People

RAF Benson is home to approximately 2000 Service personnel and Civil Servants, and approximately the same number of dependants and civilian staff.

The Station Commander

Group Captain Richard Mason OBE MA RAF

Group Captain Mason assumed the role of Station Commander, and Puma and Merlin Force Commander, at RAF Benson on 26th November 2010.

An experienced pilot that has flown both fast jets and helicopters during his 25 year career, Group Captain Mason comes to RAF Benson from the Ministry of Defence. He has previously flown in the most demanding of operational theatres including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, and Afghanistan. Group Captain Mason has received numerous awards during his career including a Mention in Despatches for his operational flying in Sierra Leone, an appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to operations in Macedonia and Afghanistan, and a subsequent appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire on his promotion to Group Captain in 2009.