What’s Going on? March/April 25

The months of March & April continue to show 30 Sqn (and maybe a bit of our brothers and sisters on 70 Sqn as well) as the RAF’s workhorses, if horses could carry 40T of kit North/South/East/West around the globe!

One of the higher profile Exercises was Ex WARFIGHTER, an exercise comprised of over 800 personnel from the United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom who completed a 5-day computer simulated Command Post Exercise II (CPX II). Multinational war fighters of III Armoured Corps, 1st Division (France), 3rd United Kingdom Division, and 10th Panzer Division synchronized across multiple nodes stateside and overseas rehearsed combined arms operations in response to enemy threats in a virtual combat zone. Of-course only made possible by the humping and dumping of kit from the premier method of air transport.

Preparation for Op HIGHMAST, the UKs Carrier Strike Group voyage has filled the tasking lines and will do for the next few months allowing several crews to explore some new and exotic destinations – Singapore Slings anyone?

Training highlights include down in the Falkands, a Block 24 was dropped at Goose Green and back in the UK, the Sqn completed its first Military Operating Standard (MOS) training to select crews as A400 continues to develop and provide more options than ever before.

Its not all been “all work, no play” though with several members of the Sqn able to conduct Adventurous Training in Tignes, France. The exercise challenged participants with Alpine skiing while developing self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills. It also developed those same skills in the Après bars in the evenings! Good fun and valuable development for all involved.

Two members of 30 Sqn were also able to attend a staff ride to Berlin. During the trip they laid a wreath at the grave of a 30 Sqn engineer who was POW from the Malame campaign. It was an important opportunity to be reminded of those who have been before us under the Sqn standard. 

And finally, the long-awaited Sqn Association Day at Brize Norton took place. The day comprised of a presentation from OC 30 on the progress of the Sqn, a static visit of the A400M, and a demonstration in the simulator where the association members had the chance to fly the sim with an experienced QFI. OC 30 was also presented with a new 30 Sqn Association flag. A great day to foster that relationship between the Sqn and the Association. Not sure what next years visit will entail – maybe have the Association committee para dropped into the Sqn bar? (other suggestions are welcomed) (No, that’s a good on Jamie - Ed!)

All for now,

Jamie

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