No XIII Squadron Disbandment – RAF Marham

On Friday 13th May 2011 at 1030, XIII Squadron from RAF Marham took to the parade square for their final parade prior to their official disbandment on 1 June 2011. This was a historical occasion and a milestone in Royal Air Force history.

No XIII Squadron has continued its long and distinguished record since arriving at RAF Marham in 1990 and its involvement in Gulf War 1. Notably, 2009 saw XIII Squadron conducting the last Tornado sortie over Iraq in support of Op TELIC. In the summer of 2010, XIII Squadron deployed on its inaugural Op HERRICK detachment in Afghanistan providing Close Air Support and a Combat ISTAR capability during a very busy fighting season. Finally, just a few weeks from disbandment, XIII Squadron were at the very fore of Op ELLAMY over Libya, delivering deep strike capability through the employment of the RAF’s Stormshadow missile.

Officer Commanding XIII Squadron Wing Commander Howie Edwards said:

“Without a doubt today is an emotional day for all of us who have been part of No XIII Squadron. As the Squadron Commander I feel it both an honour and a privilege to have commanded and led such a fine team of men and women, as well as to have been part of an exceptional Squadron with such an illustrious heritage. Today is a tribute to the XIII Squadron family and it is with mixed emotions that we bid a fond farewell to a truly remarkable unit that has served with great distinction around the world”

Station Commander RAF Marham Group Captain Rocky Rochelle said:

“I feel both sad and proud today – sad that we have lost such a significant sqn, however, hugely proud that during the current Squadron Commander’s and my tenure, XIII Squadron have been tested like no other sqn, primarily last summer during surge operations in Afghanistan and currently in support of Op ELLAMY, knowing full well their fate. No XIII Squadron will take their place in history as one of the true greats and will be sorely missed on future operations”.

Pictures:

XIII Squadron Standard being marched off the Parade square. Carrying the Standard Flt Lt Harbridge, left Sgt Windle, right Sgt Kyriaco, back Squadron Warrant Officer, WO Bonner.

Wing Commander 'Howie' Edwards Officer Commanding XIII Squadron at the front of the Parade.








XIII Squadron

Officer Commanding XIII Squadron

Wing Commander H Edwards RAF

Born in Chiswick and educated at Framlingham College, Suffolk, Wing Commander Howie Edwards joined the RAF through an RAF Sixth Form and Flying Scholarship directly from school. He commenced his flying training at RAF Cranwell on the Tucano in 1991 and subsequently completed his fast jet training on the Hawk at RAF Chivenor. He converted to the Tornado GR1 at the Tri-national Tornado Training Establishment at RAF Cottesmore in 1995 before advancing to the Tornado Weapons Conversion Unit at RAF Lossiemouth in 1996. His first operational tour was with IX(B) Squadron at RAF Brüggen in the Strike/Attack and SEAD roles; this tour concluded in 1999 after his involvement in the Kosovo Air Campaign.

Posted to XV(R) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth in 1999 he completed 18 months as an Operational Conversion Unit Instructor prior to his selection for and completion of the Qualified Weapons Instructor (QWI) Course. In 2001 he began a tour on 12(B) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth as the QWI pilot during which he conducted missions as part of the UK Air Component during Op TELIC in March 2003.

Promoted to Squadron Leader in January 2004, he returned to XV(R) Squadron as a Flight Commander where he was responsible for Tornado GR4 post-graduate training and latterly as the Executive Officer. His first staff appointment came in 2006 when he became a Personnel Management Desk Officer at RAF Innsworth, responsible for the postings and career management of all RAF fast jet junior officer pilots.

Promoted to Wing Commander in 2008 he assumed responsibility for the policy, postings and career management of all RAF aircrew below the rank of Squadron Leader until his move to Canberra, Australia, in order to attend the Advanced Staff and Command Course (Joint) with the Australian Defence Force. He graduated from the Course in December 2009 achieving a Grad Dip in Defence Studies and was awarded the Chief of Air Force Prize.

Wing Commander Edwards has flown over 2500 hours on fast jets, including over 2000 hours on the Tornado GR1/4, and has flown more than 100 missions over Iraq during Operation JURAL, BOLTON, RESINATE SOUTH, WARDEN and TELIC. He assumed command of XIII Squadron at RAF Marham in December 2009. He is married with children and his interests include cycling, camping and lavishing too much money on cars that should be put to sleep!

XIII Squadron Shop