OnetoOne Summer 2025 by Lance Media Group

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Stn Cdr’s Foreword

Gp Capt O'Grady

Welcome to the summer edition of the

station magazine.

Early May saw the station mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day so it was fitting to pause and reflect on the immense sacrifices and enduring legacy of those who served before us. Across the Royal Air Force and here at RAF Coningsby, this poignant milestone remined us not only of the bravery and resilience of those who served before us, but also of our shared commitment to upholding their memory through service, unity, and remembrance. Whether through commemorative flypasts, local parades, or moments of personal reflection, the VE Day 80 events served as a powerful connection between our Station's proud history and the people who continue to serve today.

While honouring the past, we must also continue to invest in our present and future. With that in mind, I’m pleased to highlight our upcoming Station Health and Wellbeing Day. A highlight in the Stations calendar, the day reinforces our collective responsibility to look after ourselves and

each other — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether it’s engaging with support services, learning new strategies for resilience, or simply taking a moment to recharge, the day offers valuable tools to support our operational effectiveness and overall welfare. And with a Commanding Officer’s Cup sports event, the day also promises to be highly competitive and a lot of fun!

Looking further ahead, we have our Families Day fast approaching which affords a chance to bring the whole RAF Coningsby community together: our families, friends, and community. It’s an opportunity not only to showcase the exceptional work being done across the station, but to say thank you to those who support us unconditionally.

As always, my sincere thanks to all of you for your professionalism, dedication, and spirit. Be it remembrance, wellness, or celebration — this summer at RAF Coningsby promises to be meaningful and memorable.

onetoone

Editor Flt Lt Shaun Allen

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06 CATERING FLT VE DAY

VE Day came back to Royal Air Force Coningsby on 8th May 2025 as the Station’s Catering Flight treated personnel to a special wartime menu.

07 29 SQN PDA

The Typhoon Display Team is delighted to announce they have achieved Public Display Authority (PDA) as granted by the new Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, AVM Mark Jackson.

10 3 SQN ASSOCIATION VISIT

A woman who saw VE day at first hand was among the visitors to No 3 Fighter (F) Squadron at RAF Coningsby on Friday 9th May.

15 12 SQN MEMORIAL UNVEILING

Chilly weather met personnel and guests of No 12 Squadron at RAF Coningsby as a new memorial to the fallen was unveiled on Friday 14th February.

16 AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING

Reduce to Produce – The Black Jack Legacy Lives On!

20 CGY KART CLUB

Coningsby Kart Club are once again representing the Station in the 2025 Armed Forces Karting Championships.

21 CATERING COMPETITION

RAF Coningsby Culinary Team Shines on the International Stage at Salon Culinaire 25.

23 EX WESTERN LOOP

From History to Hospitality: FD Ex Western Loop in Berlin.

27 RAF ENGINEERING SPONSOR KARTING

Karting is where the Royal Air Force could find the next generation of Engineers and has enlisted 14-year-old racer Aidan Young to help.

29 3 SQN ITALIAN DEPLOYMENT

In the RAF we often like to talk about serving, on 3(F)’s recent Overseas Training Flight to Grosseto Airbase in Italy however that became “yes please, one more serving of Carbonara”.

CATERING FLT VE DAY

VE DAY CAME BACK TO ROYAL AIR FORCE CONINGSBY ON 8TH MAY 2025 AS THE STATION’S CATERING FLIGHT TREATED PERSONNEL TO A SPECIAL WARTIME MENU.

Eighty years have passed since the Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Evoking the wartime spirit of 1945, front of house staff donned Women’s Land Army costumes to warmly welcome personnel as they queued up for lunch.

On the menu, RAF personnel in all three messes found eraappropriate dishes to mark the historic anniversary.

Flight Sergeant Tony Hammond is the Executive Chef at RAF Coningsby. He said: “In partnership with our industry colleagues, we’ve developed a menu that closely mirrors the kind of food people would have eaten towards the end of the war. It’s been a unique opportunity to recreate a piece of history in the kitchen while ensuring that it still meets the nutritional needs and tastes of today’s RAF personnel.”

ESS Catering Manager Ms Laura Ward is a former RAF Chef. She said: “It’s been enjoyable putting this together. Being a Catering Manager, but first and foremost a Veteran RAF Chef, is all about versatility not just in where we cook, but also in how we adapt. Taking historic recipes and making them work for a modern audience has been a great challenge.”

ESS and RAF chefs carefully developed the commemorative menu to reflect the ingredients, cooking techniques, and dietary realities of 1945.Despite the nationwide celebrations on VE Day food rationing was still in force, but today’s aviators need a full intake of calories.

Flight Sergeant Jamie Dixon, Executive Mess Manager, said: “We wanted to strike the right balance, for VE Day 80 to be a celebration, not just a history lesson. People still need to eat well and feel satisfied, so we worked hard to recreate dishes that were both true to the period, and enjoyable today. ‘Woolton Pie’, a well-known ration-era favourite, was one of the vegetarian options we offered; it’s hearty, filling, and surprisingly flavourful.”

A pastry dish of vegetables, Woolton Pie was widely served in Britain in the Second World War when rationing and shortages made other dishes hard to prepare.

AS1 John Sabu is an RAF Chef at Coningsby and prepared some of the day’s special dishes. He said: “A good change to messing life to what we would normally do, it’s been exciting to be more creative and have more control over the menus. It’s quite surreal and humbling too, and these dishes are our way of remembering VE Day.”

Group Captain Pablo O’Grady is the Station Commander at RAF Coningsby. He said: “Today we are celebrating and commemorating VE day. I am especially proud of my catering team and the fantastic service they provide to all the people here at Coningsby.”

He concluded: “It is important for us to remember the sacrifice and service of our forebears and learn the lessons from history. That my fantastic Chefs could demonstrate their skills, connect us with past and recreate dishes that would have been enjoyed by the aviators of eighty years ago is a wonderful tribute to the ones we are remembering today.”

RAF Chef AS1 John Sabu serves fish and chips.

A VE Day 80 flag.

The VE Day 80 menu, created as a Ration Book.

Fish and chips were not rationed during World War II.

29 SQN PDA

The Typhoon Display Team is delighted to announce they have achieved Public Display Authority (PDA) as granted by the new Air Officer Commanding 1 Group, AVM Mark Jackson. PDA marks the start of the display season, where in 2025, Typhoon Display will be

celebrating their 20th display Season. Aiming to display over 50 times across over 29 different venues, including seven Station Families Days, the season looks set to be busy and exciting. We hope to see you out and about at an air show soon!

WEDNESDAYS

Tattershall Village Hall 7:30, 9:00 & 10:30am

Coningsby Community Hall 4:00, 5:30 & 7:00pm

‘Pupils

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 2023

3 SQN ASSOCIATION VISIT

Wing Commander Roe welcomes the No 3 (F) Squadron Association.

A WOMAN WHO SAW VE DAY AT FIRST HAND WAS AMONG THE VISITORS TO NO 3 FIGHTER (F) SQUADRON AT RAF CONINGSBY ON FRIDAY 9TH MAY.

Every year the veterans of the No 3 (F) Squadron Association visit their old squadron at the Lincolnshire airbase, but this year’s visit was especially significant. Not only was the association’s arrival close to the eightieth anniversary of Victor in Europe Day, but one of their number saw the events in London for herself.

No 3(F) Squadron was formed at Larkhill in Wiltshire on 13 May 1912, and was the first military unit in the Commonwealth to operate ‘heavier than air’ aircraft. Hence the famous motto ‘Tertius primus erit’ (Latin for ‘The third shall be first’). Coincidentally, it was also the first front-line RAF Squadron to operate the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Mrs June Long is 89 years old, and the widow of Flight Lieutenant Jack Long; a No 3 Squadron Canberra pilot and author of the book “Three’s

Company, an illustrated history of No 3 (Fighter) Squadron”. She was a child on VE Day and recalls the historic occasion with vivid clarity.

She said: “I was nine years old. My mother took me up to London, and there were rows and rows of people. But someone pushed me forward to the front and we saw the King, and the Queen, and the two princesses.” Speaking of the visit, Mrs Long continued: “Our lives were aeroplanes, and it is lovely to meet other people.”

32 members of the 3 (F) Squadron Association came to the Squadron’s headquarters as part of a special anniversary visit, organised by Flight Lieutenant Christopher Eardley and Warrant Officer Glen Hadgraft.

Warrant Officer Hadgraft said: “Maintaining the close links with the Squadron’s veterans is essential in acknowledging their service to our country. They have experiences and insights that we thoroughly enjoy listening to and we can still learn from. They have set the standards with respect to work ethic, professionalism and camaraderie that are the bedrock of how we work today.”

A welcome from Wing Commander Sonny Roe, the Squadron’s Officer Commanding, began the

visit. The Association guests were then given a tour of the Typhoon FGR4, followed by a briefing on current and future operations by the squadron’s Intelligence Officer and a demonstration by the Survival Equipment Section.

Retired RAF Photographic Engineer Phil Ward served in the RAF for two decades and is chairperson of the No 3 (F) Squadron Association. He said: “This is our annual reunion. It’s been brilliant, we’re always so well looked after. We have 273 members, and we are an allranks association, and we have a good social life.”

Today No 3(F) Squadron is as busy as it has ever been, and is one of the RAF’s best known,

Mrs June Long in the No 3 (F) Squadron History Room.

and most effective, frontline squadrons. It is a key part of the RAF's mission to respond to airborne threats, and recently returned from RAF Akrotiri after a demanding three-month deployment to Operation SHADER.

Wing Commander Roe said: “We were pleased to welcome the members of the 3(F) Squadron Association to Coningsby today. Our veterans are an integral part of the Squadron’s history and tradition, and they’re visit is especially poignant as we remember with them the eightieth anniversary of VE Day, and how special to have Mrs Long with us who saw this for herself.”

Mrs June Long and her daughter, Mrs Nikki Cox.

From left to right: No 3 (F) Squadron Association Chairperson, Mr Phil Ward, and Warrant Officer Glen Hadgraft.

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12 SQN MEMORIAL UNVEILING

Chilly weather met personnel and guests of No 12 Squadron at RAF Coningsby as a new memorial to the fallen was unveiled on Friday 14th February.

The day also marked the Squadron’s 110th anniversary; having been formed at Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire as a unit of the Royal Flying Corps on St. Valentine’s Day in 1915. The new memorial depicts all the aircraft in the Squadron’s history which were lost with loss of life; 249 aircraft and over 1150 personnel.

Squadron Leader Si Devenish is the mentor at 12 Squadron, and was the project manager. Rachel Russel from the Binbrook Collection developed the design, which was then built by former 12 Squadron Engineer, Matthew Nightingale.

Rachel said: “This is the first design project I have done for an active squadron, the challenge for this one was making sure I had put the correct details on the design. It was a joy to help with the printing and application and to see it in place.”

Squadron Leader Devenish said: “The 110th anniversary is the right time to mark the sacrifices of our predecessors, and we were lucky that Rachel and Matthew were willing to help us create a lasting memorial to the fallen of 12 Squadron.”

For much of its history, 12 Squadron has been a bomber squadron. Today it is joint Royal Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force Squadron and prepares Qatari personnel for front line roles in their home country.

Reverend Wing Commander Ian Brown, RAF Coningsby’s Senior Chaplain, opened the service of dedication. In his opening remarks, he said: “The memorial is a lasting tribute, and sign of deep gratitude to those who have worn the Squadron’s badge. Their memory continues to inspire us, and we commit ourselves anew to the values of freedom and sacrifice.”

Friends of 12 Squadron from the Binbrook Collection and the RAF Wickenby Memorial

Museum, where the Squadron used to be based, attended the service.

Wing Commander Andy Watson is Officer Commanding 12 Squadron. He said: “Thank you Si, Rachel, and Matthew for turning this project into a reality. The Squadron has a poignant reminder, without hierarchy of sacrifice, to those who have gone before us. We are deeply grateful to our supporters from the Binbrook Collection and Wickenby Museum, who give their own time to preserving our legacy.”

The squadron was the only RAF user of the Fairey Fox, 1926-31, and its performance was superior to other types, resulting in the motto of 'Leads the Field'.

Officer Commanding 12 Squadron, Wing Commander Andrew Watson.

RAF Andover, Hampshire based 12 Squadron Fairey Foxes J7949 and J7950 with a Sergeant checking the Met with a telescope.

Fairey Battle crews of 12 Squadron check their maps on the snow-covered airfield at Amifontaine, France, 6 January 1940.

AEROSPACE MANUFACTURING

REDUCE TO PRODUCE –THE BLACK JACK LEGACY LIVES ON!

Ever thought about the fate of retired military aircraft. How many parts are recycled, and can they be reused in new applications?

Under the current UK MOD Reduce to Produce (RTP) programme Manchester, UK based EDM Ltd is doing just that.

EDM is the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of a broad range of military maintenance and ground crew training equipment, both physical devices as well as virtual training solutions. Products already manufactured by the company include full mission pilot training simulators for the F-35 as well as weapons loading trainers and ejection seat maintenance trainers.

EDM has produced simulators for many other aircraft types including Chinook, Hawk and Typhoon and recently signed a contract with the UK MoD to provide a simulator known as the Crew Escape and Safety Systems Trainer (CESST).

This highly specialised piece of equipment is used to train

RAF Typhoon maintenance technicians how to carry out arming and disarming of the

aircraft canopy jettison system and fitting and removal of the Martin Baker MK16A ejection seat.

The CESST will be delivered to RAF Coningsby which plays a pivotal role in the training and operational readiness of the Royal Air Force's armament technicians, particularly those specializing in Typhoon aircraft weapon and crew escape systems. The station is home to the Weapon Training Cell (WTC), a unit dedicated to providing both theoretical and practical training to RAF personnel in the preparation, handling, and maintenance of aircraft weapons.

The WTC comprises six skilled Weapon Technicians who deliver daily instruction on various aspects of armament operations. Their training encompasses weapon preparation, Typhoon ejection seat procedures, and the operation of Typhoon weapon systems.

A critical component of their role is conducting regular competency checks to ensure that all personnel maintain high standards of proficiency. The CESST is a pivotal part of the competency training and is essential for the RAF's Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions, where aircraft must be ready for launch at a moment's notice. The WTC's expertise ensures that weapon systems are correctly assembled, tested, and maintained, thereby supporting the RAF's operational commitments.

Training of the skills required to carry out these tasks on the real aircraft are obviously extremely hazardous, so the CESST provides an excellent highly realistic and relatively safe training environment. Due to the high level of replication with the Typhoon the CESST allows the trainees to utilize the same technical publications, procedures, tools and support equipment as used on the aircraft.

In short, working on the CESST allows the trainee technician to be certified to work on the aircraft.

Importantly, this means front line Typhoon’s do not have to be diverted from

operations and used for training purposes.

EDM designed the CESST over 30 years ago and supplied it to the Eurofighter partner nations, UK, Spain, Italy and Germany. They also supplied the same equipment to Typhoon export customers such as Oman and Saudia Arabia.

The CESST accurately re-creates the front fuselage of the Typhoon utilizing the original Typhoon computer aided design data and incorporating a fully functional canopy, high fidelity ejection seat and a replica cockpit. The aircraft canopy actuation system is replaced with an EDM design which is more robust and suitable for repeated training use.

For the MoD contract, donor aircraft hardware was identified and made available and this has been engineered into the CESST. This bears testament to the accuracy of the simulator. Items such as the ejection seat, canopy, windscreen and numerous smaller canopy jettison system parts and assemblies have been used.

This has been very much a team approach and EDM

are working very closely with the Typhoon Total Availability Enterprise (TyTAN) Service Delivery team and BAE Systems.

Introduced eight years ago Typhoon TyTAN, an arrangement principally between DE&S, RAF and BAE Systems, introduced new ways of working between the MOD and its industry partners across the supply chain to drive improvements while delivering lowest possible costs.

Evidence for TyTAN’s success is the fact it is seen as a “Best in Class” example of what can be achieved when MOD and industry move away from the traditional transactional approach between a manufacturer and its customer to a collaborative enterprise with shared goals. The new CESST fits very well into this approach to working together.

Recently retired Tranche 1 Typhoons including the former RAF Display aircraft Blackjack (ZJ914) are donating hardware that is being incorporated into the CESST.

ZJ914 entered into service with the RAF in 2005 and was unveiled with her striking "Blackjack" livery in 2021, immediately becoming the highest profile aircraft in RAF service. The iconic RAF display

aircraft thrilled crowds at air shows and even has her own Corgi model!

Her final retirement flight, with callsign TYPHOON74, took place on June 5, 2024, heading to where she was originally assembled, BAE Systems at Warton Aerodrome in Lancashire.

The Reduce to Produce (RTP) programme is a UK MOD initiative under the Defence Recycling and Disposals Team that in other applications has seen ex Tornado RB199 titanium engine parts ground down to produce powder that was then used to 3D print

new engine parts for the Rolls-Royce Orpheus engine demonstrator destined to prove technology in the new engines for the 6th Generation Tempest aircraft. In this way parts and materials can be sustainability repurposed and remain as valuable assets contributing to the defence of the UK.

In the case of EDM, parts provided under the RTP programme have reduced the cost and lead time of the CESST and found a way for the legacy of the Tranche 1 Typhoons to live on.

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School parkrun – Your Weekly Q Adventure!

Looking for your elusive parkrun “Q”? Join us every week at the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle for a truly outstanding event that’s drawing runners from across the globe!

From local legends to international parkrun tourists—including a recent visitor from Melbourne, Australia en route to Poland for her “Z”—our course is a must-run for alphabet chasers and community lovers alike.

After your 5K, enjoy refreshments available on-site, with proceeds supporting local community groups—a great way to give back while you cool down.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Visit their Facebook page for:

· Special event announcements

· Volunteering opportunities

· Fabulous photos from each week’s run

Whether you’re chasing letters or just love a friendly, scenic run—Queen Elizabeth’s parkrun is the place to be. Come for the “Q”, stay for the community!

For more details, visit their official page: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/queenelizabethsgrammarschool/

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who make this event possible. Horncastle Education Trust look forward to welcoming everyone in the coming weeks to walk, jog, run, or volunteer at our community event.

TAKE COMMAND OF YOUR CAREER

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CGY KART CLUB

Coningsby Kart Club are once again representing the Station in the 2025 Armed Forces Karting Championships. Round 1 was held at the Llandow Kart Circuit in South Wales with FS Matt Dilks from Typh CAMO and AS1(T) Reece Bryan from 29 Sqn SES racing Kart 29.

The team were placed in semi-final 2 and with stiff competition, they were up against it, with many of the quicker teams from the previous season placed in the same race. Despite this, the team were very much looking forward to the challenge and some competitive racing once again.

Official practice gave teams the opportunity to learn the track and optimise their kart set up ready for race day. The morning practice

was compromised due to a couple of mechanical issues arising with the newly built kart, resulting in a couple of missed sessions whilst these were resolved. The afternoon sessions were much improved with both drivers improving on their previous best laps at this circuit.

Matt was selected as the starting driver for qualifying and to start the semi-final, however, getting caught behind a slower kart compromised his session and resulted in a starting position of 32nd in a grid of 33. A good start to the race and some consistent laps saw Matt move up to 17th before the 1st of our mandated pitstops and driver change with Reece taking over for the remainder of the 1-hour race. With pit-stops negatively affecting our progress, it was down to Reece to see

how high we could move up the order. In the end Reece managed to progress to 25th overall, a net gain of 7 places which exceeding our initial expectations give the stiff competition.

Following the earlier result the team were placed 18th on the grid for the 2-hour B final (the top 16 from each semifinal qualify for the A final with the other karts going into the B final). Reece was selected to start this time and once again made a good start with places gained in the opening laps. The required pit-stops and driver changes were

made with the addition of a fuel stop, as mandated by the regulations. The appearance of the Safety Kart due to a couple of incidents (thankfully not including us) slowed proceedings a touch, Matt continued the good work by Reece, with Kart 29 taking 12th place at the chequered flag.

Overall, the team were pleased with results from Round 1 which far exceeded initial expectations. Lessons were learnt which will be taken forward to Round 2 in May. Further details of CKC can be found on the club’s sharepoint site.

CATERING COMPETITION

RAF Coningsby Culinary Team Shines on the International Stage at Salon Culinaire 25.

A team of talented chefs and Air Ground Stewards (AGS) from RAF Coningsby recently returned from the prestigious International Salon Culinaire 25 competition in London, proudly bringing home medals and accolades while showcasing their exceptional skills on an international platform.

Held annually at the Excel, this renowned competition attracts top culinary talents from around the world, celebrating the very best in the art of cooking, mixology, and table presentation. Against stiff competition and highpressure conditions, the RAF and ESS team thrived, earning recognition for their creativity, precision, and professionalism.

The Team Behind the Success Representing RAF Coningsby were two Service Chefs, two Service AGS and one Civilian Chef:

Cpl Bradley Porter-Duffy (Chef)

• AS1 Ewan Barnett (AGS)

• AS1 Lewis Barlow (AGS)

• AS2 Alfie Riches (Chef)

• Mr. Matt Lee (Chef)

In the weeks leading up to the competition, the team dedicated themselves to perfecting their skills. Their shared passion for culinary excellence and their commitment to representing both the RAF and ESS fuelled their determination to impress the judges with innovative dishes, impeccable drinks, and flawless presentation.

Culinary Excellence in Action

Throughout the competition, the team went head-to-head with some of the world’s finest culinary talents, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Each competitor pushed their limits, producing outstanding results:

• Cpl Bradley Porter-Duffy delivered a standout performance in the Open Duck category, where he had just 40 minutes to prepare and cook a restaurant-quality dish. His creativity and technical skill earned him a welldeserved bronze medal.

• AS2 Alfie Riches, competing for the first time in his career, impressed in the Junior Pasta class, securing another bronze medal. He showcased advanced skills, including filleting a whole fish and mastering a flawless hollandaise sauce, all within a tight 30-minute timeframe.

• Mr. Matt Lee faced fierce competition in the Junior Lamb category, preparing a dish using a rack of lamb. While he narrowly missed out on a medal, he earned a certificate of Merit, proving his talent among the industry’s rising stars.

Front of House Triumphs

The team’s success extended beyond the kitchen, with outstanding performances in the mixology and table decoration categories:

• AS1 Ewan Barnett dazzled in the Open Mixology class, winning a gold medal for his expertly crafted cocktails. Keeping it simple yet precise, his Frozen Margarita and Strawberry Gin Bellini won over the judges with their balance and presentation.

• AS1 Lewis Barlow brought home bronze in the Table Decoration class, where he had 20 minutes to design an awards ceremony table with four unique napkin folds. His Battle of Britain theme paid homage to the RAF’s rich history and demonstrated his eye for detail and creativity.

Pride and Recognition

WO Holt expressed immense pride in the team’s achievements, while Team

Manager Sgt Elkington praised their dedication, teamwork, and the camaraderie that carried them through the competition. “Each member supported one another throughout, embodying the true spirit of the RAF and ESS,” he said.

A special thank you was extended to ESS, whose sponsorship and funding made participation possible. The team also acknowledged the invaluable support from:

• Ms. Mel Chaney, ESS Operations Director

• Mrs. Julie Sandiford, RAF Coningsby ESS Site Manager

Looking Ahead

With their eyes set on the future, the RAF Coningsby culinary team is already preparing for their next challenge: the annual RAF Skills Day at CTW Worthy Down at the end of Apr. Determined to push boundaries and continue excelling in their craft, these talented chefs and AGS are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world.

Their passion, precision, and relentless pursuit of excellence ensure that RAF Coningsby will continue to make its mark on the national and international culinary stage.

EX WESTERN LOOP

From History to Hospitality:

FD Ex Western Loop in Berlin

Berlin, a city rich in history and culture, offers an unforgettable experience for those looking to discover its past and enjoy its vibrant present. Recently, a group of 13 personnel from RAF Coningsby deployed on a force development exercise to Berlin, and their journey highlights some of the city's most compelling attractions.

Exercise Western Loop began at the awe-inspiring Brandenburg gate, where participants embarked on a walking tour of the city, seeing iconic sights such as the Berlin wall (or what’s left of it)! Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial was another significant visit. Walking through the camp, the participants recounted the experiences of those deemed "inferior" by the Nazis. Upon reflection AS1(T) White commented “Visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp was a real reminder of the human cost of war". The diversity of the internees and their tragic stories were profoundly impactful, emphasising the importance of ethical leadership and human rights.

The group visited numerous other locations during the Exercise such as the Stasi

Museum, the Spy Museum and even a Gasometer that was converted into a WW2 bunker exclusively for women and children. Each location provided another aspect of Berlins historical secrets. It wasn't all work though. The participants had the opportunity to "get cultured" and experience the hospitality Berlin had to offer. This muchneeded break from their usual operational tempo allowed them to unwind and enjoy the vibrant city life. Exploring local cuisine, engaging with Berlin's rich cultural scene, and interacting with the friendly locals added a refreshing and enjoyable dimension to the exercise. This balance of work and leisure not only enriched their experience, but also

helped them return to their duties with renewed energy and perspective.

Overall, the Force Development exercise to Berlin provided RAF Coningsby personnel with valuable lessons that can be applied to current and future operations. The historical insights gained broadened their perspectives, strengthened leadership skills, improved operational readiness and fostered team cohesion within the unit. Ultimately, this experience equipped participants with skills and insights that will benefit them for years to come.

Brandenburg Gate.

British camp memorial.

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RAF ENGINEERING SPONSOR KARTING

RAF branding and a historical design on the headgear.

Karting is where the Royal Air Force could find the next generation of Engineers and has enlisted 14-year-old racer Aidan Young to help.

Engineering is as important in the RAF as it is in the world of motorsport. Karting can be an accessible motorsport for young people, and racers need an understanding of driving and basic engineering to compete successfully.

Aidan’s dad is Warrant Officer Iain Young, an RAF Engineer based at RAF Coningsby. He said: “If you ever go to a karting event, you’ll see the racers maintain their karts as well as drive them, and they genuinely need some engineering knowhow, and their handskills are particularly impressive for such a young age.”

Warrant Officer Young continued: “A lot of the kart racers are of the age where they’re starting to think about their future careers, or they’re of recruiting age. It’s what makes this sport an important place for RAF Engineering, because so many of the young people here already have an interest.”

RAF Engineering has provided sponsorship to support Aidan Young for the 2025 SuperOne National Karting Championship which will be televised live. Aidan wears specially designed and branded gear. The helmet proudly displays RAF aircraft, the RAF badge, and the RAF Engineering logo.

RAF Engineering recruits receive world class training and ongoing development so that they’re expertly skilled and able to maintain and repair the high-tech equipment needed to support operations in the air.

Karting is a dynamic and engaging sport, and it’s where many of today’s professional racing drivers started their careers. Aidan took up the sport at age 12, and now competes for Team Tom Day Racing. Although he aspires to be a Formula One driver, his real hope is to follow his dad into the RAF. His branded gear attracts a lot of interest from his fellow racers. He said: “I just want to say thank you to RAF

Engineering for supporting me like this. Yeah, the other racers really like the gear. I’m getting asked about it all the time. I think what makes it stand out is that they’re not expecting to see it at a kart track.”

If Aidan realises his ambition to join the RAF, he can continue karting. Karting has a strong following in the RAF, and a history which stretches back more than 50 years. Several RAF Stations have their own tracks, the RAF organises the Armed Forces Karting Championship, and personnel are actively encouraged to take part: https://rafmsa.co.uk/karting/

during a race.

Wing Commander Gemma Lonsdale is RAF Coningsby’s Chief Engineer. She said: “Motorsport is exactly the right place for the RAF to look for the next generation of engineers. They’ll see the RAF Engineering brand, and hopefully have their eyes opened to a challenging and rewarding career. Good luck for the next season’s racing Aidan, the new gear looks amazing!”

Aidan

Aidan Young with his dad, Warrant Officer Iain Young.

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Just one more serving…

In the RAF we often like to talk about serving, on 3(F)’s recent Overseas Training Flight to Grosseto Airbase in Italy however that became “yes please, one more serving of Carbonara”. In my last article I discussed allowing our Junior Engineering Officers a shot to demonstrate their cooking credentials – this time around we learned our lesson, ditched them at home, and let the experts take over. Overseas Training Flights are an opportunity to train with our NATO partners across Europe, develop flight planning skills, expose our aircrew to a less familiar environment and allow our engineers to practise working with minimal equipment at an unfamiliar base. In this instance 3(F) deployed six jets and pilots, ten engineers and one operations officer to Grosseto Airbase. While we were unable to fly with our Italian colleagues as much as we would have liked, we were able to demonstrate our “hot-pit” refuelling procedures (where the aircraft

is refuelled with the engines still running). This culminated in an entirely Italian hot-pit of an RAF Typhoon – a skill that proves our close bonds and when applied to their own Typhoons will allow them greater persistence on both training and operations. It was also an excellent opportunity for some of our personnel to experience some much needed downtime over the weekend.

Following our return from Operation SHADER earlier this year the Sqn hit the ground running and were launched straight into a Standardisation and Evaluation visit, alongside the FALCON SKIES and COBRA WARRIOR

Large Force Exercises. The Sqn excelled as ever, with some very positive feedback being received. In particular the fine work of our engineering department was singled out for their exceptional ability to generate aircraft.

Overall, it has been a busy few months for the Sqn – we now look forward to a summer at home to prepare for what may lie ahead.