The Magazine of RAF Brize Norton - Issue 5, 2018 - Royal Air Force
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Issue 5, 2018 The Magazine of RAF Brize Norton
Issue 5, 2018 The Magazine of RAF Brize Norton Deter, Defend, Defeat, Assist
4 Commander’s Message
5 Editor's Foreword
Issue 5, 2018 The Magazine of RAF Brize Norton 6 51 Degrees North Writing Competition
22 RAF Police Support civilian police
Operation in Swindon to target
News illegal drug use
24 Falcons’ Focus
7 No 10 Squadron Commander
Handover
7 The Learning Centre’s Open
Day
8 Royal Bahraini Air Force complete
training at No XXIV Squadron
10 Ten years of the Future Strategic Tanker
Aircraft
11 No 10 Squadron Association celebrate
RAF100
12 RAF Brize Norton celebrate RAF100
with Nationwide Building Society
Charity
26 RAF Brize Norton inspires
students during a Blue Skies visit
27 JET - Jon Egging Trust
28 VC10 Preservation Group
Editor 30 99 Squadron ‘Orange Slog’
Sqn Ldr Mark Taylor Bike Ride for RAF100 from Brize
Norton - Landsmeer Holland
Deputy Editor Community
Flt Lt Dave Coombs 32 The HIVE
32 Visiting Agencies
Magazine Co-Ord 33 RAF Brize Norton Voluntary Band
34 47 Squadron at the Abingdon
Flt Lt Sarah Margetts
Airshow
36 Community Support Deployed
Media Team Team Families trip to the Cotswold
Mrs Stacey Evans 18 Time for a Digital Spring Clean Wildlife Park
Mrs Leanne King 20 RAF Brize Norton - Mental Health 37 Sudoku
First Aid Training Adventure & Sport
21 Padre’s Peace
Editorial Contact 40 Brize Norton PEd Flt
51° North Magazine, 42 RAF Brize Norton Cyclist
RAF Brize Norton, presented with National Jersey
Submitting your Article
Carterton, Oxfordshire OX18 3LX We can help you in developing your article for the magazine. The following contacts are on hand to
assist you in planning, writing and publishing your piece;
Email: bzn-51degreesnorth@mod.gov.uk
Sqn Ldr Mark Taylor - Editor ext. 7930 Mr Simon Clarke – Web Manager ext. 6492
Tel: 95 461 7930 / 01993 897930 Flt Lt Dave Coombs - Contributions Editor ext. 7880 Mrs Leanne King – Deputy Media
Flt Lt Sarah Margetts - Magazine Co-ord ext. 7414 Communications Officer ext. 7264
Mrs Stacey Evans - Deputy Media and Stephen Lympany - Serco Photgraphy ext. 7523
Distribution Manager Communications Officer ext 6342
FS Becky Hall
You should aim for your article to be between 600 and 800 words in length, with a high resolution picture
bzn-51degreesnorth-distribmgr@mod.gov.uk
over 1MB for every 100 words you write. You should ensure that personnel/activities in photos are named
and that you provide the author’s details in case we require any more information. Send your completed
articles to BZN-51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every
effort to publish as many of them as possible.
Although advertisements are included in good faith, the Editor hereby declares that the publication of any advertisement in the ‘51° North’ in no way implies endorsements or responsibility, by the ‘51° North’. The MOD
or any Service Establishment - including RAF Brize Norton, for the advertiser or its advertised product or service. Furthermore, neither the Editor nor any Service authority will become involved in any dispute arising out
of any advertisement appearing in the ‘51° North’.The ‘51° North’ is not an official publication; unless specifically stated otherwise, all views expressed in the ‘51° North’ are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily
reflect official MOD or Service policy. © No part of the ‘51° North’ may be reproduced in part or full without the written permission of the Editor or publisher. Photographs are Crown Copyright - all rights reserved - unless
credited to an individual photographer. The ‘51° North’ is the magazine of RAF Brize Norton and is published monthly by kind permission of the Station Commander - Group Captain Timothy T Jones BSc (Hons) MA RAF
© No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith.
Published by Forces and Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994 email: sales@forcespublishing.co.uk
Managing director: Ron Pearson • Sub editor: Kerry Wells • Sales manager: Sally Haynes
COMMANDER’S MESSAGE
With the summer months
finally here, we are all
due some reasons to start
feeling good about life!
One of the things that I
am most excited about is
the transformation of the
Spotlight Club into the
Common Room, including
a new outdoor ‘street food’
area. It is a transformation
from a facility that, if we
are honest, was feeling a
bit like 1971 into one that
is now definitely looking
like 2018. With access for
all ranks each weekday
until 7pm (Junior Ranks
contribute to the operational expeditionary capability and who want to make a difference
only after 7pm), it is great output of the Station. It is something that we can be very and speak directly with the
sign of the investment that sometimes easy to focus on the proud of. Station’s leadership, please ask
aircraft that relentlessly deliver your chain of command how to
Sodexo are putting into get involved.
against each of the pillars of In the same vein, the Station
the new catering contract our mission: Deter, Defend, Shadow Management Board is
Defeat, Assist. However, this becoming ever more useful to RAF Brize Norton is a special
on Station. The challenge
month I have been particularly me as a Station Commander place in its uniqueness across
now is for the Junior Ranks impressed with the manner to understand the issues that Defence and we, collectively,
Welfare Committee to step in which 38 Expeditionary really matter. If I ran the Station have to make sure that we
Air Wing, our deployable based only on my own insights, keep it a special place by giving
up and get engaged in element, has prepared itself I would probably get it 10% people the opportunities to do
making the very most of for its validation exercise at right. So having the views of a things that other people can’t.
RAF Leeming. The EAW draws group of people from a cross- That is why the opportunities
the facility; let’s not miss people from across the Station section of ranks and ages has such as speaking to influential
the opportunity. and, therefore, is a good been important in helping us senior people who visit the
barometer for the talent we make decent decisions that take Station are so important. So my
This month has, once again, hold. As we saw on Operation account of the needs across final message is this: be part of
been full of examples of people RUMAN, the EAW is an essential the Station. I listen to these the change by using your voice
going over and above to part of the Air Mobility Shadow Boards, so for those to speak up as much as you can!
4
EDITOR'S FOREWORD
Hello and welcome to this edition of 51 Degrees North. Can you believe it’s
June and we are already on issue 5?
We have tried to cover as much as we can in this edition, but as always, we are just
skimming the surface of what happens at Brize. I strongly encourage you to get involved
with as much as you can, there is so much on offer, for example, the Learning Centre
Open day (P7) provided station personnel with information on how they can undertake
additional learning and development. This is but one of the opportunities at Brize.
RAF100 celebrations are in full swing and on the 10 July, the centrepiece of RAF100 will
take place with a centenary service in Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade in The Mall
and a spectacular flypast over Buckingham palace, which RAF Brize Norton will be heavily
contributing to. We will cover Brize’s involvement in a future edition.
It looks like Summer is going to be a real scorcher, so I hope you can find time to enjoy it
and take time out to rest and recover.
Please keep us informed of what you are up to.
Take care and all the very best.
Sqn Ldr Mark Taylor
51DN Editor
Flt Lt Dave Coombs Flt Lt Sarah Margetts FS Becky Hall Mrs Stacey Evans
5
51 Degrees
North
Writing
Competition
Winner of the Competition is Squadron Leader Ian Baldwin for his article on a Digital Spring Clean.
6
Handover
N
EW
S
On the 15th May 2018, Wing Commander Simon
Blackwell handed over command of No 10
Squadron to Wing Commander Al Scott.
During Wg Cdr Blackwell’s tenure in the Voyager
Force he has seen the final phase of the aircraft’s
introduction into Service along with an expansion in
the number of trained Voyager crews. He has also had
responsibility for the introduction of the enhanced
cabin capability onto Voyager and the associated VIP
cabin service; a prestigious role for the Voyager Force
which returned to RAF Brize Norton after a 15 year
absence. Wing Commander Blackwell leaves RAF Brize
Norton to become Personal Staff Officer to Deputy
Commander Capability and Air Member for Personnel
and Capability at Air Command.
Wing Commander Al Scott has just completed his
conversion to the Voyager aircraft. Familiar to the
Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling role his first
assignment to RAF Brize Norton was in the year Atlantic; he has undertaken staff assignments at Air Command
2000 and he has never been too far away since. He has flown in Manning, the Capability area and within HQ No 1 Group. Last
and instructed on the VC10 and Tucano aircraft, participating year he completed the Advanced Command and Staff course at
in operations and exercises in the USA, Middle East and South Shrivenham.
The Learning Centre’s Open Day provides
Opportunity For Further Education
In April the Learning Centre at RAF Brize Norton
hosted an annual Open Day. This year 16 learning
providers attended ranging from Universities, Local
Colleges and Learning providers. The aim is to provide
service personnel and civil servants with opportunities
to engage in Adult Learning leading to potential career
progression and obtaining professional qualifications.
Numerous discussion’s where held between potential students
and learning providers to understand what courses are available
and how to access MOD funding such as the Standard/ Enhanced
learning Credit schemes for the military and for Civil Servants the
external training budget.
The Learning Centre has an extensive library of course literature,
so please pop in and discuss with the Learning Centre team.
7
A Bahraini Pilot completes his pre-flight checks.
Royal Bahraini Air Force
Personnel Complete Training
at No. XXIV Squadron
Personnel from the Royal Bahraini
Air Force (RBAF) have been training
at No. XXIV Squadron (also known as
No. 24 Squadron), based at RAF Brize
Norton.
The four Bahraini personnel - two pilots
and two Loadmasters - began their training
at RAF Cranwell, where they spent six
months undergoing their multi-engine
training and then a further three months of
intense theory and practical training at XXIV
Squadron.
Lieutenant Colonel Alwazzan, RBAF said:
“The training has been hard work but we have
thoroughly enjoyed our time here at RAF Brize
Norton and I look forward to passing the
course.”
The two pilots completed their final
three-hour training sortie on 9th May 2018
under the watchful eye of Flight Lieutenant
Walker, a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI),
XXIV Squadron. The RBAF personnel will The Bahraini Pilots and Loadmaster with XXIV Squadron personnel before their flight on a C-130
now return to Bahrain to be the first Hercules.
trained Pilots for the C-130J Hercules, with No. 45 Squadron at RAF Cranwell on
Wing Commander Gareth Burdett, Officer
ahead of the delivery of their aircraft. The multi-engine training and culminating here
Commanding No. XXIV Squadron, said:
two Loadmasters will continue their on the AM OCU with their final test in the
“I’m delighted to be able to celebrate the
training on the Squadron with the mighty Hercules. Bahrain is an important
graduation of Lieutenant Colonel Alwazzan
aim of completing their training in and close ally of the UK and XXIV Squadron is
and Major Alshami of the RBAF from the
June 2018. Further Bahraini Pilots proud to be able to support the International
bespoke Bahraini C-130J Conversion Course,
will follow in their colleagues’ Defence Training Team. It has been an
delivered at XXIV Squadron, the Air Mobility
footsteps and will undergo absolute privilege to work with the cream of
Operational Conversion Unit (AM OCU). It’s
their Co-Pilot training the Bahraini aircrew cadre.”
been a long and demanding course, starting
for approximately 11
weeks. All images are MOD Crown Copyright.
8
N
EW
S
The Bahraini Pilots and Loadmaster pictured in front of the Bahraini Pilots are awarded their certificates by Officer Commanding No. XXIV Squadron,
C130J Hercules. Wing Commander Gareth Burdett, after successfully passing their final flight.
‘‘ Further Bahraini Pilots will follow in their colleagues’ footsteps and will undergo
their Co-Pilot training for approximately 11 weeks.
’’
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9
Ten Years of the Future
Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) contract
It’s amazing to think that 10 years because there was nothing in
have passed since AirTanker and place - we had to create the
the MoD signed the FSTA contract structure of the company, do
that officially began the Voyager all the financial modelling and
consider all the risks of starting
programme. At the end of March
a new venture.”
we marked its 10 year anniversary, The construction of The
a significant milestone of the Hub at RAF Brize Norton
programme. Phill Blundell, AirTanker commenced shortly after
CEO, reflects on the achievements of the contract was signed,
the past decade and the challenges and the business saw a
that lie ahead. quick growth in order to run
the new organisation. The
At the start of the contract in 2008, the Hub, two-bay hangar and
company consisted of only a handful of all associated infrastructure
employees. Since then, the company has were completed and
grown from strength to strength as the officially opened in 2011,
business has developed and now has over almost 3 years to the date of
1100 personnel working in support of the contract.
the programme. Phill joined AirTanker in From that point onwards,
2005 during the contract bidding phase. there have been many
Recollecting the early days of the business, milestone achievements;
he explained: from the delivery of each of
“I recall we were named as ‘the team least the 14 aircraft in the fleet,
likely to fail’ which is perhaps not the most through to achieving Full
ringing endorsement, but I think we’ve more Service Date in September
than proved ourselves since then to be the 2016. A specific memory VC-10 and Tristar; our role in delivering the
most successful PFI contract. of Phill’s was the first flight in the South Atlantic Airbridge, supporting Quick
What I remember about those early days is development programme back in 2010: Reaction Alert (QRA) taskings and global
that we were starting from scratch. We ran “We were on the roof of the office building operations; and the launch of our first
the bid from an office in Bristol and it was a at the airport in Getafe and it was such a ever apprenticeship programme in 2016 -
small team, working long hours and trying to mixture of feelings: anticipation, nervousness opening up opportunities for people who
balance the needs of three different parties; but also great pride in what had been want to forge a career in our industry.
the Customer, our shareholders and the achieved to that point. I expected a very With the fleet now complete and in
lenders. short flight, basically a take-off and landing full operation, the launch and growth
It was effectively a start-up operation and not much else - in the end, the aircraft of the civil leasing business is another
was in the air for unique aspect of AirTanker’s operations.
a couple of hours A full programme is set for summer 2018,
which was a signal and awareness of what we can offer has
that we were on significantly increased within the leasing
track.” market. Looking ahead, Phill explains:
There are many “It is important for us to focus on doing
achievements a good job day-in, day-out for our MOD
in which the customer because that’s why we exist in the
whole Voyager first place. We must continue to strengthen our
community can be relationship with the Voyager Squadron’s and
proud: taking sole innovate in the service we offer. We also need
responsibility of to look beyond the contract – it was written
Air-to-Air Refuelling 10 years ago and the world we operate in is
two months changing all the time.”
ahead of schedule
following the Please visit our website to find out more
retirement of the about our company: www.airtanker.co.uk
FSTA1-Departing Toulouse -10Jul 09
10No 10 Squadron Association
N
EW
Celebrate RAF100
S
Constance Messenger is the daughter
of No 10 Squadron’s first RAF
Commanding Officer who was in
charge of the Squadron when the RAF
was formed on 1st April 1918. She was
the Guest of Honour at a recent 10
Squadron Association RAF100 Dinner
held in the Officers’ Mess at RAF Brize
Norton on 11th May. The dinner was
presided over by the Association’s
Chairman, Wing Commander Mike
Westwood OBE, RAF (Retd) with the
Association’s President, former OC10
Group Captain Gerry Bunn CBE, (RAF
Retd) and nearly 100 other diners in
OC10 Wg Cdr Simon Blackwell, Constance Messenger and Association
attendance. These included five former Chairman Wg Cdr Mike Westwood
Squadron commanding officers from
more recent times and members of the he trained to be an architect but later also
Association with their guests. became a renowned silverware, glass and
ceramic designer for such well-known
Mrs Messenger, from Windsor, was introduced names as Mappin & Webb, Brierley Crystal
to those present by former 10 Sqn VC10 and notably for the Wedgwood Company.
captain Richard (Dick) King. Having assisted In the late 1930s he designed a new
Wg Cdr Ian Macmillan (Retd), a former 10 factory for Wedgwood’s which is still in use
Sqn VC10 navigator and flight commander, today at Barlaston, Staffs and in the 1950s
in the writing of a Centennial History of the went on to design engineering hangar
Squadron in 2015, Dick set out last year to buildings at London Heathrow and the
research the life of 10 Sqn’s first RAF CO, terminal building at Kai Tak Airport, Hong
completing it for this year’s 100th anniversary Kong. A brief return during WW2 into the
of the RAF: RAF from 1939 -1942 at the Air Ministry
Major Keith Day Pearce Murray MC, joined and Bomber Command HQ was followed
the Royal Flying Corps in June 1915 from by many business trips overseas; one of
Auckland, New Zealand and served most of which involved his ship to the USA being
WW1 flying reconnaissance and bombing torpedoed in the western Atlantic in
missions in France. He was mentioned in October 1942. Luckily the torpedo did not
despatches four times and awarded the explode.
Mrs Constance Messenger proudly wearing her The printing of an ‘RAF100 Keith Murray’
Military Cross and Belgian Croix de Guerre. father’s Military Cross and other WW1 medals
After leaving the newly-formed RAF when commemorative biography booklet was
at the 10 Squadron Association RAF100 Dinner
10 Squadron was disbanded in early 1919, sponsored by the Association’s parent
-11 May 2018
squadron and a copy was laid at each
table’s place-setting as a memento for
those attending the Association’s dinner.
100 years after Major Murray was OC10, Wg
Cdr Simon Blackwell now commands the
Voyager aircraft squadron and was present
at the dinner to greet his predecessor’s
daughter who was proudly wearing her
father’s WW1 medal miniatures.
Five past OC10s were present at the
Dinner: Gp Cpt Gerry Bunn, President of the
10 Sqn Association, Gp Cpt Brian Symes, Wg
Cdr Mike Smart, Gp Cpt Jamie Osborne and
Gp Cpt Dan James who shortly takes over
the role as Station Commander at RAF Brize
Norton. Shortly to relinquish his command
of No 10 Squadron, Wg Cdr Simon Blackwell
introduced his successor, Wg Cdr Alastair
Scott, to the assembled diners. One of the
Several WW2 10 Squadron Halifax veterans were also present; Messrs James (Jim) Petre, Peter proposed after-dinner toasts was to ‘Past,
(Andy) Andrews, Frank Williamson (the present OC10’s grandfather-in-law), Harry Hodgson, Present and Future Officers Commanding
Hugh Reay, and Fred Tiller. Pictured with former OC10 Gp Cpt Jamie Osborne, Association 10 Squadron’. 11
Chairman Wg Cdr Mike Westwood and OC10 Wg Cdr Simon Blackwell at the rearRAF BRIZE NORTON
CELEBRATE RAF100 WITH
NATIONWIDE BUILDING SOCIETY
On Wednesday 18th April 2018, to celebrate the Centenary of the
RAF, personnel from RAF Brize Norton attended a special event at
Nationwide Building Society Headquarters in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The day consisted of various stands and displays
carried out by Regulars and Reservists from the
Station, including the RAF Police Dog Demonstration
Team, No 501 Squadron personnel and a Physical
Training Instructor. At midday, attendees were
treated to an impressive flypast which was
conducted by a C-130J Hercules.
From 1st April 2018, the Royal Air Force will launch
RAF100, a national campaign to mark its 100th year.
The centenary itself will feature events, activities and
other initiatives running nationwide from April to the
end of September 2018.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Chief of the
Air Staff RAF, said: “In our 100th year we want to
showcase the vital role the RAF continues to play in
defending the British people and protecting our nation’s
interests. Launched on April 1, the celebrations are a
fitting recognition and thank you to the exceptional
dedication, spirit and achievements of our men and
women. They also encourage us to look to the future:
the greatest legacy of RAF100 will be its ability to inspire
a whole new generation so that together we can help
shape our next century.”
Nationwide were proud to display their Covenant
and what support they can offer to the Armed Forces Nationwide CEO cuts the cake with RAF Brize Norton Station Commander.
community. A former Chief Executive of Nationwide (CEO) was
Mr Garner said: “It was fantastic to be able to celebrate the
Leonard Williams DFC, a former RAF WWII Spitfire Pilot and many of
centenary of the RAF at Nationwide Building Society. An impressive
its employees today are RAF Veterans.
flypast, displays and demonstrations made for a wonderful day.
Of course, a birthday celebration could not be without a cake,
Both organisations have such a strong presence in Wiltshire as local
which was beautifully designed and made by the Nationwide
employers and we also share values, which is perhaps why so many
Chefs. An official cutting of the cake took place with the Station
ex-military personnel have joined Nationwide. We continue to support
Commander Group Captain Tim Jones, CEO Nationwide Mr Joe
ex-service men and women through our Covenant and look forward to
Garner and Nationwide Chairman Mr David Roberts.
continuing this in future.”
A Physical Training Instructor gives expert advice Nationwide Employee explains the history of the RAF within Wiltshire to
to a Nationwide Employee. an MOD Civil Servant and a member of 501 Squadron.
12
All images are MOD Crown CopyrightEmployees of Nationwide speak to a member of the RAF Police Dog
Display Team.
About RAF100
Reflecting on its proud record of serving the Nation, the RAF will
commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who have gone
before, thanking its servicemen and women for their dedication
and inspire the next generation, so that together we can continue
to help shape our world for the next 100 years and beyond.
There are several ways you can support RAF100:
• Visit www.raf.mod.uk/raf100/ to find out more information about
the campaign as well as a full events calendar, which has numerous
local, regional and national events to get involved in.
• Show your support for RAF100 on social media during the
celebrations by posting about the anniversary and sharing your
pictures from events using #RAF100 on the following channels:
• Facebook: RoyalAirForce
• Instagram: RoyalAIrForceUK
• Twitter: @RoyalAirForce Book Keeping - Tax Returns
• If you choose to, you can also donate to the RAF100 Appeal, the Management Accounts
money from which will support tens of thousands of individuals,
building on the successes of the past centenary and leaving a matt@intelligentmtd.co.uk | 07738 980622
legacy for years to come. Get involved and help raise money for the
appeal here: www.raf100appeal.org/
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1415
Time for a Digital Spring Clean
OC C4i Sqn
Today online safety feels like an or they don’t even know there’s a lock in
overwhelming and complicated the first place. Many of us couldn’t easily Tip: Use online tools such as Facebook
endeavour; it seems like there are list all our online accounts, there’s email, Timeline Cleaner and TweetDeleter to
dangers everywhere you turn. If you social media, online shopping, banking, erase old posts in a few clicks. If you
are not one of the 82.6% (2016) of the subscription services and a myriad of want to be extra vigilant set a reminder
UK population who uses the internet, others. Not knowing what data we have and clean up your social media every
expected to rise to 94.85% by 2021, then out there makes us vulnerable, shared month. Save photographs to the cloud
you can move on; for the rest of us it’s passwords, security questions or usernames eg DropBox, etc. Instagram photos can
time to consider a spring clean of your are a hacker’s heaven. be archived using Instaport.
digital life.
Most hacking is preventable, with 80% Tip: Use tools like Deseat.me (Gmail
avoidable by just managing your online users) and AccountKiller to find old In the same way that the internet can
presence. The following 7 steps will accounts and delete or unsubscribe. target customised advertising to users it can
considerably reduce your chances of falling also be used to change opinion. Many of us
prey to hackers, fraudsters or trolls. have heard the term Fake News used, and
3. Purge Social Media think that it is just a bunch of implausible
stories online. The best advice I can give on
• 1. Password Management We’ve all seen this matter is to not accept what you read
headlines like “Phil online without investigating further, signing
Neville deletes up to another UK Government Petition
Passwords are a pain, we have 100s to Twitter account after may seem like a good idea, but ultimately it
remember and it is virtually impossible controversial posts could lure you in to something that could
to recall them all when needed, so many about women are unearthed”. It’s not just expose you to blackmail or worse. ‘Russian
people use the same one for lots of exclusive to celebrities or Phil Neville, a Bots’ troll social media using disinformation
accounts and then make small variations recent study by Forbes found that 90% stirring up hatred and lies.
to the original (eg Spurs!967 becomes of recruiters conduct online research of 4. Be Data Savvy
Spurs!968). potential candidates with 72% choosing
I am not a gambler, but I would bet not to hire an individual based on their Allegations
that most service personnel, past and online presence. A simple check of your that research
present, have used their service number online identity could save you a lot of firm Cambridge
as a passcode or pin. It is a random list of embarrassment. Simply search for your Analytica misused
numbers, but used for every account when name in major search engines and social the data of 50
a pin or passcode is required means that media, including any other nicknames you million Facebook
once compromised hackers have free reign may use. If that picture of you passed out users have hit the headlines recently
to all your accounts or devices. in a drunken stupor with a phallic symbol causing users to wonder how information
drawn on your forehead from Freshers Week on the social media network is shared and
is on the first page of a search, it might be with whom.
Tip: Use password management wise to delete it. The big question
tools like LastPass or DashLane or is what can users
Keychain to make it easier to manage In an age where our social media feeds do to regain
and protect the information with operate as a kind of public scrapbook, it’s control of their
encryption. Try to use two-step time to clean it up. I am sure many of you data? You could
authentication. have cringed when Facebook kindly offers delete all your
to share your memories; all those past social media
relationships, long-forgotten stray thoughts accounts but that won’t stop the problem
and personal baggage cause you to wonder because they can still collect data through
2. Kill Old Accounts & Apps what was I thinking? other websites and apps.
Most hacking is There is no question that social media can
opportunistic, anything from build detailed and sophisticated profiles on
pimply-skinned teens that users’ likes, dislikes, lifestyles and political
are highly skilled at computer Tip: The best way to stop data
leanings. Ever wondered why the adverts
programming to well- collection is to use search engines
on your social media are based on search
paid coders working for an like DuckDuckGo.com. You can also
history or websites visited, even searches on
organized crime outfit. In most cases, change your web browser to Mozilla
Amazon. The short answer is that advertisers
they are all looking for an unlocked Firefox with Container Extension to
share information about users with one
door, an opportunity. The problem protect personal data.
another, they gather data from your web
is that most people don’t know activity. Unfortunately, some users make it
they’ve left a door unlocked, very easy for firms like Cambridge Analytica
to collect data by completing online surveys
or quizzes.
18Internet of Things (IoT) 5. Keep Software Up-to-Date Deleting a file will
TE
not remove it from
Another area that
AM
Clearly the web is not the only place the device, it just removes
where your personal data is shared, you leaves us open to the link to the information;
may have heard of the term Internet of hackers are old apps it’s like going ex-directory, your
Things. The IoT is the network of physical and out-of-date telephone number is not freely
devices, that include cars, home appliances, software. Delete unused apps and keep available but the number is still in
fitness trackers and other embedded your operating system and apps updated. I use. Don’t worry if you have recently
electronic items that collect and exchange know it seems obvious but Anti-Virus (AV) sold or lost your old smartphone - you
data. is a must on Windows systems, the jury can still wipe data remotely using Find
is still out on AV on Apple to viruses than My IPhone or Android Device Manager,
These devices Windows but they are not 100% safe. even if the phone is switched off. The next
have obvious time the device goes online the data will
utility and make Pretty much every application has privacy be erased.
life much more settings, most of us accept the default when
bearable but they first creating accounts. There is plenty of 7. De-Clutter Email Inboxes
can also provide advice online about setting privacy settings
useful information to criminals or worse, and the main vendors change them In my last article, I talked
terrorists. The main threat comes from the routinely. about reducing email traffic;
use of location services, setting patterns unfortunately it doesn’t
and identifying when individuals are not at stop others from flooding
home. 6. Back Up & Archive your inboxes with thousands
of emails you will never read. It seems like
It isn’t just the If you are like me, a daunting task to clean up your inbox, but
obvious fitness you operate on your they often contain sensitive information,
trackers that collect smartphone within like password resets, financial information
location details, 0.5GB of its capacity, or other documents.
your smartphone is always having to delete
something to download Tip: Set rules to automatically sort, mark
constantly tracking
something new. Most people tend to back as read, archive or delete messages to
your location. You can do a simple check,
up to the cloud but be careful. I am sure reduce the clutter. Again, there is plenty
if you have an IPhone follow the following
that cloud storage security has improved of advice online to clean up inboxes,
steps:
significantly but in the past some providers the key is to automate as much as
had no security and so it is advisable if possible to reduce the burden.
Settings > Privacy > Location Services >
System Services > Significant Locations. you store sensitive documents on the
General Data Protection
cloud, put them in to an encrypted folder
Regulation (GDPR)
You will see all the locations you have to provide additional protection. Finally, if
is a new piece of EU
been to recently and how many times you have old or broken devices that stored
legislation that was
you been there, it even gives you a map. information (USB sticks, old smartphones)
pased in 2016 and will
You can switch it off and by going back to make sure you clean/reset the device
replace the Data Protection Act 1998 and
Location Services and you can change the before disposal. If the information is
brings the data protection rules up to date.
location settings on each individual app. sensitive eg credit card details you may
This is the Data Protection Officer’s area of
The same on other types of Smartphone want to destroy the device or use a secure
expertise and so I don’t want to step on his
by searching online for managing location erasure tool like Blancco
toes, he has already started to publicise this
services on devices. widely.
19The lanyards being worn across Station
RAF Brize Norton –
MENTAL HEALTH
FIRST AID TRAINING
As the resources that we have Over the last two and a half years, WO Tony for the armed forces community.
become ever more crucial to our Smith and WO Andy Machell who are both • Practical skills to spot the triggers and
day-to-day business, the most serving members of the RAuxAF, have been signs of mental health issues.
valuable resource is our personnel. enthusiastically training personnel at RAF • Confidence to step in, reassure and
Whether they are Service, Reserve, Brize Norton on Mental Health First Aid. The support a person in distress.
MoD employed civilians or figure trained (as at 30 April 2018) sits at • Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-
over 350 personnel across the Station. judgemental listening.
contractors, they are all valuable to
The two-day course qualifies you as an • Knowledge to help someone recover their
our output. Indeed, without them,
Armed Forces Mental Health First Aider. health by guiding them to further support -
there is no output. Can we afford not whether that’s self-help resources, through
to look after them? The latest figures Armed Forces Mental Health the MOD, the NHS, support charities, or a
show that the cost to industry of First Aiders have: mix.
mental health issues is £105 billion • An in-depth understanding of mental Recently SERCO have been very keen
(this works out at about £1200 per health and the factors that affect wellbeing to support the course and have kindly
head of the working population
- these figures were taken from a
government paper dated 01 Feb
17). Year-on-year these costs are
rising. However, what is the effect of
having people away for long periods
of time with mental health issues?
As our teams become smaller and
we have to work smarter, with less,
what extra pressures are building on
those left in the work place? Placing
more and more pressure on these
team members, can we afford
not to educate them and build
resilience? The earlier we can
identify a problem, the shorter
time it takes to fix.
Mrs Amanda Hill (SERCO) handing over some of the lanyards to WO Andy Machell
20provided lanyards for personnel who
TE
complete it. These lanyards can be worn
around Station as they have been approved
AM
by the Station Commander (Gp Capt Jones)
through the Station Warrant Officer (WO
Frew). The lanyards make personnel, who
are happy to have a conversation about
Mental Health, easily identifiable. Also,
many of them have a Mental Health First
Aid logo as part of their signature block,
so people know that they can contact
them by phone or electronically if they
wish to discuss mental health issues in a
confidential manner.
The aim of the instructors is to get 700
personnel trained across the Station.
This will represent 10% of the personnel
at RAF Brize Norton; Service, Reserve,
MoD employed civilians and contractors,
showing the Station’s Whole Force
approach to mental health training.
WO Tony Smith and WO Andy Machell
PADRE'S PEACE
Life is a Roller Coaster… however, you can do more than simply
survive each day!
Whatever our age and whatever our attachment from the end of the hose and “Chippie doesn’t sing much anymore – he just
background, life is never without stuck it in the cage. The phone rang and sits and stares.” It’s not difficult to see why!
she turned to pick it up. She barely said Life for many of us is so unpredictable and
its complexities, and our decisions
“hello” when ssopp! Chippie got sucked the events of each day can often leave us
and responsibilities are rarely a feeling bemused and quite unsure of just
in. The bird owner gasped, put the phone
straightforward choice between down, turned off the vacuum and opened what lies ahead for tomorrow. Many live
one thing or another… often there the bag. There was chippie – still alive but each day with a sense of foreboding and
is ambiguity and a degree of risk. stunned. fear. God, through His Son, Jesus Christ,
Life also has the habit of throwing Since the bird was covered in dust she has demonstrated to us and for us that
the most unexpected of surprises grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, whatever life may bring across our path –
or challenges our way. Let me turned on the tap, and held chippie under He loves us… He cares for us… He provides
introduce you to Chippie: the running water. Then realizing that for us… He is with us every step of the way.
Chippie was soaked and shivering, she did He is certainly worth getting to know!
Chippie the budgie never saw
what any compassionate bird owner would I always smile when I remember the
it coming. One second he was slogan once seen on an old church notice
do – she reached for the hair dryer and
peacefully perched in his cage. The blasted the pet with hot air. Poor Chippie board. Each day is a special gift from God –
next, he was sucked in, washed up never knew what hit him. That’s why it’s called the present!
and blown over. Oh… by the way… Please do spare a
A few days after the trauma, the reporter thought today for chippie!!
The problems began when Chippie’s who’d initially written about the event
owner decided to clean Chippie’s cage contacted Chippie’s owner to see how the Padre Geoff Withers
with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the bird was recovering. “Well,” she replied, Senior Chaplain
Ice Cream Van Hire
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21RAF Police
Support
Civilian
Police
Operation in
Swindon to
target illegal
drug use
Officers from Swindon’s
Community Policing Teams
targeted illegal drug supply
and use in licensed venues
across Swindon on Friday
27th April. The operation was
supported by two RAF Police
dog handlers from RAF Brize
Norton where twenty premises
were visited in Old Town and
New Town as well as specific
patrols through public areas
and the main thoroughfares
between the venues. PADD Sonic
Corporal Leanne Hallworth and Corporal a clear message that people who
Rob Webb, with Passive Alert Drugs Dogs come to Swindon to enjoy a night
(PADD) Ninja & Sonic, were deployed in out can do so safely.
to each licensed premises. During the “We are committed to working
operation 14 people were subject to a in partnership with licensees and
Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Stop Search; as partner agencies to take positive
a result of this: action against drug use within
licensed premises.
1) One person received a Fixed Penalty “Use of the Passive Alert Drug Dogs
Notice for possession of cannabis. like Ninja & Sonic greatly enhances
2) Three people received a Cannabis Street our ability to target and deal with
Warning. those involved in illegal drug use.
Cpl Leanne Hallworth and Cpl Rob Webb with Swindon’s
3) Three people were found to be in “In addition to drugs found in Community Policing Teams
possession of cocaine and are subject to people’s possession, several others
ongoing police investigation. had evidently anticipated the inevitable and “Supporting policing operations provides
During the operation the dogs also discarded drugs before Ninja and Sonic could the RAF Police specialist Military Working Dog
indicated to a number of self-seal bags that sniff them out. teams perfect training opportunities and the
had been discarded by unknown people in “We will be making this a regular tactic to prospect to develop our interoperability with
various venues. These items were seized drive drugs from our streets and the night time Wiltshire Police further while contributing to
and are suspected to contain cocaine; economy.” the safety of both the civilian and military
investigation relating to these finds are Flight Lieutenant Matthew Jones, Officer
also ongoing. communities.”
Commanding Police & Security Flight RAF Dave Broome, Pubwatch Chairman, said:
Police Constable Paul Bezzant,
Brize Norton, said: “We welcome this initiative from the police
Swindon Town Centre Community
“The RAF Police, notably RAF Brize Norton, and welcome the drugs dogs into our venues;
Coordinator for Wiltshire Police,
has a long-standing relationship with we look forward to continually working with
said: “One of the main aims of
Wiltshire Police through events such as the the police to make our venues as safe for our
this operation was to send
Royal International Air Tattoo. customers as they can be.”
22 For more information contact: Name: Julie Brown, RAFP PRO, RAF Honington
Bury St Edmunds Suffolk Email: julie.brown787@mod.gov.uk Tel: 01359 237440Challenge yourself to a challenge event
If you’re thinking of ways to kick-start in the RAF’s Centenary year.
a new fitness drive or what sort of
challenge you would like to set yourself The Snowdon Triple Challenge in
for 2018, the RAF Association is here to August is an exciting multi-activity
help. We have many events to choose event and not for the faint-hearted.
from to keep fit and raise money for a You will take on the landscape of the
worthwhile cause. national park by foot, bike and kayak.
With steep climbs and gruelling hills.
The Wolf Run combines a 10km The sense of achievement you feel at
race with natural and man-made the end will be worth the pain!
obstacles set in the beautiful Midlands
countryside. It is the ultimate test of For a more gentle pursuit, but
teamwork, as you work together to get nonetheless challenging you could take
over, under and through each of the part in the Charity Walk for Peace. The
obstacles. Wolf Runs are held quarterly, walk is five miles long and starts and
so whether you want to run in the ends at the Savill Court Hotel, Windsor.
sunshine or prefer the freezing cold, So put on your walking shoes and raise
there will be a run to suit you. some money with thousands of others
with a trek through the picturesque
If you prefer to get your exercise on Windsor Great Park.
your bike, then the Rutland Border
Epique for the RAF Centenary is for To kick-start your 2018 go to
you. A classic bike ride around the rafa.org.uk/challenges to sign up. Or
beautiful Rutland Water, this is a fun, call 0800 018 2361, you can also email
but challenging ride aiming to raise a jules@rafa.org.uk.
total of £10,000 for the RAF Association
10% Discount for RAF
T & C’s apply, valid ID required
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23The RAF Falcons performing their
FALCONS’
famous canopy stack for thousands
of motor sport enthusiasts. Credit:
Thruxton Motorsport Centre
FOCUS
RAF FALCONSPERFORM
AT BRITISH TOURING
CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
On Sunday 20th May 2018, the RAF
Falcons Parachute Display Team
performed a stunning display at the
British Touring Car Championship
(BTCC) at Thruxton Motorsport
Centre, Hampshire.
24The RAF Falcons decorate the skies above Thruxton circuit. Credit: MOD Crown Copyright
TE
AM
T
he sunny blue skies gave the perfect backdrop for the Team
to complete a magnificent high show, as they disembarked
their Dornier 228 aircraft at 10,000ft above Thruxton Circuit
and performed their famous canopy stack in front of thousands of
motor sport enthusiasts.
The BTCC is one of the most loved, famous motor racing
championships in the world. Only Formula One and America’s
NASCAR stock car series have longer histories – since its inception
in 1958 it has attracted and captivated millions of fans around the
world.
Mr Lorne Mitchener, Skid Pan and 4x4 Manager, said: “A fantastic
display, everyone was suitably impressed and we have had great
feedback from our guests ’11 out of 10’. They would be most welcome at
any of our events.”
This event is one of many exciting venues the Team will perform
at; the Team have a total of 60 displays planned for this season and
they are all very excited about each one of them. There is a real buzz
around the Team, particularly as they will be celebrating the RAF’s
100th birthday throughout this year.
Corporal Mark Bishoprick, Survival Equipment Fitter, said: “This is
my first year on the Team and I’m looking forward to being part of some
great displays at different locations throughout the UK. It is a privilege
to be part of this well-known elite team and represent the RAF in front of
the great British public, especially in 2018 as we celebrate RAF100.”
The Team have two more displays planned for May and then a
further 18 displays scheduled in June, including joining in with the
Armed Forces Day celebrations in Wales on 30 June 2018.
The RAF Falcons performing at the British Touring Car Championships at
Thruxton. Credit: Thruxton Motorsport CentreRAF Brize Norton inspires
students during a Blue Skies visit
On Wednesday 9th May, when the Blue Skies Squadron to visit a C-17 Globemaster. The students were given a
programme visited RAF Brize Norton, students 45 minute-long tour of the aircraft and were given details of the
from Carterton Community College were given the role of the aircraft including it’s Aeromedical role. The other group
opportunity to learn what makes a good presentation were given tasks to test their problem solving and survival skills.
and to practice their survival skills. Both groups were then given an hour’s preparation time before
using their newly acquired skills to deliver a group presentation. The
The visitors were split into two groups; one went to visit the SERE students really enjoyed the experience and it was great for us to see
section to learn about survival skills and the other went to No. 99 their confidence grow throughout the day.
26C
JET – Jon Egging Trust
H
AR
A Children’s Charity
IT
Y
The beginning: JET Blue Skies Programme:
The Blue Skies programme challenges and equips young
On 20th August 2011, Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life people to overcome the obstacles that have been getting in
whilst completing a display at the Bournemouth Air the way of them succeeding and being the best they can be. The
Festival. He was coming to the end of his first year with programme is structured into three levels – Teamwork, Leadership
the world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team ‘The and Employability.
Red Arrows’ flying in the position of Red 4. Jon was an Blue Skies is about opportunities and vision: inspiring young
inspirational person and the Jon Egging Trust (JET), people to believe in themselves, challenging them to set goals and
founded by his wife Dr Emma Egging in 2012, realises equipping them with the skills and attitude to achieve them. The
his dream of inspiring young people through his love programme works with 13 – 16 year olds for four months a year
over three years. The children increase in confidence and develop
of aviation, teamwork and leadership, helping them to
communication and teamwork skills during the first year. These
overcome adversity, identify their strengths and work skills are built on during the next two years as the children develop
towards their ambitions. their self-belief, tenacity and trust.
What we do: RAF Brize Norton JET:
The Jon Egging Trust supports young people who find themselves JET has 7 regional bases, one of which is in Oxfordshire. In 2016
in difficult circumstances. We help them to overcome adversity RAF Brize Norton set up a Blue Skies affiliation with Carterton
and achieve their full potential. We deliver accredited learning Community College (CCC) and since this time the programme has
programmes to develop young people’s life and work skills by been growing. We are concurrently running a Blue Skies 1 and 2
providing access to inspirational role models and life-changing programme and selfless volunteers from across the station have
opportunities linked to aviation, engineering and science. been helping with the organisation and implementation of the
The Jon Egging Trust raises aspirations, confidence and self- visits.
esteem, helping young people to re-engage with education and RAF Brize Norton JET has a tiered organisation system run an OIC
make informed choices about their futures. JET, Sqn Ldr Jakubowski. 3 Jet Mentors help provide guidance to 6
JET currently runs two youth programmes: Blue Skies and groups. Each group comprises around 6 people with 2 leaders and
Inspirational Outreach. is responsible for the organisation of 2-3 visits over the JET term.
2018 visits have ranged from Low Ropes to Orienteering to A400M
simulator rides to TMW Medical scenarios. They are all designed by
the teams to meet the Blue Skies training objectives but principally,
to ensure the children have fun.
In 2018 we had over 60 volunteers from across the station ranging
from LAC to Flt Lt. Whether you want to be a lead or just a member
of the team, you will find RAF Brize Norton JET will reward and
develop you. The next JET term starts in Jan 19 and we will be
searching for volunteers from Oct 18. If you wish to participate next
year please get in touch.
To find more about JET please visit:
Our Stn MOSS page: RAF Brize Norton > Youth Activities > JET
National Website:www.joneggingtrust.org.uk
Sqn Ldr Jakubowski
OIC JET
Julius.jakubowski360@mod.gov.uk
27For those of you who are lucky enough to world record along the way.
have been at RAF Brize Norton for a while, When the RAF ceased operation of its fleet of VC10s,
or if you are a reader from the local it took the fortuitous decision to award the contract
for their disposal to GJD Services at Bruntingthorpe.
community, you will be hard pressed to
Managing Director, Gary Spoors, himself an
forget the ear-splitting roar as one of ex-RAF engineer and VC10 enthusiast, made the
the most iconic products of the British momentous decision to save as many of them as
aviation industry leapt free of the runway possible. Various marks of RAF VC10 in differing
and rocketed up through the Oxfordshire states of completion can be found around the UK
and beyond, thanks to his commitment to keep them
skies. Last year Brize Norton celebrated
intact for future generations to see, hear and feel.
its 80th anniversary and this year the RAF One of those can be found at Bruntingthorpe Proving
is celebrating its centenary. To put this remarkable Ground in Leicestershire. ZD241, the last remaining K4 variant
aircraft’s history into context, it operated from Runway which served with 101 Squadron, is being lovingly maintained
08/26 (as it was at the time) for over half of the by the VC10 Preservation Group; a team consisting of members
from various backgrounds, both civilian and military, aircrew
Station’s existence - and almost half of the RAF’s. We
and groundcrew, some of whom still serve at Brize Norton. The
are of course talking about the VC10. group are just about to achieve a long-sought after milestone of
becoming a registered charity to raise the vital funds required to
10 Squadron took delivery of its first VC10 in 1966, keep the aircraft in a serviceable and operational condition.
and from then until 2013 both 10 and 101 Squadron At various events throughout the year, the public can get up close
successfully operated the aircraft, supporting to the aircraft, get on board, speak to the team and feel the bodily
operations worldwide whilst breaking the odd
28C
H
AR
IT
Y
reverberations as the four Rolls-Royce Conway engines are taken to equipment, and an endless list of other necessities, the group face
take-off power, metres away from the crowd line. In addition, the a significant annual bill. To help with this, the group have produced
group has just acquired the relevant permissions and insurance an impressive range of VC10 merchandise which is sold through the
cover to allow them to carry fare-paying passengers on fast-taxi online shop and at the numerous paid events held throughout the
demonstrations – a truly unique experience. As part of the Cold War year.
Jets Open Days, ZD241 represents the pinnacle of RAF AT and AAR You can help support the VC10 Preservation Group in a number
operations, standing engines and tail above other historical aircraft of ways: by purchasing from the online shop, by liking and sharing
such as Nimrod, Comet, Victor, Buccaneer, Lightning and Canberra. the group’s posts on their numerous social media outlets to raise
As well as displaying the aircraft to enthusiasts and specialist awareness, and by sharing your memories and adding to the
photographers, the group also plan to use the aircraft and aircraft’s history record. The best way though, is to go and meet
the associated maintenance, for STEM purposes to promote the team, see the aircraft up-close, and reacquaint yourself with
engineering as a career option, and engage with local schools and the sounds, smells and feeling of an iconic Brize Norton aircraft at
colleges to facilitate access to a unique and exciting training asset. take-off power almost within touching distance. For those with a
To keep such a historical aircraft in a fully operational condition, desire to get their hands dirty, experienced volunteers are always
an exorbitant amount of maintenance is required. Having recovered welcome to assist with the upkeep of one of Britain’s finest design
a lot of spares from the aircraft that were scrapped, GJD have marvels.
provided the team with a comprehensive package of components. For more information, or to order from the shop, please visit the
However, to utilise these components a lot of consumable items group’s website: www.vc10preservationgroup.org, or follow us on
that are not reusable are required, such as seals and locking devices. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram – just search ZD241. We
These all need acquiring on an as-required basis; and along with look forward to seeing you!
fuel and lubricants, insurances, maintenance of ground support
29You can also read
