What’s Going On? Summer 2025

July - Sep 30 Sqn Summer Update

 Another busy Summer for the Sqn as we now transition into the poorer weather months and shorter days. 30 Sqn took full advantage of the long (and actually quite hot!) UK summer period by attempting to spend as much time abroad as possible. Those who were stuck at home still managed to capitalise on a beautiful summer for Low Level trips which also provided great photographic content for spotters along the way.

Summer para kicked off with several of the Sqn members heading out to the US to conduct High Alt Para across 3 consecutive exercises. The other half of the Sqn headed on Exercise Mobility Guardian, a multinational exercise, combining multiple disciplines, including Air Drop, MEDEVAC serials and route training across a plethora of locations and countries, including Guam, Japan and South Korea. US CDS was air dropped from a UK A400M for the first time and the exercise also tested various other logistics and sustainment elements that underpin operational success across the Indo-Pacific’s vast distances.

On a more operational footing, July saw members of the Sqn deploy for another Gaza Humanitarian Air Drop after starvation worries hit the news. Unfortunately, the Government didn’t give the green light to launch, but the Sqn was ready.

Back in the UK, several Low-Level Para sorties took place at Weston-On-The-Green. Not the most interesting 12-minute flight from Brize to Weston, however the trips allowed several 16 Air Assault lunatics to throw themselves out a perfectly serviceable aircraft several times in the day and night. This capability has been missing since the retirement of the Swindon Bin Van (cheek! - Ed) and 16X have (hopefully) enjoyed receiving some newly qualified jumpers. Our resident BBMF Pilot ‘JJ’ enjoyed a summer touring the UK and Europe with the Lancaster, including several flypasts winning thousands of hearts and minds. 30 Sqn also hosted their “Families Day”, which unfortunately was cancelled last year. This year had 350 in attendance with trips in the simulators, live flights on the aircraft and several opportunities to show off the best Squadron and aircraft in the RAF.

 The end of the summer saw three exercises happen concurrently which allowed plenty of opportunities for Sqn Pers. Ex COBRA WARRIOR, the joint UK CAMAO exercise that involved several A400 missions. Ex VOLFA, a French CAMAO exercise that allowed integration between French, Canadian and UK elements, as well as allowing our French Exchange Officer an opportunity to get back to his motherland. Finally, Ex BERSAMA LIMA, a 5-Power Nation Defence Arrangement exercise in Malaysia. A first for UK A400M flying low level, exploring some beautiful jungle scenery. Crews also managed to explore the beautiful views of Kuala Lumpur from a Helipad on top of Skyscraper, which also happened to be a bar!

Till next time,

 Jamie

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