Helicon Issue 3 2024

The Magazine of RAF Odiham

Issue 3 • 2024

Helicon

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Farnborough is the Birthplace of British Aviation The FAST Museum, adjacent to Farnborough airfield, holds a collection of aircraft (actual and model), satellites, simulators and other priceless material related to Farnborough’s world-famous Royal Aircraft Establishment. Visit us to see displays of unique once top-secret aviation technology, innovations that were world-leading in the 20th century. Try your hand at our flight simulators – be a Top Gun or a Concorde pilot for the day. See a range of aircraft and cockpits – you may get a chance to sit in one. Marvel at the full scale replica of British Army Aircraft No 1A, the first man-carrying powered aircraft to fly in the UK in 1908.

Visit the historic wind tunnels that were crucial to Britain’s world lead in aerodynamic research in the mid 20th century. Examine close up the human centrifuge, used to train RAF fighter pilots, and a unique and impressive example of 1950’s British Engineering. Tours of both attractions can be prebooked through FAST.

See www.airsciences.org.uk for more information The FAST Museum is open every weekend and bank holiday Mondays | Opening times 10.00am-4.00pm MUSEUM ENTRANCE FREE • Donations welcome • Wind tunnel and centrifuge tours subject to charge.

FAST MUSEUM, Trenchard House, 85 Farnborough Road, Farnborough GU14 6TF www.airsciences.org.uk | enquiries: secretary@airsciences.org.uk | Tel: 01252 375050

The Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST), a registered charity, was founded in 1993 to preserve and promote Farnborough’s priceless aeronautical heritage – an important educational resource and an internationally significant part of Britain’s scientific progress. Apart from preserving priceless artefacts related to Farnborough’s illustrious aviation history, some of which are on display in the FAST Museum, FAST also campaigns to preserve and promote various aviation-related historic buildings at Farnborough.

The FAST Museum, opened in 2003, is located in the former Royal Engineers’ Balloon School, built in 1907, where the Royal Flying Corps was formed in 1912. It is one of the country’s most historic aviation buildings.

The wind tunnels at Farnborough are some of the few remaining buildings from the world famous Royal Aircraft Establishment.

Saved from demolition by FAST and given listed status, these magnificent buildings were at the forefront of aerodynamic research and development from the early 1930s until 1994.

The RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine human centrifuge, almost unchanged from when it was first commissioned in 1955, played a central role in aviation medicine research during its 64-year life (1955-2019). It was used to gain a better understanding of how G affects the human body and to develop the countermeasures

required to equip RAF fast jet pilots with essential life-support systems.

The wind tunnels and centrifuge are not open to the general public and tours of both are operated exclusively by FAST volunteers with the kind permission of the owners (Farnborough Business Park and Raintree Developments Ltd respectively).

Both tours provide a close look at the facilities and give visitors an opportunity to learn about the varied history, the impressive construction, the purpose of the testing and the critical research work undertaken there.

FAST offers STEM Accredited educational tours of the Museum for all student ages and youth groups, presenting a unique insight into Farnborough’s rich aviation heritage and the fascinating artefacts of our collection. We can also offer educational tours of the wind tunnels and centrifuge. Pre-booked Museum tours by adult groups are also available.

FAST is run entirely by volunteers and is the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. New volunteers are always welcomed - particularly to act as museum guides and to help with the shop and coffee shop during our public opening days. No aviation, technical or engineering knowledge is required for these roles which are a great opportunity to meet other volunteers and interesting visitors from all over the world.

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CONTENTS HELICON CONTACTS OIC

Sqn Ldr Leon Beamish, COS BSW

Editor

MAcr Richard White, 7 Sqn

Email

Ex Dark Lightening Chaplincy Corner RAF Odiham’s Air Traffic Control is Soaring to New Heights!

Ex European Driver RAF Odiham Families Day Mechanical Support Stand Summer Road Safety Village Fitness Test Fundraiser Putting on a show, Eastbourne International Air Show Women in Engineering

ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk

Article Submissions

Please send all articles to: ODI-Helicon@mod.gov.uk

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

The editor assumes article contributors are aware that the magazine has a wide distribution to both Service and Civilian communities and contributors are ultimately responsible for the vetting of their article submissions. The editor also assumes that the contributor has ensured that personnel included in the photographs they provide are aware and have no objection to these images being used in the magazine. Advice on content or preparation of future articles can be obtained by contacting the editor. To this end the Helicon editorial staff endeavour to ensure all articles are suitable for publication. The Helicon is the magazine of RAF Odiham and its intended audience is Station Personnel and their families. It is not an official document and the opinions expressed within it are not those of the MOD, the RAF or the editorial team.

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Editor’s FOREWORD MAcr Richard White

W

ell, that’s two years and six issues that I’ve been editor for, as always time passes pretty quickly at Odiham. The magazine isn’t quite where I’d like it to be, my aim for next year is to improve on the consistency by keeping the regular features in every issue.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all, see you in 2025.

Deadline date for the next issue: 12th Feb 2025 PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ENTRIES FOR THE NEXT ISSUE NO LATER THAN THE DATE STATED ABOVE.

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JOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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@rafodiham @RAF_Odiham @StnCdrRAFOdiham @rafodiham RAF Odiham Website

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ON THE COVER

Chinooks approach Lake Bala as part of ex Dark Lightning 24.

Photo credit: Graeme Livingston PUBLISHED BY: LANCE MEDIA GROUP LTD ADVERTISING: Darren Greenhead Email: darren@lancemediagroup.co.uk Tel: 01536 680414 4 | Helicon

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STATION COMMANDER’S

FOREWORD Gp Capt Sarah Moorehead

I am delighted to have returned to RAF Odiham and taken over as the Station Commander to work alongside Gp Capt Matt Roberts as the Force Commander. My arrival signals one of the stepping stones in the transition to the Wittering Model and the adoption of an air base and an air wing approach, unlocking investment

by Air in our workforce and a funded infrastructure plan.

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he transition is expected to occur no later than April 2025, but organisationally will occur as soon as we are ready and have posts filled by career management. There is still work to do and I know that there are unanswered questions and a sense of unease out there amongst some as change isn’t easy but, having served at Odiham previously and seen the benefit of this model at other MOBs, I am convinced that this is the right path for RAF Odiham and will lead to betterment.

Since my return I have continued to be impressed by the quality of the people; it is clear that everyone is proud of the role they play in enabling Chinook force output and I am immensely impressed by those who make the time to go above and beyond, whether in their primary role, raising money for charity, undertaking sporting activities, supporting our local schools or embracing cultural diversity – it all matters and I am grateful for your efforts. In the forums and bosses brews people have been engaged, curious and have demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of issues that reinforces a selfless drive to improvement for the benefit of all.

The demand for chinooks remains high and in recent

weeks we have had significant numbers of aircraft and personnel deployed on operations and exercises. With an aging fleet and significant workforce gaps the Force Commander and I know that delivery of choice to the Government and meeting these commitments does not come without personal cost. I know many of you have had to reschedule leave and commitments, often at short notice, and I thank each and every one of you (and particularly the families) for your forbearance – it has not gone unnoticed. Your commitment strikes at the very heart of what it is to Serve and the core values of the RAF of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence.

There is plenty to be optimistic about in the near term; the visit of the 160th generated a real buzz about the unit and we should recognise that the new ER Model is now tangibly close – we need to be configured and ready.

The team at the WACC are about to vacate the community centre so that work can commence on the new facility, with anticipation that it will be ready to open in autumn 2025. The infrastructure team are working hard to refine the plan for the next few years that will see improvements across Odiham estate, while in parallel we continue to pursue any

quick wins such as investment in play parks and sports facilities, with the MUGA being recently completed. Looking to 2025 we will celebrate Odiham 100 and a century of aviation at this site, which will be a real collaboration between the station and the wider community; an opportunity to tell our story and with opportunities for all to get involved.

BUT, we mustn’t look too far ahead; firstly and fast

approaching, we have Christmas and the Force Commander and I will do our utmost to protect time with families and give people an opportunity to reset.

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EX DARK LIGHTENING

Ex

DARK LIGHTENING Throughout the month of September, RAF Odiham hosted elements of the US 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment SOAR (Airborne), taking part in an interoperability exercise codenamed Ex DARK LIGHTNING. RAF Odiham, part of Joint Aviation Command, operates the legendary Chinook airframe like our American colleagues. Ex DARK LIGHTNING presents a unique opportunity to train and operate together, learning and developing the best ways of working. These vital experiences help galvanise and enhance this special relationship, critical for the security and prosperity of both nations.

The Exercise began with an eye-catching formation through the London Heli-Lanes, two SOAR Chinooks accompanied by one from RAF Odiham. Following a fortnight of interoperability serials,

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the Exercise culminated in the UK’s first overland Air-to-Air refueling mission, with an MC-130J from RAF Mildenhall supporting as the donor aircraft.

Ex DARK LIGHTNING concluded with a visit to RAF Odiham from senior leaders of both the Royal Air Force and United States Army highlighting the importance of the Exercise for future joint endeavours.”

Group Captain Matt Roberts, Chinook Force Commander, RAF Odiham, said “The Chinook Force has been delighted to work alongside our friends from the US Army over the last month. The drawing together of capabilities, and the sharing of ideas, will be critical in enhancing the operational readiness of both nations. We look forward to further interoperability opportunities to strengthen the relationship between the UK and US Chinook Forces.”

CHAPLAINCY CORNER

Chaplaincy Since we last wrote, it has been a busy time for Chaplaincy at RAF Odiham.

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s well as the usual events in the life of the church, the Chaplains are always engaged in making contact with and assisting with the welfare of SP at Odiham. The Chaplaincy Team have been heavily engaged in discussions around ‘resilience’ in the context of our lives here at Odiham. One way has been to involve SP in Resilience Walks, the idea being that SP take a

"" The Padres are able to assist if you wish to be married here at St George and St Michael’s or you wish to have your child baptised.

day out from their usual work to join together with participants who may not be known to each other and enjoy a walk, meal and conversation together.

We were able to secure funding from different church organisations which has enables us to run 4 walks this year and provide the money for SP to be able to enjoy a meal out together. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere of these walks has enabled many to enjoy the company of others and start to understand the meaning of resilience and how it can help with our emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

We hope to run more walks in the future but because the walks can obviously be affected by the weather, we hope to prepare an alternative activity which can be linked to learning about resilience and create a system of support that can be easily accessed by those who are looking for help with emotional issues. If you feel that this is something that might benefit you, please look out for the sign-up sheets on the Chaplaincy Sharepoint page.

The Chaplaincy Centre has become very popular for parties and other events. The church hall is a great venue for children’s parties as we have an outside fenced play area and kitchen facilities. We have also hosted a Mehendi event where the hall was decorated beautifully and even Padre Dawn was able to join in the festivities by getting a henna tattoo! We regularly have meetings of the Mother’s Union, Military Wives Choir and the RAF Odiham 1827 Sqn Air Cadets evenings. We still have capacity though to host other events so if you require a place to meet, please send us an enquiry.

The Padres are able to assist if you wish to be married here at St George and St Michael’s or you wish to have your child baptised. We also have links to local churches if you wish to find out more about the Christian faith. We hope to be able to host an Alpha Course in the near future which is for those who are interested in exploring life’s questions in a relaxed setting.

If you need to speak to a Chaplain, please contact the clerk at the church office (07812703695) in order to make an appointment.

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AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL Group Capt Paul Hamilton. This was achieved by winning 7/11 boxing matches in 5 months and winning the inter-services UKAFs Elite Middleweight Championship belt at Aldershot, against full-time Navy and Army opponents – all whilst training to become an endorsed controller.

RAF Odiham’s Air Traffic Control

is Soaring to New Heights!

The past year has been an exhilarating whirlwind of changes at RAF Odiham ATC. With a fresh lineup of talented personnel, cutting-edge technology, and more sporting events than ever, the team is flying higher than ever before.

Meet the Team New Faces, New Energy 2024 has seen Sqn Ldr Emma Gilbert take over as Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, posted in from RAF High Wycombe in June, she’s championing a “bring back the fun” ethos.

The team now has a vibrant mix of fresh talent: Fg Off Sanju Ghale, and Sgts Eoin McDonnell and Cameron Lewis have recently finished their Joint Air Traffic Controller Course (JATCC) at RAF Shawbury and are racing towards full endorsements at Odiham.

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Holding Officers Fg Off Jess Dennington and Plt Off Fleur Howcroft, as well as Sgt Ben Harvey are on deck after finishing trg as an Air and Space Ops Specialist (ASOS) – they will be working as ASOS whilst awaiting to start JATCC in 2025.

Fg Off Rose Mackay is awaiting Flight Ops Officer Ph2 and as she was a trained ASOS before commissioning, is further bolstering the ASOS team.

Sport No Slowing Down ATC is not just about air traffic—it’s also about teamwork and fitness. Sports mornings have made a comeback, with everything from badminton to coached boxing sessions by resident boxing coaches Flt Lt Alicia Morgan and Sgt Cameron Lewis. Speaking of boxing,

ATC’s roster includes some serious athletes. Sgt Lewis, in addition to his ATC duties, has become a force in the boxing ring, racking up wins and championships across the UK. He was recently awarded the RAF Boxing Association Chairman’s Commendation and the Team Managers award, presented by

But the sports stars don’t stop there. AS1 Jonny Heslop dominated the RAF Table Tennis Champs, winning multiple titles, such as the Hard Bat Singles Winner, U25 Winner, Men’s Doubles Winner, and Men’s Singles Winner. On top of this, he helped take home 2 awards for Station events - the Inter-Station A Cup Winner and Station Pairs Winner. Meanwhile Cpl Danny Hedley cycled his way onto both the RAF and UK Armed Forces Mens’ Road Cycling Teams – he is regularly selected for the teams and places in the top five of Inter-Service Road Race and Circuit Race Championships.

He also came agonisingly close to winning the RAF Road Race Championships this year too. Odiham ATC is definitely punching above its weight in RAF sports!

Adventure and Training Action-Packed Days Thanks to the influx of new personnel, there’s been an explosion of adventurous training opportunities. From Plt Off Howcroft’s Alpine Eagle trip, learning the ropes of Klettersteig in Germany, to Fg Off Dennington’s educational trip to the Greenwich Maritime Museum, the ATC team are getting out of the tower and into the action.

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL

in capability. This centralised model eliminates the need for radar staff to be dispersed over a wide geographic area, fosters improved co-ordination, and allows for future optimisation.

And let’s not forget the upcoming physical challenges kayaking, ice-skating, and a fourday staff ride in Malta planned for just before Christmas. If that’s not enough, ATC personnel recently helped raise over £7,000 for the RAFA Wings Appeal fundraising in London - proving that the ATC team know how to balance work, play, and community service.

Tech Overhaul Enter Project Marshall The tower has seen some massive changes in equipment and procedures, thanks to the introduction of Project Marshall in 2022 - a £1.9 Billion investment in Military Air Traffic equipment throughout the whole Defence estate, at home and abroad.

The approach control room radar operatives from Odiham moved to a centralised Terminal Air Traffic Control Centre (TATCC) at RAF Brize Norton to create a ‘hub’ concept of Air Traffic Service delivery, working alongside radar operatives from RAF Benson and eventually MOD Boscombe Down.

Alongside the transition to TATCC, controllers have been trained in the Thales TopSky display for the first time. The exploitation of feeds from cutting-edge STAR-NG and WAM surveillance sensors represents a huge stride forward

But the tech boost doesn’t end there. Odiham is the only RAF ATC tower equipped with an impressive Visual Simulator (VISSIM), offering personnel realistic, 360-degree training scenarios that simulate everything from take-offs to emergency situations. The cutting-edge technology facilitates learning in a realistic but safe environment; meaning when it comes to the real thing, personnel are as prepared as possible. This capability has seen training time reduce by 50% and is a trailblazer for potential role out to all RAF ATC Sqns.

Exercise DARK LIGHTNING, this team works hard behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.

And what better way to reward that hard work than with a BBQ to show appreciation for all of ATC’s commitment to teamwork, fun, and keeping morale high.

With new faces, thrilling sports victories, cutting-edge technology, and plenty of fun along the way, RAF Odiham’s ATC is a hub of activity. From the skies to the sports field, they’re proving that when it comes to excellence, the sky’s the limit!

Spotlight on Success Odiham’s ATC team doesn’t just keep the skies safe; they’re at the heart of the station’s biggest events. From managing the airspace during Families Day 2024, to ensuring the smooth arrival of American aircraft for

The delivery of this complex and highly technical project has required significant crossfunctional effort from teams within DE&S, 2 Group Battlespace Management and Aquila.

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Our historic Garden restaurant and Oak Lounge are open for all day dining, serving a seasonal menu for both lunch and dinner as well as afternoon tea. The Garden Restaurant is also available for weekday breakfasts, private lunches and events.

A newly refurbished meeting and event space which opened in the September 2023 includes state-of-the-art conference facilities and studio space. With meetings rooms available from as 2 to 122 delegates. It is a wonderful space for weddings and parties - all accessed by a short walk through the idyllic grounds of the hotel.

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Situated in the heart of Farnham’s historic town centre but with private parking and nestled within its own private gardens, we offer a warm welcome and respite from the hustle and bustle of Farnham’s high street.

The Armed Forces defend the nation, I am proud of them and they have my full support.

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It is rewarding and interesting to learn, is good for self-defence and good health. As you ascend through the system, your martial arts skills and inner strength increase.

Wing Chun can help you improve your coordination, enable you to gain greater physical confidence and develop your focus and determination.

Training in Wing Chun is a way of self-development as well as a way of self-defence. What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

As well as building up your martial arts skills, you also build determination, focus, concentration and a deeper awareness of yourself and your interactions with the world around you.

Wing Chun is compact, efficient and practical, quick to learn and easy to apply.

Paul teaches Wing Chun every Monday 19:00 – 20:30 at the Selborne Village Hall.

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EX EUROPEAN DRIVER

“This exercise has taught me the essential skills and knowledge to dealing with general driving across Europe.

I enjoyed the ferry crossing and the euro train as it was something I have never experienced before and will now have a good understanding of how it works for future deployments/ Exercises.”

AS1 Clark

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EX EUROPEAN DRIVER

Ex

EUROPEAN DRIVER PROLOGUE Since the cease of the EDOT Flight at 2 MT Sqn, Logistic Drivers have lost access to valuable driver training programmes. This change has significantly impacted Logistic Drivers’ ability to receive comprehensive training tailored to operational settings across European regions. In the absence of this training, our drivers will face challenges in staying abreast of European driving standards, potentially affecting their safety, compliance and operational efficiency.

Ex EUROPEAN DRIVER is a driver training initiative tailored to the intricacies of driving overseas with a particular focus on France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Presenting drivers with first-hand experience in convoy driving overseas, handling Eurotunnel/ Port control, navigating border crossings and the diverse driving styles prevalent in multiple European regions. Exposure “Ex EUROPEAN DRIVER has given me the experience of driving different sizes and categories of vehicles overseas in various European countries. It came with its challenges off the bat like the obvious one of driving on the other side of the road in a right-hand drive vehicle and then also having to adapt to the ways in which the people of the different nations drive on their roads.

It has giving me an understanding and confidence of how to operate a vehicle in the future if I go overseas whether with the RAF or in my own time.”

AS1 Hanratty

to different traffic rules, road conditions and cultural nuances will develop a level of versatility and confidence, especially for Chinook Force personnel who may need to function in an operational capacity within and even outside the confines of mainland Europe.

THE CONCEPT The concept was much more than just a real time application of driving around Europe but to start to build the foundations of leadership alongside a proactive mentorship. Developing a culture where leaders are both followers and teachers, perpetuating a cycle of growth and resilience solidified by prevalent teaching objectives.

Right from the off there were difficulties and hurdles to push through to get this off the ground but after an ambitious push and last-minute financial approval, the ten-day initiative was a go. A team of eight military personnel in four vehicles from RAF Odiham embarked on a journey negotiating over 2000-miles of road. The route itself took us from the UK to Rouen, Normandy and Metz in France, through the border crossing point into Germany, passing through Giessen, Berlin and Diepholz. The final part saw transit though another border crossing, this time into the Netherlands to transit back to the UK shores by sea. The final push was from Hull back to RAF Odiham.

TAKING THE LEAD An aspect of Ex EUROPEAN DRIVER was the rotating leads. Each participant had the opportunity to lead the convoy for a day, responsible for route planning, vehicle management and ensuring the safety and cohesion of the group. A practical experience of leadership under varying conditions giving exposure to difficulties you may face when operating in unfamiliar settings and dealing with different situations that can’t be predicted. Another benefit of this was to introduce individuals to the concept of public speaking in a structured manner.

EMBRACING THE CULTURE Although there was no formal Force Development planned, the idea was to incorporate the model within, gaining some exposure to the intense military history and cultural aspects within some of the European regions. This was done alongside core business by driving to locations in Normandy and Berlin.

Two regions steeped in military history, personnel delivered tenminute talks at prominent historical sites, drawing parallels between the past and the present, highlighting how these lessons can contribute to current operations around the world from the perspective of Logistics and Air Power.

The common premise of resilience, strategic planning, adaptability, innovation and logistical efficiency were at the forefront of discussion at St Mere Eglise, Utah Beach and Arromanches-les-Bains. The Bayeux War Cemetery was a solemn reminder to the sacrifices made during the Second World War, the poignant rows of white headstones set against the serene landscape, offering a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring importance of remembrance.

Berlin bridged the gap between history and modernity, showing that the lessons of the past are not confined to a Exercise European Driver has proved to be an invaluable training initiative, significantly bolstering participants’ skills and readiness for operational tasks within mainland Europe.

The integration of leadership development and historical education further enriched the experience, laying a robust foundation for future logistical operations. The estimated cost of approximately £22,000 was reduced by nearly two-thirds to achieve the final cost of £8,495.87.

This expense appears to be negligible in comparison to the substantial benefits it provides in terms of operational readiness, leadership development,

“Exercise European driver was brilliant as I got to learn new skills, I have more knowledge and awareness that I can now take into my driving and my role that I contribute towards the RAF. I learnt and got to experience how to get on and off of the Eurotunnel train, how to drive safely and accordingly on the opposite side of the road as well as how to board and disembark from the ferry.

We had many challenges to overcome but as a team we kept pushing forward and made it around Europe safely. Overall, it was a good experience and I have gained more confidence going into my job role in the RAF.” AS1 Drew Cutting set place in time but are very much relevant in the society of today. These were explored at Brandenburg Gate, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Checkpoint Charlie and Topography of Terror.

CONCLUSION The benefits of Ex EUROPEAN DRIVER extended beyond the exercise itself, providing invaluable real time application of experience in a controlled yet challenging environment.

All involved have said they are feeling more confident in their abilities and are better prepared to operate in unfamiliar settings out of the norm. Ultimately, this initiative lays a solid foundation across the spectrum in the form of leadership, resilience, cultural awareness and the ability to operate in the capacity as expected as a Logs (MTD) in the fullest extent. awareness of Service history and team cohesion.

Cpl Carter and the MT T&L team at RAF Odiham have surpassed expectations in the launch of this initiative. The trip was a resounding success due to the exceptional performance, true professionalism and consistent positive attitudes of both the instructors and students.

I eagerly anticipate the securement of a funding line for future enrolments to prepare our SP for driving overseas, providing GLOC support to DOBs whether exercising, or operationally deploying.

Sgt Andy Houston SNCO MT T&L

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FAMILIES’ DAY

Families’ Day Mechanical Transport Stand RAF Odiham

The Mechanical Transport (MT) stand at RAF Odiham Families Day was a resounding success.

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S1 Atkinson and AS1 Scott orchestrated a large and impressive display for visiting families who showed great interest in the operational vehicles that were on display.

They were also given the opportunity to look inside the vehicles and get a true feel of an MT Driver’s perspective, learning about the controls and understanding the vehicle’s capabilities.

The main talking point was the fully camouflaged Land Rover showcasing the ability of being able to reman hidden from the enemy when in a tactical environment. Next to the Land Rover were two MAN Support Vehicles (SV), firstly the 15T vehicle showcasing the onboard crane’s capability of being able to pick up a variety of equipment which was backed up by a written report from Ex SWIFT RESPONSE 24, any questions were comprehensively answered

by AS1 Scott who had firsthand experience of the exercise

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offering a great talking point for all that visited the display.

Following the 15T was the 6T SV, the smallest of the SV platforms.

Visiting families were impressed by the overall size and capabilities of all the vehicles.

Throughout the day, the MT display engaged and appealed to visitors of all ages and there to oversee and answer any questions were AS1 Atkinson and AS1 Scott both showing great enthusiasm to answer questions and be able to break down the vehicles with detailed explanations that all could understand. Taking pride in showcasing their trade and how they maintain operational effectiveness both on the road and in the field.

The remarkable backdrop for the display was the 40ft low-loader carrying a 9T MAN SV leaving many in awe. The vehicle itself standing tall and became somewhat of a magnet for visitors and gained a deep appreciation for the loading process, explained in detail by

both MTDs who were responsible for the loading and transportation of the vehicle to the display site.

The overall stand was extremely impressive and highlighted the strength and capability of carrying a large variety of equipment and personnel both in the UK and Overseas.

In summary, the MT display at RAF Odiham’s Families Day could be seen as an exhibition. It

was interactive and showcased the strength and capability that underpins military logistics.

By opening up the vehicles to visiting families, the MT Flight demonstrated their operational excellence but also inspired a potential new generation to appreciate the critical role of Mechanical Transport maintaining security and professionalism both on the road and in the field.

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4.5NM East of the Manchester Low Level Corridor ‘Helicopter Training Area’ with sloping ground Helicon | 15

SUMMER ROAD SAFETY VILLAGE

Summer Road Safety Village July 2024 Stay Vigilant – MT Promotes Road Safety Initiative.

Road Safety incidents pose the greatest risk to life for Defence personnel.

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L

ife in the military can be full-on and sometimes road safety can slip down the list. With summer in full swing driver safety took centre stage at RAF Odiham’s first-ever summer road safety village on July 4th 2024. The event aimed to boost everyone’s road safety know-how, while offering a fun hands-on look at how emergency response units work in action.

The line-up impressive!

The traffic police rolled in with unmarked cars, police bikes and a camera van, while Kwik Fit provided safety checks and a driving simulator for a bit of

friendly competition. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance also joined the fun, setting up a gazebo and showing off their medical car.

The base was well-represented too, with stands from the station’s medical centre and first responders, fire section and RAF police.

Highlights included a Biker Down stand with essential bike safety tips, an HGV blind spot demo and Beer goggles driving experience that had everyone engaged.

It all wasn’t all learning however, and there was plenty of fun to be had! A bake sale and main gate collection help rise over £300 for the Air Ambulance, proving that safety and community spirit go hand in hand.

Through creative activities and a collaborative team effort, the event left a lasting impact on the base community, reminding everyone that road safety doesn’t have to be a dry subject!

FITNESS TEST

Fitness Test Fundraiser Following our recent support of a new multiuse games area (MUGA) at RAF Odiham, the PTIs decided to give back by organising a Fitness Test Challenge to raise money for the RAF Central Fund.

E

arlier this month, five members of the PEd flight completed an RAF Fitness Test to the highest green standard every hour, on the hour, for 24-hours.

As well as being able to donate towards the event, spectators could also sponsor the PTIs to complete challenges in fancy dress, including characters such as Captain America, Batman, a turkey and more. During the event they also hosted a raffle and games

to raise even more money.

Completing their challenge the following morning, the team managed to rack up a staggering 9,960 shuttle runs, 4,200 sit ups and 2,400 press ups between them!

A massive THANK YOU to Cpl Jack Rogers, Cpl Luke Bushnell, Cpl Johnny Jenkins, Sgt Michael Barnes and Sgt Christopher Goodwin for being such great sports and raising over £1,000 for our charity!

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PUTTING ON A SHOW

Putting on a Show Eastbourne International Air Show

14-18 August 2024

The RAF Odiham Catering team showcased an outstanding and dynamic contribution at the Eastbourne Air Show, providing an engaging and interactive experience from August 14 to August 18, 2024.

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nder the leadership of Cpl Taylor, the dedicated team delivered a remarkable array of live demonstrations, catering to thousands of spectators over the four-day event. Their diverse and impressive lineup included live cooking displays, Operational Ration Packs (ORP) demonstrations, an elegant fine dining setup, napkin folding tutorials, and captivating canapé and cocktail preparation demonstrations. Each team member was meticulously dressed in attire reflective of their

18 | Helicon

specific roles, representing the wide range of duties performed by chefs and Air Ground Stewards (AGS) within the RAF. One of the highlights of the team’s involvement was the live cooking segment, which took place in a format reminiscent of “Saturday Kitchen Live.” Equipped with a microphone and PA system, the team engaged the audience as they hosted the demos, discussing the range of cuisines being prepared.

Each team member actively participated, interacting with the crowd and answering questions, which added an extra layer of entertainment and educational value to the event.

The Catering team’s display not only drew in large crowds but also garnered glowing feedback from event organisers. Sqn Ldr Nige Bell stated, “In my nine years of supporting Recruitment and Selection (R&S) events, this was by far the best display I’ve seen from a supporting unit, by a country mile. The Catering

Display was truly the icing on the cake—no pun intended.

Over the four days, the team engaged with many members of the public, several of whom have already shown interest in pursuing Catering careers with the RAF. My thanks go out to WO Radford and the entire team for their dedication and generosity in putting on such a fantastic show.

Beyond their culinary demonstrations, the RAF Odiham Catering team also made a meaningful impact by offering food samples to more than 1,500 members of the general public.

These tasters, made during the live cooking demonstrations, were well-received and provided an opportunity for the team to raise charitable donations in support of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA). Thanks to their efforts, the team raised £395 over the course of the weekend, contributing to the event’s overall total of £26,000 raised for the charity, excluding additional funds generated by other RAFA stands at the air show.

""

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

This was by far the best display I’ve seen from a supporting unit, by a country mile. The Catering Display was truly the icing on the cake

Women in Engineering where I met an array of people that I otherwise wouldn’t of had the opportunity to.

ACKNOWLEDGING THE TEAM The success of the RAF Odiham Catering team’s display would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of each member.

The team’s participants included: WO Julian Radford, FS Andy Epps, Cpl Chris Taylor (Lead), Cpl Chris Binney, Cpl Alice Lineker, Cpl Jess Murfin, AS1 Dave Collazos and AS1 Pun Nirupan. Their commitment, professionalism, and enthusiasm created a lasting impression on both the public and event organizers, reinforcing the importance of the RAF’s culinary and hospitality expertise.

SUMMARY In all, the RAF Odiham Catering team’s contribution to the Eastbourne Air Show was a shining example of how the RAF engages with the public, while also demonstrating the diverse skill sets and roles within the organization.

Their culinary skills and community-focused efforts left a lasting impact, not only by showcasing the possibilities within RAF Catering careers but also by raising vital funds for a worthy cause.

Cpl Chris Taylor

GEE I choose to join the Royal Airforce to follow on from other members of my family. I choose to be an Aircraft Tech (Mech) for the apprenticeship. I didn’t want to go to university and wanted to learn a trade that was hands on and useful for later in life, and the RAF apprenticeship gave me the skills and experience I would need. A highlight of my career for me is being apart of the team that fixed a 6-month-old APU fault whilst out on operational deployment to aid in vital overseas missions.

My most memorable deployment would have to be an R1 shout to Eastern Europe, where we worked closely with US forces,

IMOGEN I decided to join the Royal Air force for the apprenticeship opportunities as there are fewer within the civilian world. Joining as an Aircraft Tech (mech) has allowed me to work towards a level 3 diploma, this has allowed me to work on hand skills and gain experience needed for later life. A highlight of my career would be going on my first detachment to America and experience what its like to work as a small team.

HANNAH I joined the RAF as an Aircraft Tech (mech) to further my aircraft knowledge, increase my hand skills and working within different conditions. To date I’ve been able to work on 2 air frames, at either ends of the country. A highlight of my career would be the opportunities that I have had to operate with different nations.

Helicon | 19

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