INSIGHT

ISSUE 2

INSIGHTMAGAZINE 1
INSIGHT
ISSUE 2 2018
In this issue…

From the 08 STATION COMMANDER’S FOREWORD

Editor… 09 RAF ASSOCIATION’S SURVEY

Sqn Ldr Keith

Bissett

Welcome
EDITORIAL TEAM:
WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk
External Email:
Use personal email addresses listed
10
11
IBCC

THE DAM BUSTERS WITH DAN SNOW 23 19

to this
Tel: +44 (0)1522 728377 12 CELEBRATE RAF CENTENARY

issue of
Editor: BRANSBY HORSES HOSTS PROMS IN
Insight.
Sqn Ldr Keith Bissett
13 THE PADDOCK
WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@mod.gov.uk
This issue’s
articles include photos from the
14 OFFUTT RAF100 EVENT
Deputy Editor:
International Bomber Command
Centre gala dinner, an article on
Flt Lt D.J Hopkinson 16 SMOOTH RIDING
the visit by DComOps, Air Marshal daniel.hopkinson524@mod.gov.uk
Stuart Atha, and the handover of the 19 EXERCISE RED FLAG
Station Commander’s cadet. I hope Artwork:
you enjoy reading the second issue S. Oliver 20 THE THRIFT SHOP NEEDS YOU!

14 22
of Insight of 2018.

Advertising by: DEPUTY COMMANDER OPERATIONS

This year the Royal Air Force
Jo Marchant
21 VISIT TO RAF WADDINGTON
celebrates its centenary, as the
world’s first independent air armed Tel: 01536 526674
force, and this will be marked by 22 CO’S CADETS
a number of events nationally Designed by:
and locally. I would ask you all
to consider ways in which we
Amanda Robinson 23 WADDINGTON HOLIDAY HOME
amanda@lancepublishing.co.uk
can, as a Station and community,
commemorate the achievements of 24 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
the RAF, celebrate this significant Published by:
milestone on and off base, and how Lance Publishing Ltd, 1st Floor, Tailby House, 25 WCOF VISIT
we can inspire our local community. Bath Road, Kettering, NN16 8NL
The Station’s RAF 100 team can be
contacted via WAD-RAF100@mod.
Tel: 01536 512624 Fax: 01536 515481 26 RIVET JOINT CO-MANNING
www.lancepublishing.co.uk
gov.uk and they would be very
grateful for your suggestions or mike@lancepublishing.co.uk
if you would like to step forward
and volunteer. Printed by:
Lance Print Ltd

13 11
This magazine would not be what
it is without your support and
your articles. If you would like to
contribute to or if you have any
suggestions please send them to the
magazine at our new MODNET email
address: WAD-InsightEditorialTeam@
On the cover: Cadet Flight
mod.gov.uk or by post to Squadron Seargeant Matthew Pearce is The magazine is entirely funded by advertising and costs the Station nothing to produce. Insight is not an official publication and, unless otherwise stated, views expressed in this magazine
Leader Keith Bissett, Insight Editor, formally appointed as the Station do not necessarily represent MOD, RAF or Station policy. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the editor or publishers. Advertisements accepted
on the understanding that they conform to the British Code of Advertising Practice. Insight is produced by kind permission of the Station Commander, RAF Waddington.
c/o 51 Sqn, RAF Waddington. Commander’s Cadet for 2018.

4 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 5
 The Ruskington
Chestnut Street
CofE Primary Academy

Our Six church school values are:

Compassion; Respect; Honesty;
Perseverance; Trust & Forgiveness.
At Chestnut Street we aim to enable all of our children
to succeed and feel good about themselves.

Our six Church school values underpin all

of our work and activities at school.

Chestnut Street is committed to high

standards and high achievement.

The dedicated staff at our amazing school work

extremely hard to create safe, inspiring and
motivating environments and opportunities, for
our children to flourish with their learning.
The Ruskington Chestnut Street CofE Primary Academy,
Chestnut Street, Ruskington, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9DL
Want to find out more? Please look at our website
www.chestnutstreet.co.uk or phone the school on
Tel: 01526 832424 to arrange a visit.

Station Commander’s
Foreword...
Gp Capt Tom Burke
MA BSc RAF
Welcome to Insight
magazine. I hope by
the time you read this
that Winter will finally
have cleared off! The
‘Beasts from the East’
presented snowy
roads and freezing
conditions but it
was reassuring to
see that, the Station
rose to the challenge
and maintained an
operational airfield
throughout it.
M
y particular
thanks go to the
men and women
of ASMT for their heroic
snow clearing and to all
who served in the ‘tiger
teams’ digging out airfield
lights and looking after
our Military working Dogs.
As we are now back to as
close to ‘normal’ as life
gets at RAF Waddington,
I suggest we take stock of
the continuing challenge
and resolve to look out
for each other whilst
we deliver the mission.
If you work here, you
probably feel under
pressure to deliver with
stretched resources – you
are not alone! It is vitally
important that we pull
together and recognise
the value of the whole
team – Service, Civil
Service and Civilian. There
is a tendency, when under
8 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
pressure, to assume others
are not working as hard
or pulling their weight.
There is no place for
unconstructive criticism of
others without the bigger
picture. My plea is for a
bit more kindness here
and there – it goes a long
way and is not contrary
to good order & military
discipline! Whether it’s
the Cpl guarding the
gate, the LAC in the tool
store, the JPA Auditor, the
Carillion-Amey customer
service representative
or your favourite Wg Cdr
– a kind word here and
there works wonders…
As you must be aware by
now, April is the centenary
month of the formation of
the Royal Air Force as an
independent air arm. We
were the first independent
Air Force in the world
and we have a very rich
history, of which you are a
vital part. As this issue of
the magazine is delivered
to the Station the Freedom
of Lincoln Parade will be
in our very recent history.
The Freedom of the City is
an ancient honour granted
to military organisations
giving them the right to
enter the city “with drums
beating, colours flying and
bayonets fixed” and was
granted to the Station in
1959. Parades like the one
in April are testament to
the enduring relationship
between the City, the
Service Community and
the people of Lincoln. This
Parade is our Station’s first
RAF100 event held in the
Lincoln area. We will have
and Make Your Voice Matter
The RAF Association
is running one of its
largest information
gathering surveys
ever and needs you
to complete it.
Station representatives in team are running several
the national show piece events to celebrate,
events throughout the commemorate, and inspire
summer – including the us through this historic
big parade and flypast anniversary. Many of these
on 10th July in London. are interwoven with our
packed calendar of social
To ensure everyone can events. Make the most
get involved my RAF100 of these opportunities.
He
Take Part in the RAF Association’s Survey
T
he welfare team at
the Association has
put together a short
(5 to 10 minute) secure
online survey to understand
more about the activities
and needs of members of
the RAF family. Whether
you are currently serving,
have served, or you are the
family member of a serving
person the charity wants to
ensure that its activities are
tailored to meet your needs.
Dr Prema Nirgude, Welfare
Research and Insight Officer
at the Association says:
“Whether you volunteer,
support someone as an
unpaid carer or are a user
of one of our many welfare
services, it is important
that your views are shared
so we can best shape our
current and future services.
From supporting the RAF
family with Storybook Wings,
to being there for serving
personnel on station with
our refurbished contact
houses, free communal
wi-fi and Mental Health
First Aid Lite training, The
RAF Association supports
anyone in the RAF family.
This doesn’t stop when you
leave the service, as our
befriending
‘The time drawsproject
neartackles
the birth
loneliness and isolation, our
of Christ.
highly trained caseworkers
A present that cannot be Priced
support those with a welfare
Givenand
need twoour
thousand
network years
of ago
Yet if God had not given
branches and clubs are open so
tostill
all would be a distant
those who are partstranger
of
the RAF
And not thefamily
Babyorinsupport
the manger.’
the Association.
It’s a few years since we
last asked for the detailed
information that is crucial
to our understanding of
help all generations of RAF
personnel and their families.
We also support serving
families if they need us. We
helped tell thousands of
bedtime stories to children
whose parents were away
on operations, and gave
the needs of people in the give practical, emotional tailored holidays to 2,500
RAF and we hope many and financial support. RAF veterans, widows and
will respond to give us the family at our Wings Breaks
most up-to-date picture.” Our membership of more hotels. Our support ranges
The survey was circulated than 72,000 includes serving from simply providing
to some 50,000 RAF RAF personnel, veterans and conversation and friendship
Association members at the members of the public who to preparing and submitting
start of January, and many want to show their support application forms for
thousands of responses have for the work that we do. financial assistance.
already come in. But the
charity is hoping for more Across the UK in 2016 Charity numbers: 226686
extensive findings from the Association carried (England and Wales),
across the whole of the RAF out 13,800 home visits, SCO37673 (Scotland).
family. These findings will
then be made publically
available in June 2018.
To find out more and
complete the survey please
visit rafa.org.uk/survey.
If you have any queries
or would like further
information, please contact
Dr Prema Nirgude at the
RAF Association on prema.
nirgude@rafa.org.uk.
About the Royal Air
Forces Association
The Royal Air Forces
Association (or RAF
Association) is a membership
organisation and registered
charity that provides welfare
support to the RAF family.
The Association recognises
that RAF personnel and
their immediate families
dedicate their lives to their
country, and we believe
that such a sacrifice should
not result in suffering,
poverty or loneliness.
Whether it’s an injured
airman or woman fighting
to get back on their feet, a
young child missing their
parent away on overseas
operations, or a World War II
veteran needing a shoulder
to lean on, we are here to
INSIGHTMAGAZINE
INSIGHTMAGAZINE9 9
 The Dam Busters with
Dan Snow
A Gala Screening on the 75th Anniversary
Be one of the first of the raid, will pay tribute from the world famous to be an unforgettable
to Wing commander Guy Glenn Miller Orchestra. night of commemoration
audiences to see the

IBCC Gala Dinner

newly restored Dam
Busters film in amazing
4K definition at a special
gala screening on the
anniversary of the RAF’s
most daring raid.
Gibson and his comrades in
the legendary 617 Squadron.
The whole event will be
simulcast into more than
300 cinemas nationwide
on May 17 where cinema-
goers can watch the gala
event followed by the
British classic on the big
screen – for one night only!
The evening will also
raise funds for the RAF
Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s
leading welfare charity and
guardian of the Bomber
Command Memorial in
Green Park, London.
The Memorial stands
in remembrance to the
55,573 members of Bomber
Command who were lost
and nostalgia.” The gala
event will culminate in
the screening of Michael
Anderson’s 1955 film,
starring Sir Michael
Redgrave and Richard Todd.
Tickets for the gala
event can be purchased
directly from the Royal
Albert Hall website:

H
istorian Dan Snow
will host the gala
event at London’s
Royal Albert Hall where the
newly restored film will be
played on a 40ft screen. The
commemorative evening, on
May 17, the 75th anniversary
Guests will include family
members of the Dam Busters
crew, former members of
617 Squadron, renowned
historian Paul Beaver,
plus a ‘bouncing bomb’
experiment and music
during the Second World
War, including the 53 who
did not return from the
Dam Busters raid in 1943.
Dan Snow said: “One of the
greatest British films of
all time in one of Britain’s
greatest venues. It’s going
https://www.royalalberthall.
com/tickets/events/2018/
the-dam-busters-
with-dan-snow/
Cinema tickets can be
purchased from www.
thedambusters75.co.uk

On the evening of 23rd
Feb, the Officers’ Mess
proudly hosted a Gala
Dinner and Charity
Auction to raise funds
for the International
Bomber Command
Centre (IBCC).
remembrance, dedicated
to the 1 million men and
women, from 60 nations
who served or supported
Bomber Command.
Air Commodore Jez
Attridge took to the stage
as the auctioneer for the
evening. His infectious
enthusiasm had the guests
Lincolnshire employers and
defence industries raised a
staggering £10,000 for the
IBCC. This unexpected total
represents the strength
of feeling and support for
the 73,814 members of
Bomber Command who
were killed, wounded or
became prisoners of war.
The Spire commands
stunning views across
Lincoln, with a focus on the
City’s ancient Cathedral,
which served as a sighting
point for crews flying from
Lincolnshire. For many of
the men named on the
accompanying walls, the
Cathedral provided their
last sight of Britain.

G
uest of honour was
Air Chief Marshal
Sir Stephen Hillier
KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF
accompanied by Lady Hillier.
The evening began
with all 8 Standards of
the still active Bomber
Command Squadrons being
ceremoniously marched
into the dining room before
the standing guests. This
poignant beginning set
the tone for what became
a night of cheerful
digging deep to support
Lincolnshire’s latest tourist
attraction. This generosity
was matched by the
suitably extravagant prize
donations; from sports
memorabilia to boutique
hotels and parachute jumps
to VIP lunch at the Battle
of Britain Memorial Flight,
the auction catalogue
bristled with tempting
and indulgent offerings.
The assembled guests
representing both
The unimaginable risks taken
and unrivalled losses were
surmised passionately during
Mr Seb Cox’s (Head of the Air
Historical Branch) after dinner
speech. He was joined on the
top table by representatives
of 5 of the 60 nations that
made-up Bomber Command.
Lincoln has been chosen for
the site of the IBCC memorial
and centre as it provides a
central point for all 27 bases
that earned Lincolnshire the
title of ‘Bomber County’.
It is now recognised as the
UK’s tallest war memorial. The
money raised on the evening
will help the IBCC to continue
to provide a world-class
facility serving as a point for
recognition, remembrance
and reconciliation for Bomber
Command. The Centre
honours all who served,
supported, or suffered in the
bombing campaigns of WWII.
The IBCC is now open and is
an excellent family day out.
Caption: The Dam Busters film screening will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the daring raid. Photo: RAF Benevolent Fund

10 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 11

Celebrate RAF Centenary
The 1st of April marks
100 years since the
Royal Air Force came
into being and will be
commemorated by
numerous special events
across the country -
www.raf.mod.uk/raf100
A
simple way for
you to join in the
commemorations and
help support all members
of the British Armed Forces,
past and present and their
families, in the process is with
this range of RAF inspired
merchandise, specially
created for the centenary.
There’s something for
everyone in the range, which
includes a set of stylish
cufflinks1, a keyring, zip-clip
and lapel pin, each featuring
the RAF’s distinctive red, white
and blue roundel logo. There’s
also a set of hand painted
English bone china mugs2
depicting 100 years of RAF
history in words and images
and a range of products
(pen, mug, coaster, lens
cloth) featuring some of the
RAF’s most famous aircraft.
12 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
The
Generous Briton
Bransby Horses
Hosts Proms in the Paddock
Good Food - Good Beer - Good Company
Available from the website
www.poppyshop.org.uk
where all profits raised go
directly to The Royal British
Legion and their important
work in supporting past
and present members
of our Armed Forces. are to be encouraged.
Join us at Bransby
Pack your own picnic or
Horses on Saturday enjoy a range of delicious
23rd June for an food and drink on site.
unmissable evening Guests are advised to
of live music set in bring blankets and folding
the charity’s idyllic chairs to enjoy the musical
72 High Street, Brant Broughton, Lincs LN5 0RZ grounds just eight entertainment and there
is also the opportunity to
01400 272119 www.thegenerousbriton.co.uk miles from Lincoln.
purchase a gazebo pitch in
advance (limited availability,
A
s part of the please email events@
charity’s 50th bransbyhorses.co.uk).
CATERING FOR
ANY OCCASION anniversary
Full or light buffets for business celebrations, Proms in the Tickets are £15 per person
meeting or private clients Paddock will feature music and can be purchased online
performed by the 1940’s at www.bransbyhorses.co.uk.
WHY NOT USE OUR inspired vocal trio Blighty
of Waddington, CAFÉ TO HOST
YOUR CELEBRATIONS
Belles, Hatfield Brass Band,
Doncaster Wheatsheaf
For further information
please contact Bransby
your local supermarket serving the local community. Available to hire for parties,
Singers, Mollie Sayers and Horses on 01427 788464
events, weddings and wakes.
• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables • Cream Cakes We can seat 40 people in comfort! Rachel Grey. The evening or visit the website.
• Fresh Meat, • Groceries will conclude with a
Contact us on 01522 686847 or 07932758528 rousing Last Night of the
Poultry & Fish • Frozen Foods
moveable.feasts@yahoo.co.uk Proms style finale where
• Fresh Dairy Produce • Wines, Beers & Spirits
• Chilled Ready Meals • Newspapers & Magazines Mrs H’s Cafe, Lincoln Road, North Hykeham, LN6 8NH flag waving and singing
• Lunchtime Snacks • Flowers & House Plants
• Freshly Baked Bread • Carpet Cleaning
• Home delivery • Glass Loan
• Cash Dispenser • National Lottery
• Celebration Cakes • Extended range now
(to order) available
• Payzone • Free Parking
Convenient opening hours:
Mon – Fri 7.30am – 10pm Sat 7.30am – 9pm Sun 10am – 4pm
Major credit cards accepted.
Bar Lane, Waddington Lincoln
01522 721970
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 13
RAF100 at Offutt AFB, Nebraska
Personnel from 51 and 54 squadrons, temporarily assigned to Offutt Air
Force Base, Nebraska, USA, took part in an RAF100/USAF 70 event at the
SAC (Strategic Air Command) Museum in Nebraska on Saturday 7th April.

T
his event was
part of the British
Embassy’s RAF100
events in the USA and was
organised by our Rivet
Joint Exchange Officer in
Offutt AFB in conjunction
with personnel from Offutt
AFB and the support of the
museum’s leadership.
The SAC Museum’s atrium
provided an ideal space for
the teams from the Rivet
Joint program to come
together to commemorate,
celebrate and inspire the
community local to Offutt
and the wider Omaha area.
The museum is a bustling
tourist attraction which has
dozens of aircraft on display
including U-2, B-52, SR-71
and the venerable Vulcan.
The event was opened by a
fly past from an USAF RC-135
Rivet Joint and was followed
by speeches given by Colonel
tangible link between our
A member of 54 Squadron discussing the joint history of the USAF and RAF
through the years. air forces which endured
throughout the Cold
War; and the integrated
co-manning approach to
the Rivet Joint program.
A highlight of the day Colonel Manion, Offutt AFB Base Commander.
was a combined history
presentation given in the
museum’s lecture hall.
Sqn Ldr Adrian and Major Combat Training Squadron travels around the USA.
Noah, pilots on the 338th (equivalent to a RAF Hugh’s travels are shared
Operational Conversion by the Embassy on social
Manion, Commander 55th Unit) gave an insightful media streams and have
Wing, Air Commodore Linter, summary of the shared included flights with the
British Air Attaché to the history of our two services. Red Arrows, the F-35 and
USA, and Congressman an USAF Rivet Joint (with
Bacon. These three speeches There were several interactive our Exchange Officer).
followed a celebratory theme stands and hundreds of
about our shared history: visitors were able to ask If you would like to
the air base was named questions of the personnel get involved with RAF Congressman Bacon representative of Nebraska’s Second District.
after Lt Jarvis Offutt, an US from the local airbase as Waddington’s local events
Army pilot, killed in service well as those from 51 and 54 please get in touch with
with 56 Squadron in World squadrons. One interesting the local team via:
War One; the Strategic stand was one focussing WAD-RAF100@mod.gov.uk
Command, based at Offutt A pilot in training for 51 Squadron running a on Hugh the Bear and his
AFB, has provided a direct flight simulator for children and adults.

Members of the RAF and USAF gave a 30 minute

presentation on the shared history of the two services.

The RAF 100 & USAF 70 Team following an The winner of the colouring competition was presented
excellent day at the SAC Museum. with a board game and a selection of British chocolate.

14 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 15
January 2018 – ALL REVVED UP FOR 2018
After successfully
reconvening the
Waddington Motorcycle
Club (WMC) in Feb
17, the committee
hasn’t let any time go
to waste in getting
miles on the road,
visiting new locations
and participating
in various events.
T
he club’s main
aim is bringing
RAF Waddington
motorcyclists together to
enhance rider safety, skill
and experience, therefore
members have participated
in the national “Bike Safe”
initiative, a police led
motorcycle project. This took
place on several occasions
at RAF Coningsby and WMC
were there in numbers
during the August iteration.
The club also benefits from
one of its members who
is undergoing instructor
training with the Institute of
Advanced Motorists (IAM)
(you’ll easily figure out who
this is!). We have participated
in IAM monitored ride-
outs and attended an IAM
event at the WAVE to further
16 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
improve rider’s knowledge
and experience.
WMC made the best of the
sometimes questionable
weather, venturing far and
wide, taking advantage
of the great biking roads
Lincolnshire has to offer.
Regular ride-outs and bike
nights at (deep breath)
Skegness, Sutton-on-Sea,
Woodhall Spa, Sleaford,
Willingham Woods, Guy
Martin’s pub in Kirmington,
Squires Biker Cafe in Nth
Yorks, drooling at the British
Superbikes at Cadwell
Park, the MCN Festival of
Motorcycling Peterborough,
a RAF Classic Bikes racing
event, Boston Bike Show,
Lincoln Bikefest and 2 trips
to the massively attended
Lincolnshire Bike Nights
and Lancaster taxi at the
Lincolnshire Aviation
Heritage Centre. The club
rounded the year off with
a trip to Motorcycle Live at
the Birmingham NEC – all in
all a consistent year on two
wheels. (Phew)
BY IAN STUART
Charitable events have
also been at the forefront
of WMC’s 2017. Sgt Peat
(WMC Treasurer) endured
aching limbs riding 2000
miles in 3 days in aid of
Cancer Research. Members
participated in a biker rally
in support of Lincs & Notts
Air Ambulance and deemed
photogenic enough to
appear in the Grantham
Journal!! The club completed
its 2017 charitable events
in style raising in excess
of £450 for the Rainforest
Paediatric Ward of Lincoln
County hospital where some
of the club braved the cold
to pay a visit on 22 Dec to
present a cheque to a very
worthwhile cause.
WMC were also heavily
involved at the Waddington
Families’ Day event with
bikes on display and a tent
set up, again supporting the
Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.
Everyone was welcome to
attempt a fastest lap on a PS4
game and friends and families
of RAF Waddington personnel
took the opportunity to grab
a seat and rev an engine
(on several occasions many
times!).
Looking to 2018, WMC is
looking to enjoy more of the
same, venture further afield
and the possibility of an
overseas Force Development
exercise and ride.
To find out more look on the
WMC Moss page (found via
Station Information Links –
Clubs, Committees & Welfare).
1 ISR Wing Eagle Eye
Article Report
Exercise Red Flag
Exercise RED FLAG
is the US Air Force’s
premier air-to-air combat
training exercise.
H
osted by the United
States Air Force
(USAF) at Nellis
Air Force Base in Nevada,
Ex RED FLAG is a coalition
exercise featuring a large
contingent of both Royal
Air Force, Royal Australian
Air Force (RAAF) and USAF,
which make up the exercise’s
‘Blue’ forces. By working
together, these Blue forces
are able to utilise the diverse
capabilities of their aircraft
to execute specific missions,
such as air interdiction,
combat search and rescue,
close air support, dynamic
targeting and defensive
counter air. Simulated ‘Red’
Forces make it progressively
harder over the course of
three weeks for the Blue
Forces to achieve their
various missions. The exercise
provides commanders
and their personnel with
an insight into the entire
planning and execution
processes involved in an
air campaign of this kind.
1ISR Wing had a pivotal role
in the exercise, contributing 7
personnel from Crossbow and
Apollo Flights, 1ISR Sqn and
2 personnel from Aries Flight,
2ISR Sqn to provide rapid
analysis of imagery taken
by the RQ-4 GLOBAL HAWK.
Working alongside USAF
and RAAF in the fast paced
environment of the CAOC;
barriers between coalition
forces were quickly broken
down and 1ISR personnel
received a valuable insight
into the way USAF and RAAF
operate. Analysts worked
under extreme pressure to
analyse and disseminate
tactical reports to the Mission
Package with the ultimate
goal of committing strikes
against Red Forces’ air and
ground assets. The quick
turnaround of imagery
analysis provided by the
1ISR Wing analysts resulted
in multiple strikes against
Red Forces with SAC Myia
Witherford receiving an award
for outstanding performance.
Other than the great
experience received from
working in this coalition
exercise, there is also the
great bonus of it being
hosted in Las Vegas! The
1ISR Wing contingent did
not waste the opportunity
to experience the delights
Las Vegas has to offer.
Going beyond just the glitz
and glamour of the strip,
the group visited the natural
wonders of Nevada including
The Grand Canyon and Red
Rock Canyon. Not forgetting
to visit the impressive man
made marvel of Hoover
Dam. Ex RED FLAG takes
place every year between
the months of January
and February which also
happens to coincide with
the Super Bowl. Regardless
of whether you’re a fan of
American Football or not,
it is impossible not to get
swept up in the atmosphere
and madness of when the
Super Bowl comes around.
It is undeniable that Ex
RED FLAG is one of the
best overseas learning
experiences on offer to
the RAF allowing us to
continue expanding our own
capability and providing a
great opportunity to operate
in a testing environment,
under pressure, alongside
our coalition partners.
C Curran
SAC
1 ISR Sqn
95371 5803
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 19
The Thrift Shop
Needs You!
The fabulous volunteers
at the RAF Waddington
Thrift Shop have been
working tirelessly to
provide this much-loved
community facility
and are waiting to
welcome you along.
VAUXCARE
Lincoln’s 1st Independent Vauxhall Specialists
Deputy Commander Operations
•
•
•
Service
Repairs
Engine Management
•
•
•
MOTs
Clutches & Brakes
New Spares
visit to RAF Waddington
20 Feb 18 – By Flt Lt Ollie Fuller
Waddington community • Air Conditioning • Gearboxes
and what it has to offer.   
Tel: (01522) 510610
All the money the team at the
4 WAVELL ROAD, ALLENBY IND. EST,
Thrift Shop raise is donated
MONKS ROAD, LINCOLN, LN3 4PB
directly to local charities and On 20 Feb 18, DCom all completed in time for a
good causes, showing our www.vauxcare.co.uk Ops, Air Marshal Stuart lunchtime departure via a 33
continued support to the
Atha CB DSO MA
Squadron Puma.
local community.   In the past
6 months alone, the team BSc RAF, visited RAF AM Atha was able to meet
have donated over £2000 to D&M T WING Waddington for the with a select team to discuss

T
he Thrift Shop is open
every Tuesday and
Thursday in the Church
Rooms and Audrey and
her team of hard-working
volunteers are standing-
charities such as Make a Wish first time since Group the “Matters of the Moment”
UK, St Barnabas Hospice, The Captain Tom Burke MA over coffee and Diet Coke
Lincs MS Society and The Mobile towbar fitting service (a particular tipple of
Witter, Brink, & PCT Towbars supplied and fitted
BSc RAF took the reigns
Lincs MS Therapy Centre. All his). A day of firsts, DCom
worthwhile causes making Van Ply lining and extra seat fitting. as Station Commander. Ops accessed the new 51
a real difference locally. Service discount available Squadron building for the

by to help you sell those
unwanted items, grab
yourself a bargain Ball Gown
or simply have a chat over a
coffee.  If you’re new to the
station, why not pop along
and let the ladies tell you a
little bit more about the RAF
Whether you’re buying,
selling or just simply fancy
a chat, please come along
and say hello to the ladies.
Audrey and her team of
lovely volunteers look
forward to meeting you!
01529 306670
Mobile 07740 683867
Email dandmtowing08@btinternet.com
Unit 3, Pride Court, Sleaford Enterprise Park,
Sleaford NG34 8GL
Web dandmtowing.co.uk
A
s part of his regular
Stn engagement
visit programme,
Air Marshal Atha maximised
his time on Station; a
packed schedule included
a meeting with the Station
Executives, visits to both 8
and 51 Squadrons as well
as providing an update
and taking questions from
Station personnel in a
“Town hall” style meeting,
first time since its completion.
Taking a tour, he was able
to access the Sensitive
Compartmented Information
Facility (SCIF) to see first-
hand the value added to the
Squadron’s capability.
The final event of the visit
saw him address a packed
Nettleton room; taking
questions and discussing
Operational output,
alleviating concerns and
informing the attendees
of future requirements
and expectations.
After a quick a quick change
of clothing he departed only
a few minutes late – rumour
has it he even got some “stick
time” during the Puma sortie.

BEING POSTED? NEED TO SELL YOUR CAR QUICKLY?

Call Mathew on 07860 363002
Main office line FREEPHONE 0800 118 2527
We will give you a price guide over the phone
Settle outstanding finance
Consider any part exchange
No matter what age or mileage
20 INSIGHTMAGAZINE INSIGHTMAGAZINE 21
CO’s Cadets
Cadet Flight Sergeant
Matthew Pearce (aged
17) has been selected
as RAF Waddington’s
Station Commander’s
Cadet for 2018 – the
RAF’s Centenary Year.
Matthew, who aspires to
be a pilot, joins us from
204 Squadron (City of
Lincoln) where he has
been a member for the
last 5 years.
“
I’m really excited about
representing my ATC
Squadron and Trent Wing
during 2018 as it’s such a
significant year for the Royal
Air Force. As a cadet, I’ve
always enjoyed participating
in the ceremonial events
so I’m especially looking
forward to the Freedom
of Lincoln Parade where
I’ll be accompanying the
Station Commander as he
performs his official duties.”
Group Captain Tom Burke
(Station Commander
RAF Waddington) said:
“Congratulations to Cadet FS
Pearce who joins us in a year
when, as an organisation, we
will be celebrating our history
and looking forward to an
exciting future. His passion
22 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
for the Royal Air Force
showed at interview and it
was clear that he had put
an awful lot of preparation
into his application. Station
personnel will now work
with him over the next 12
months to help him develop
not only in his chosen career
path but his leadership and
citizenship qualities too.”
Matthew takes over
from the outgoing cadet
Iva Magpantay. Having
experienced some of the
various trades the RAF offers,
Iva now plans to apply to
join the RAF as a Physical
Training Instructor once
she has completed her A
Levels in the summer.
Iva said:
“I’ve had some great
experiences as the CO’s
Cadet and have met some
inspiring people who have
helped me to make some
really important decisions
about my future career in the
RAF. My advice to Matt is to
grab every opportunity you
can because the year goes
by in a flash. I’d like to thank
the Station Commander RAF
Waddington for giving me
this fantastic opportunity.”
Group Captain Tom
Burke said:
“Iva has fully applied herself
to the role of the CO’s Cadet
Waddington
Holiday Home
The Waddington Holiday
Home is a Junior Ranks
Welfare Fund (JRWF)
provided facility located
near the popular tourist
town of Cleethorpes,
Humberside.
T
he 8 berth static
caravan is situated
within the popular
Haven Thorpe Park
Holiday Centre. Sleeping
accommodation comprises
of a double bedroom, 2 twin
bedrooms and a sofa bed. The
lounge area has a residential
feel to it and the kitchen
comes fully equipped for
preparing meals and a dining
table for 6 persons. Outside
has a large decking area
with wooden patio furniture
to enjoy the expansive sea
views. Hirers have full use
of all the resort activities
and services, plus access to
the Haven Private Owners
area. Priviledge passes are
included as part of the
package which offers 50% off
resort activities and 15% off
purchases made in the park
shops and restaurants.
The amenity is for the use by
any personnel based at RAF
and is a credit to the Air her studies and future career Waddington or surrounding
Cadet Organisation. I wish in the Royal Air Force. She bases, with priority given
her every success in both has a very bright future!” to Junior Ranks and Stn
personnel. Booking is on a
first come first served basis,
however please note welfare
cases will take precedence.
How much does
it cost?
The hire charges are
approximately half of the
Haven brochure prices, which
make it extremely good value
for personnel wishing to get
away for a weekend break, or
weeks’ holiday. There is a two
tier price list in place: Junior
Ranks and SNCO/Officer/
Civilian. Prices start from
£100 for a long weekend in
off-peak season, up to £675
for a week in peak season.
About Thorpe Park
holiday centre
An easy going atmosphere
engulfs beautifully landscaped
Thorpe Park Holiday Centre,
situated on the Lincolnshire
coast. Hours of water fun and
fitness await you and your
family with two heated indoor
pools and thrilling outdoor
adventure Splash Zone. Improve
your handicap or start off your
golfing career on a beautifully
located 9-hole golf course, or
relax at our lake and try your
hand at some fresh water
fishing. For a break from the
park, why not take a basket
and enjoy a family picnic on
the nearby sandy beach?
For more information Secretary / Administration
please contact: Member
Cpl Chris Newstead
7054
OIC Christopher.Newstead489@
FS Sharon Wyatt mod.gov.uk
7054
Sharon.Wyatt290@mod.gov.uk Bookings / Publicity Member
Cpl Darren Drysdale
Deputy OIC 7054
FS ‘Stan’ Stanbury Darren.Drysdale400@
7375 mod.gov.uk
Neil.Stanbury341@mod.gov.uk
Bookings / Publicity Member
Treasurer Cpl Steve Roberts
Sgt Jo Armitage 7054
7813 Steven.Roberts883@
Joanne.Armitage681@ mod.gov.uk
mod.gov.uk To access the AVAILABILITY
Bookings / Maintenance CALENDAR please see RAF
Deputy Treasurer Member Waddington Moss Portal,
Sgt Lee Wilson SAC Pete Schulze Station Information Links, Clubs,
7083 7054 Committees & Welfare, Waddington
Lee.Wilson366@mod.gov.uk Peter.Schulze417@mod.gov.uk Holiday Home.
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 23

The RAF Waddington
Local Continuous
Improvement Facilitator
(LCIF) community, has
remarkably trebled in
size over the last year to
34 personnel.
W
ith the centenary
year upon us, the
Station Continuous
Improvement (CI) Team, who
help train and co-ordinate this
network; have set an ambitious
target to treble again and reach
the 100 LCIF mark within the
next 18 months.
Why do we want more
LCIF’S?
What do practically every
thriving company or
organisation in the world
today have in common? They
embrace the concept of CI.
One of the most fundamental
principles of CI, is unlocking
the potential of personnel. The
fact is, there is an abundance
of interesting and intelligent
Seconda
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24 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
people already among us that
we are not tapping into. Quite
often these are people who
work at the coalface, suffering
the frustrations of the daily
process, and their voices are not
the ones being heard. The LCIF
training aims to equip them
with CI techniques which can
help instigate positive changes
within their workplace for the
benefit of everybody.
Cpl Carl Grayson, of the CI team,
who currently co-ordinates
what he proudly refers to as “his
army of LCIF’s” has this to say:
“Every time we run the LCIF
course, I sense a genuine
appetite to make a difference
from a whole range of
personnel types. They are
basically frustrated, and I
know for certain that where
frustration exists, there is waste
but also the opportunities to
make things better. Having a
CI culture can play a key part in
our future at RAF Waddington.
Come and join us”
Call the CI Team on 7288.
To advertise in
the next issue of
this publication,
please contact
Jo
Tel:
01536 526674
Email:
jo@lancepublishing.co.uk
WCOF Visit
On Wednesday 21
March 2018 a group
of 20 guests from the
Worshipful Company
of Farmers came to
RAF Waddington for
their annual visit and
prize giving.
A
s one of the 113
City of London
Livery Companies,
The Worshipful Company
of Farmers has close
ties with the UK military
and is affiliated with
RAF Waddington.
They represent the interests
of all elements of the UK
farming industry and work
to inspire, encourage
and develop excellence
in the management of
• Unisex Hairdressers British agriculture.
• Colouring On the day, the guests
received a tour of V(AC) Sqn
and visited the WWII Sector
• Perming The attendees from the Worshipful Company of
• Weddings, Balls & Proms Farmers were hosted at the Officers’ Mess.
• Free consultations
42 Bar Lane, Waddington, Lincoln, LN5 9SA
01522 720415 © shutterstock 2015 / user: YuriyZhuravov
Opening Times: Monday Closed
Tue 9am - 5pm, Weds & Thurs 9am - 8pm,
Fri 9am - 5pm, Sat 9am - 2pm, Sunday Closed
Think Print
Lance Print is an established printers based
in Peterborough. At Lance we combine
skill, experience & knowledge to provide a
complete professional ser vice.
We aim to fill our clients with confidence
in the knowledge that any work
under taken by us, will be completed
to the highest possible standard.
Call Today:
(01733) 390564
www.lanceprint.co.uk
Control Room Museum at
WAR R
12 MO TY
RAF Digby. They were later
entertained in the Officers’
Mess with reception drinks,
their award presentation and
a three course lunch before
visiting the International
Bomber Command Centre in
the afternoon. The Company
sponsors and presents the
award of an engraved silver
salver to the individual who
has, over the previous 12
months, made the most
significant contribution to
delivering or supporting
the ISTAR Force Mission.
Personnel were nominated
from 12 sections around
RAF Waddington with the
winner being chosen by the
Station Commander.
Sgt Dave was presented with the annual award by Julian Sayers, the Master of
the Worshipful Company of Farmers.
NTH
A N
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Telephone: 01526 344102
INSIGHTMAGAZINE 25
 USAF/RAF
Co-manning in practice
Engineers of the
USAF 55th Wing
worked alongside
their colleagues from
51 Squadron during
maintenance of an RAF
RC-135 Rivet Joint at
RAF Waddington.
T
he team of USAF
engineers, normally
based at Offutt AFB
Nebraska, deployed over 4000
miles to the UK to practice
co-manning processes. The
exercise lasted for 2 weeks
in March 2018. During this
period USAF engineers and
technicians, specialising in
Aircraft Mission Systems,
Our USAF maintainers enjoying a history & ethos visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Conningsby.
26 INSIGHTMAGAZINE
USAF engineers performing maintenance on a
Avionics, Aircraft Structures UK Rivet Joint at RAF Waddington.
and Fuel systems, worked
alongside their RAF
colleagues. They assisted in
ensuring that 51 Squadron’s
fleet of two available RC-135
Rivet Joint aircraft met their
operational tasking. This was
a great opportunity for both
parties to share engineering
experience, further
integrating Engineering
working practices which can
often present challenges
due to inherent differences
between the USAF and
RAF procedures.
The exercise was hugely
successful and enhanced
the already excellent ties
between USAF and RAF
engineering personnel.
You could be in the Algarve,
relaxing in the sun...
A spacious 1 bedroom apartment with shared swimming pool. The apartment is situated on the top floor of a 3
storey block. Quiet location, but only 5 mins walk to the marina and another 5 mins to the town centre.
Self Catering Holiday Apartment
• Twin bedroom.
• Open plan kitchen & lounge.
• The kitchen has a 4-ring hob,
oven, microwave, toaster
and washing machine.
• Family sized bathroom.
• The lounge has a sofa (which
converts into two single beds) PRICES:
Jan - March £225
and a table to seat four. April £300
May £325
• A TV, DVD and CD player June £375
are also available. July/August £475
Sept £375
• Patio doors open onto the Oct £325
balcony, offering views over Nov/Dec £250
the pool and across Lagos.
• Ample parking space in
front of the building.
www.algarve-retreats.com/ Phone Judith on
01536 711884
property-to-rent/apartment-meia.htm
 FOR SALE
2 LUXURY STATIC HOLIDAY CARAVANS
GOLDEN SANDS HOLIDAY PARK MABLETHORPE
The Caravans are comfortable, clean and spacious.
Central and electric heating throughout, with a fully equipped
kitchen area. Both have extra wide showers, with separate toilets.
Both are situated together with a large grass area at the front.

Based at the

Bermuda 8 B
er th

With miles and miles of golden sandy beaches opposite the park, you can also benefit from the facilities
of the Haven Holiday Park which include: an outdoor pool with flume and a heated indoor pool.
A Funfair with plenty of rides, a large fun area with a playground, climbing wall and crazy golf.
There are also two coarse fishing lakes. Entertainment, both daytime and evening and a bar and restaurant.

For further details, please call 078 999 84 949