now until October to be even stronger and faster, and hopefully that will allow me to be granted full time athlete status for the next Olympic cycle!”

On Sunday 17th May, a small contingent comprising Sqn Ldr Vickers, Sqn Ldr Hemlin, MAcr Ross and Sgt Fyfe made the journey to Pollington where 51 Sqn was based during World War Two, to attend a service at the Pollington Airfield Memorial Garden. The Memorial Garden hold two services each year, one on Remembrance Sunday, and the other in mid-May to commemorate the departure of 51 Sqn. The squadron always endeavours to attend both services each year to pay our respects and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.

Looking ahead to the next few months, the operational tempo is unlikely to subside but there will be plenty of other activities to look forward to, including the first Sqn Dining-in-Night for four years due to take place in August, and also the prospect of preparing for EX RESOLUTE HUNTER in October.

Sgt Fyfe, Sqn Ldr Hemlin, MAcr Ross and Sqn Ldr Vickers at the 51 Sqn Memorial in the Pollington Airfield Memorial Garden. Swift and Sure 51 SQN MEDIA & COMMS TEAM Sgt Phil Howle Sgt Jade Bolton 5 1 Squadron, based at RAF Waddington, took delivery of the first Rivet Joint aircraft in November 2013, replacing the Nimrod R1 which retired in 2011 after 37 years’ service. The squadron operates three Rivet Joint aircraft – ZZ664, ZZ665 & ZZ666 which form part of a wider enterprise between the RAF and the United States Air Force (USAF). This unique partnership has afforded ground and aircrew to train and operate alongside our USAF counterparts, sharing knowledge, skills and experience to help deliver world-leading intelligence around the globe.

With the sorties undertaken this week the UK Rivet Joint fleet has now amassed 5,000 flying hours since receipt of the aircraft. The milestone was marked on the 25 Mar 22 with a short ceremony led by RAF Waddington’s Commander Air Wing, Group Captain Melville. The achievement follows on from the aircraft achieving its highest monthly flying hours output this week, exceeding the previous record set in April last year.

Commenting on the achievement Gp Capt Melville said: “Since the Rivet Joint’s arrival at RAF Waddington the aircraft have provided consistent support to British and Allied operations around the world. It goes without saying that every one of these five-thousand hours could not have been achieved without the professionalism and dedication of our engineering and aircrew personnel as well as the support staff on 51 squadron, and across the ISTAR force.”