Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum - "If you seek peace, prepare for war"

Station Commander Blogs on...

The Team gives the community a helping hand

As I look back at some of the pictures of a heavily snow and frost covered landscape in Cumbria over the Christmas and New Year period I cannot help but feel that winter is over. Yet, when I left for work the other day, the thermometer told me that it was -8C and I arrived to find that some of my drivers were out gritting our roads (including the road to the A69). Winter is clearly far from over! Whilst the weather has had a limited impact on activities at Spadeadam we have still been busy supporting a variety of air activities over the area while, at the same time, preparing for the first of several overseas deployments (Oman).

After an excellent, and very cold, Christmas (-18C at its worst) we are back to planning for yet another busy but, if last year is anything to go by, undoubtedly rewarding year. We have achieved a great deal over the last few months. We have supported a number of exercises at home and overseas, including Sweden, and have continued to provide highly relevant training opportunities for all air platforms. However, when considering important aspects of our work in the latter part of last year, it would be wrong not to discuss our support to the flood rescue efforts in November. We very much live and work in the local community and we are grateful for the positive support that we receive from that community. Therefore it was especially rewarding for my team to be able to contribute to the rescue efforts in Cockermouth. It was humbling to see how unflappable Cumbrians’ can be when facing adversity and it was pleasing to see that the training that we had undertaken with the emergency services and the British Army in the Autumn proved its value in ensuring that we were able to work seamlessly side by side throughout the crisis.

As spring approaches we are now putting a comprehensive work and financial plan together to present to the Air Officer Commanding No1 Group that reflects how we can achieve the tasks that my senior managers expect of me and the team; at least the weather is keeping me indoors to finish the staff work involved!

Creditable third place surprises other Units

'Blink and you missed it'; arguably a comment that applies to our summer weather or possibly to my summer blog. I do not believe in lame excuses for failing to keep up with writing my blog, so I will offer none. It is now more than a year since I took up my post yet it feels like minutes. Despite the poor summer weather we have continued to work at a relentless pace and there are certainly no shortages of customers wishing to utilise our capabilities. This has included a significant detachment of people and equipment to the North of Scotland in support of the Qualified Weapons Instructor Course, to Sweden in support of a large multi-National exercise, as well as our usual efforts in supporting crews preparing to head to Afghanistan.

There is not an individual on unit who can say that they are not being kept busy, albeit not necessarily fully employed on the task they were sent here to do. We have to remain flexible and adaptable, meeting the needs of our customers. The team remain highly professional, determined and and very focussed. This was certainly borne out by our success earlier this summer in the HQ 1 Group Inter-Unit Force Development event (lots of running, shooting, raft building, map exercises and logic puzzles to name a few events). Although being one tenth the size of the next biggest unit and one thirtieth of the largest unit, we posted a hugely credible third place, much to the surprise of many other units, and I know the team are looking forward to next year's event.

More recently, we have just completed our support to the various Battle of Britain events both on the unit and in Carlisle. As always it is humbling to meet the veterans of this historic battle and to hear some of their stories. Indeed, it was a proud moment for me to invite a former WWII Hurricane pilot, and DFC holder, to join me on the dais to take the salute at our Sunset Ceremony on 15 September. I will remember it for a very long time.

It is only the start of October but last week I saw the risk of snow showers being reported in our area weather forecast - a salutary reminder that winter is not far away! No doubt, as the days draw in, we are likely to see a reduction in traffic density overhead RAF Spadeadam. However, given the ongoing operational training tempo, I am sure that any reduction will be minor and short-lived, and we all look forward to continuing to do our part to support this vital activity. In the meantime, I will endeavour to write my blog more regularly!

Roller Coasting into 2009

I planned to do a very regular blog and have not managed to do so since Christmas! People could be forgiven for thinking that I had given up the blog (I HAVE NOT!) but, in mild mitigation, in my last blog I did predict that the start of the year was likely to be a roller-coaster ride. That prediction has proven to be very true. Supporting our current daily outputs, and preparing our end of year report has been extremely time consuming. Therefore, rather than focussing on the future, I find myself reflecting on the achievements of the first part of 2009.

As always, we have been very busy continuing to provide our unique and first class training capabilities, to help to prepare our aircrews for current and future operations. On occasion, this has proven challenging as we dealt with the winter snowfalls which closed the unit 3 times but, as they say, 'flexibility is the key to airpower'; flexibility is something that we do well!

As well as going about our normal business, we have undergone a change of contract provider for many of our activities, prepared the plan of our activities and outputs for the next 12 months and even had time to send a team to the RAF Ski Championships for the first time. We certainly cannot be accused of standing still. All of these activities have been conducted in parallel with planning for 2 key deployments overseas in the coming weeks. The variety of work that we undertake means that every day brings new issues, challenges and opportunities. We have also seen the emerging results of some of our activities to support Spadeadam personnel outside work; the 5-a-side all-weather football pitch is taking shape and the community house is now open for 2 daytime sessions per week, rather than one. There are also plans to hold evening events. Both of these projects are aimed to improve our living and social environment. Last week also saw the team doing their bit for charity by presenting 80 Easter Eggs to the Children's Ward at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle. These were delivered on bicycle from Spadeadam; a physically demanding but very worthwhile effort and I offer my thanks to all those involved.

The last month has been a particularly interesting time for me personally. As well as dealing with all the operational challenges of commanding RAF Spadeadam, including presenting the plan for the next 12 months to our leadership in London, I have had to quickly get to grips with all aspects of conservation being undertaken on the unit. As well as sitting as the chair of the unit conservation group, I was even interviewed earlier this week by a former Blue Peter presenter (Matt Baker) for the Radio 4 programme Open Country!

Finally, I have to admit that I never decided on a New Year Resolution. Maybe next year I will have more time to sit and reflect on a suitable one; only time will tell. Have a great Easter. I promise to write my next entry soon.

A Christmas message

As I write this latest Blog, it is dark (the Winter Solstice!), very windy and not particularly cheery. However, with 3 days till Christmas, the joys of a large tree in the house, the prospect of a mulled wine approaching and, most importantly, listening to the excited voice of a small boy in the house counting down the arrival of Santa means that it is impossible to feel anything other than extremely festive!

The last month has been really busy and the last week has seen me undertake 2 things for the first time; giving an end-of-year Christmas address to the RAF Spadeadam team who attended the Carol Service and finding myself the subject of an interview published in the Cumberland News (the link is on the press page of this website) on Friday; both were novel but rewarding experiences and now every one knows that I studied Animal Physiology at University! Seriously though, I remain privileged and somewhat humbled to be presented with these opportunities.

Christmas is a time for celebration and allows us an opportunity to reflect on our achievements throughout the year. It has been an outstanding year. We have achieved a great deal and remain a very relevant part of the modern Armed Forces – providing a relevant and tailored training environment to support personnel on operations.

Provision of this capability is brought about through your hard work and dedication, not by luck. I owe a vote of thanks to all at Spadeadam for their efforts in ensuring our success – it is through their endeavours that we are so highly regarded throughout the Armed Forces, and within the local community. Indeed, in the run-up to Christmas it has been very rewarding to be able to supply and deliver Christmas trees to the local hospitals and schools. Of course, when talking about Spadeadam, I include the partners and families of the team, who form a vital and often under-stated part of our community.

I truly believe that we have all worked very hard this year and I think that we can hold our heads up high at work, at home and within the local community for a job well done.

I am delighted that we now have the opportunity for a decent length of Christmas break. I plan to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family and to recharge my batteries, but I also intend to find time to remember friends and colleagues that will be away on operations over the period.

If the first 3 months are anything to go by, next year will be a real roller coaster ride – stay tuned to see what develops and to find out my New Year resolution!

19 Nov 08 A time to remember

The last 6 weeks has been particularly busy for the unit, principally as we prepared for the Remembrance Sunday Services and Parades, and our Armistice Sunset Ceremony, but also because we have been focussed on helping to prepare British Army Apache Units for operations. Although we are physically far removed from the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, seeing Apache helicopters in the hover above Wiley Sike training against potential missile threats is a poignant reminder of what RAF Spadeadam is here to deliver – relevant EW training in support of operations. This training has also continued apace with exercises involving a Dutch Patriot unit and other EW assets.

We also hosted the Border Reivers Half Marathon in October. Although I missed the event, I know that it was a great success, despite the weather, and I must congratulate RAF Leeming for winning, and the RAF Spadeadam team for a very credible third place, raising £500 for the RAF Spadeadam Welfare Fund.

Of interest, as my excuse for avoiding running the half-marathon, I attended the Annual Association of Old Crows (AOC) International Conference held in Reno, Nevada in October. It was a fantastic event, involving all key Electronic Warfare (EW) players worldwide, but especially from the USA and Europe.

The local community in Carlisle superbly supported the Remembrance Sunday Parade and Cathedral Service, and I feel proud that the team from Spadeadam put on a very polished and professional performance on parade and in church. It was also a privilege to take part in the parade, church service and wreath laying in Brampton. The events allowed us all to reflect on lost comrades, friends and family and to think of those personnel away on current operations. These events are very important to all of us but I am conscious of the impact that rehearsals etc have on family time and I am grateful for the support that the families provided to RAF Spadeadam personnel.

As the daylight hours grow ever shorter, we are now starting to think about Christmas. There is plenty of social activity planned to take us up to Christmas. Importantly, we have 2 forthcoming events aimed to incorporate families, including a children’s Christmas party; this is an aspect of station life that we must continue to develop and encourage. I am thoroughly looking forward to the events and the opportunity they will bring for meeting more of the families here at Spadeadam.

5 Oct 08 Time flies for the new Boss...

As I sit contemplating my first BLOG as Commanding Officer, I am looking at breathtaking views of Cumbrian countryside and a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Can it really be 23 days since I formally took the reigns of RAF Spadeadam? It has been, not surprisingly, a busy few weeks; Spadeadam is a complex and multi-faceted organisation so there is much to learn, as well as settling my family into the area.

It is a privilege to find myself at the head of a thoroughly effective team that is providing essential training to both ground and Air Forces. And I mean Forces plural! As well as providing training to the British army and Royal Air Force, this week we are hosting elements of the Royal Netherlands Air Force as well as supporting a major exercise, JOINT WARRIOR. Also on base, we are hosting members of the Polish Air Warfare Centre on a familiarisation visit, a recent addition to NATO Forces.

My time in command will, no doubt, unfortunately pass quickly if the first 23 days are anything to go by. I have already had the honour to take part in the ‘Battle of Britain’ celebrations in Carlisle Cathedral on 14th Sep; given my first (short) radio interview and can now look forward to hosting many more visitors and preparing for the Remembrance weekend events in November. If only I could control the weather and keep it this sunny everyday.

On a lighter note, the Station will be hosting the Annual Border Reivers Half Marathon on Thursday 23rd October. Unfortunately, I will be away and unable to take part (well that’s my excuse anyway), however, I wish all competitors a successful race. I will endeavour to be fit and ready for next year!

2 Apr 08 Back from the desert to host the Dutch

The recent burst of daffodil blooms is a stark reminder that it is my second anniversary at Spadeadam and that my days are numbered. That said, I have been looking forward to Spring as a good percentage of Spadeadam manpower returns from the Middle East.

A team of fifteen Spadeadam personnel returned from Exercise MAGIC CARPET in Oman where they provided realistic training scenarios for the aircrews of the combined air forces. Just one such scenario was a downed aircraft for the rehearsal of Joint Personnel Recovery prodeures, formerly known as Combat Search and Rescue. On the ground Spadeadam personnel deployed a full scale model of a F-16 fighter tail section, an ejection seat, parachute and pilot. At the nominated time a large fire was lit to represent the fireball post aircraft impact with the ground. I was delighted to hear feedback from an US F-16 pilot who had thought that an aircraft had actually crashed!!

Closer to home the Dutch Air Force and Army exercised at Spadeadam over a two week period and were immensely impressed with the training facilities here. They attracted some regional media attention, and one of the online articles can be found here. http://www.news-and-star.co.uk/news/1.58402. Also, there are some excellent photographs of Dutch activities in the image galleries.

In the coming weeks there are three exercises planned. WYCOMBE WARRIOR will test NATO air power in warfighting skills; JOINT WARRIOR is a tri-Service exercise; and SWIFT PANTHER on 29th April will test the in Deployed Force Commander and his Command elements of 140 Expeditionary Air Wing.http://www.raf.mod.uk/structure/eaw.cfmThe 140 EAW will find themselves up against the heroic forces of Umberland who will continue to defend their proud nation.

22 Feb 08 Dodgy weather means training snow-show, but high-flying visit is a success

It is probably too late to say Happy New Year but this is the first chance I've had to place a blog. The winter weather has had an effect on Spadeadam and the skies have been too quiet for my liking. Three times we have had to close down due to the snow and despite fine flying days recently, the now winds are back!

There was a great start to the year with two RAF personnel being recognised in the Military Commendations at New Year; a commendation for from the Commander in Chief at Air Command and the other from Chief of Staff (Operations Support). Continuing on people, Spadeadam has over 12% of RAF personnel deployed around the globe, in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands. In addition, a team is deployed to the Middle East for Exercise MAGIC CARPET. Therefore, on the ground servicemen are in short supply and to bolster the Spadeadam numbers, I welcome the cavalry in the form of airmen from RAF Boulmer and two officers who are waiting their next flying course.

During a lull in the inclement weather, Exercise SWIFT PANTHER went ahead with Umberland's enemy attempting to attack. They claimed success, which is up for debate, but I would say that, wouldn't I? If so, well done to the team from RAF Coningsby who thought some distance from the box.

This week witnessed probably the most high-powered visit that RAF Spadeadam has had. The Headquarters No 1 Group 's Senior Leadership Team comprising the Air Officer Commanding, three Air Commodores and fourteen Group Captains enjoyed Spadeadam's hospitality during a two day Leadership Workshop and Bluestreak Staff Ride. The latter was led by Dr Guy Finch from King's College London, based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at Shrivenham. My sincere thanks to all Spadeadam staff involved in a making this auspicious occasion a great success. One note of thanks that I received says it all:

' .... pass on my sincere thanks to all your team for such superb hosting and overall organisation during our recent visit. It was a real pleasure to watch your team deliver 'above their weight' in such an effortless and stylish manner'.

18 Dec 07 A great all round result for Spade in 2007

Approaching the end of 2007, it's time to reflect on the success and achievements of RAF Spadeadam and our people over the last year. Firstly, thank you to all at RAF Spadeadam for your support and hard work this year. The result of this has had a significant impact on the warfare training on offer at Spade and I can safety say that our output is world class. A measure of this has been the number of other nations seeking advice on creating such facilities around the world. Furthermore the 'customers' seen during the year on the ground and in the air have included Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, US, Belgium, Germany, France and Saudi Arabia.

Improvements to the facility included the Urban Close Air Support Village on Wiley Sike Bombing Range; clearance for helicopters to disperse infrared countermeasure flares over the same area; enhanced infrared training equipment; a much improved debriefing package for aircrews via our integrated command, control and communications system; a plug and play time sensitive target capability; the development of electronic decoy equipment; refurbishment and new build visual targets from self-propelled artillery through to intercontinental ballistic missiles; development of a second line servicing bay; and the development of an autonomous radar capability.

On people, RAF Spadeadam saw two MBE awards in 2007, a reflection of the high calibre work force on the Station. Investment in welfare and people has been essential and improving the single living accommodation was just one element. The Station also boasts a new library / education facility; a top-class adventure training store; a refurbished 30-bed camping barn; new play equipment at the community house; and top of the range sports equipment, which has gone a long way in supporting the latest fitness regime pervading Service life at Spadeadam. The 'new' Entertainments Committee, which stood up in Spring 07, must be congratulated for their outstanding efforts this year. Your hard work in rallying of the troops and organising successful events throughout went a long way to maintaining morale on Station. For families, Lisa and Tracey have done a great job at the Community House and your support is greatly appreciated.

Finally, although the Spadeadam weather hampered two of the Exercise Swift Panther series this year, Umberland saw success throughout. The aim of challenging the RAF in 21st Century Warfare was achieved and I am delighted that 'Red Thinking' prevailed. The use of cunning and, perhaps, devious tactics and techniques does sometime have the edge over high technology. There will be four such exercises next year and I am determined that, like the national flag of Umberland, that Red will remain on top!

12 Nov 07 Triumphant Spade marches proudly on Remembrance Day

I am delighted to announce that on 23rd October, RAF Spadeadam was awarded the Headquarters 1 Group SWIFT PANTHER trophy for its outstanding achievements as an opposition force for the training of HQ 1 Group Force Elements. This was no mean feat and I congratulate all forces and citizens of Umberland for their efforts and successes to date.

November was always a busy month for RAF Spadeadam and this year is no exception. Last week the Station welcomed Air Vice Marshall Harper on his inaugural visit as Air Officer Commanding 1 Group. I know that such visits involve much work 'behind the scenes' and I thank the whole Spadeadam team for ensuring success. There was no let up over the weekend and RAF Spadeadam provided light blue military presence on the streets of Carlisle and Brampton for Remembrance Day. The parades never fail to be a moving experience and I was enormously proud of the RAF Spadeadam contingent as they marched past the war memorial.

Operationally, the Joint Foward Air Control unit continued its training activities; Exercise COLD IGLOO brought US and Belgian aircraft over Spadeadam; the Army Air Corps deployed Apache attack helicopters for intensive training; and towards the end of November, RAF Spadeadam becomes the centre of attention for NATO's Exercise WYCOMBE WARRIOR series. In addition to all the above, Spadeadam threat equipment was deployed to the Scottish wilderness in support of the Combined Qualified Weapon Intructor's course.

27 Sep 07 Busy Busy Busy

September saw a particularly busy period for the Spadeadam team. The first week highlighted the importance of our electronic and air warfare training to NATO aircrews as we welcomed the Dutch, Norwegians and Swedes both in the air and on the ground. Adding to the multi-national flavour of the week were aircrews from Saudi Arabia participating in Exercise SAUDI SWORD.

The Qualified Helicopter Tactics Intructors' course used the Spadeadam facilities the following week, which was also a time to reflect on the Battle of Britain and our forces on current operations.

The Station held a hugely successful Battle of Britain Sunset Ceremony on 13th September which was supported by the Band of the King's Division on the ground and 14 Sqn from RAF Lossiemouth in the air. The pomp, ceremony and precision timing by all parties was outstanding. My thanks to all involved in the organisation and execution of a truly great evening. On Battle of Britain Sunday a thanksgiving service was held at Carlisle Cathedral, attended by many veterans, Councillors, Air Cadets and Spadeadam personnel.

The last half of the month was taken up with Exercise SKY LANCE, which involved units from all three Services, but predominately the Royal Navy, RAF and invited NATO and Allied units. The aim of the exercises was to provide the best possible training within a contemporary and realistic warfare environment before possible deployment to operations. Spadeadam played its part in providing an array of Ground-to-Air threats such as radars for Surface to Air Missile (SAM) and Anti-Aircraft Artillery. Some equipment was deployed to Scotland whereas other radars formed a SAM-belt across the north east of England. In addition we deployed some inflateable SCUD missiles around the north east. Well done to the whole team for their hard work and excellent support during the last two weeks.

31 Aug 07 The lull before the storm...

The skies over RAF Spadeadam have seemed rather quiet of late and I suspect that the poor summer weather was the main contributing factor. Now that the 'summer recess' is coming to an end, I expect that operations over Spade will pick up again. In fact September seems to be the silly season. On the operations front, our contribution to Exercise SKY LANCE will be the main effort, followed closely by routine electronic and air warfare training and, in the background, Umberland's preparations for Ex SWIFT PANTHER in October. September is an important month in the RAF calendar as we commemorate the Battle of Britain and RAF Spadeadam will play its part with activities such as a Sunset Ceremony, Battle of Britain dinner and church service.

On people, RAF Spadeadam continues to support operations around the globe with personnel deployed from the Middle East to the Falkland Islands. The Station's commitment to such operations is ongoing and since January over 25% of my RAF personnel have either deployed or are preparing to deploy. Also, Spade has witnessed a large number of postings this year, particularly in the Officer cadre with a 70% turnover over a 10 month period.

The CO's Challenge mentioned below is ongoing. Ten teams that were chosen and led at Corporal rank compete against each other in this points-based challenge. Many objectives and challenges have been set including adventure training in the Lake District; Force Development activities such as shooting, fitness, briefings; conservation projects; and support in the local community. For team leaders, there are a couple of more challenges on the way so stand by to be called forward.

Finally, some thank yous. First to Adam and Owen for all efforts during your brief holiday in Umberland; I wish you every success in flying training. To all folk who organised and supported the highly successful Air Training Corps summer camps. And to the Thursday Boys for supplying high quality photographs for the website gallery. Not wishing to sound like a BAFTA winner I shall stop there.

16 Jul 07 Streaking for charity, a very impressive Ball and much more

A couple of ' Well Dones' to start the blog. First, well done to the sixteen ladies of Spadeadam, otherwise known as the Bluestreaks, for their outstanding efforts on the recent Race for Life in aid of Cancer Research. The weather held off and all ladies crossed the finish line safely, raising over £1300 for the charity. The second goes to the Entertainments Committee and everyone involved in organising a hugely successful Summer Ball. The measures of effect were the waiting list for tickets and the number of people still on the dance floor at four o'clock in the morning! Well done and thank you.

The beginning of July saw the first bombing of the RAF Spadeadam's Urban Close Air Support facility. This small village closely resembles those in Afghanistan and provides a realistic training opportunity for Forward Air Control parties to call in for air support. Thanks to the Joint Forward Air Control Training and Standards Unit for allowing me to call in the inaugural attack by Tornado GR4. This was witnessed by the SERCO team that was instrumental in making the village and the ever present 'Thursday Boys' who have promised some photographs to add to the RAF Spadeadam gallery.

Finally, I am delighted that the CO's Challenge continues to grip the Station. Ten teams are competing against each other in a range of activities such as Adventure Training, Sport, Force Development, Conservation projects etc. Currently the top three teams are the Dirty Half Dozen, Kelly's Heroes and Are We There Yet.

18 Jun 07 Tony finds room to accommodate well deserved honour

Many heartfelt congratulations to Sgt Tony Park who has been awarded Member of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. This award has been given for his outstanding effort and resilience in making the Single Living Accommodation at RAF Spadeadam what is it today. Two years ago the rooms were probably worse than those found on old diesel submarines! I am convinced that the Station now boasts some of the best accommodation in the RAF and this has had a direct impact on morale in the Mess and across the Station. In addition, and at the same time, Sgt Park had to deal with the introduction of the Regional Prime Contract which looks after the infrastructure on the Station. This in itself was no mean feat and usually fettled at a much higher rank. Congratulations again, and thank you for making a difference.

16 May 07 Spadeadam gets plenty of Exercise

Since my last Blog there has been a tangible increase in activity at RAF Spadeadam both on the ground and in the air. In April a small team deployed to the desert and provided excellent training facilities in support of an Advanced Tactical Leadership Course. Back home, RAF Spadeadam was the focus of attention for Exercise NEPTUNE WARRIOR, which was swiftly followed by the NATO-led exercise called WYCOMBE WARRIOR. RAF Spadeadam saw overflights by aircraft from as far afield as Norway, Belgium, France and Germany and on the ground personnel from the Netherlands carried out invaluable training.

Just yesterday, the nation ofUmberlandcontinued its war with the UK during Exercise SWIFT PANTHER. This exercise challenges not only the aircrew in the cockpit but also their commander (the decision-maker) in his deployed headquarters. As part of the ongoing Umberland scenario, RAF Spadeadam welcomed two aircrew fromRAF Leeming who were 'behind enemy lines' and were to be picked up byMerlinhelicopters. Such training is vital to preapre aircrews and commanders for operations inAfghanistan, Iraqand around theworld.

26 Mar 07 A Spring in our step

At last Spring has arrived. It is a well known fact that the climate at Spadeadam brings all four seasons in one day! The improving weather conditions means an upturn in flying activity over Spadeadam and an increase in operational tempo on the ground. Since January we have conducted two very successful SWIFT PANTHER exercises and provided invaluable electronic and air warfare training to the Apache force elements, the Combined Qualified Weapons Instructor's course and NATO's Tactical Leadership Programme. On top of all this, Spadeadam has supported the Advanced Tactical Leadership Course in the United Arab Emirates.

Other activities included a successful force development week in the Yorkshire Dales, Exercise Dales Dash, and my thanks to the team that ran the exercise; your contribution to the team building of Spadeadam was first class. The Spadeadam Camping Barn has been refurbished in time for the Youth Leadership course and Air Training Corps camp season. Many interested parties, including the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, attended a Spadeadam Conservation meeting which enabled us to appreciate the cuttent wide and varied issues, from squirrels to beetles and beyond. This led to a subsequent Integrated Rural Management meeting that formed the way ahead for the coming months

3 Jan 07 Webs and Gongs

I am very excited to lead Spadeadam into 2007 and to start the year with the introduction of this great website.

Firstly, a big thank you to the Spade web masters, Jim and Alan, who in just twelve days off the Webmaster course developed this website. Thanks also to SACs Gez and 'Mayday' for their outstanding input in terms of content, graphics, links and ideas. Without you this website would not be possible. BZ

The New Year started with some great news for RAF Spadeadam as Mick Walker, the Serco General Engineering Manager, was awarded a MBE in the new Years Honours List. Awarded for services to Defence, the gong is truly deserved not just for Mick but also for the team he leads so well.

19 Dec 06 Christmas Message

On the approach to Christmas, I would like to thank all Spade personnel for a job well done throughout 2006. Your proactive, innovative approach really has made a difference, resulting in the Station being in fine fettle and the training provided being second to none. Long may it continue. My thanks also to the Spade wives and families because without your support at home Spadeadam could not deliver effectively. Finally, as we look forward to some well-deserved time off with our loved ones, have a thought for our comrades in arms currently serving on operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Falklands, Sierra Leone and elsewhere. Also for their families and the families who have lost loved ones.

13 Dec 06 Commander's Intent

The professionalism, expertise and innovation of all Spadeadam personnel is second to none. It is my intent to maximise the operational output of the Station whilst minimising impact on personnel. What I mean by this is that the training RAF Spadeadam provides to the front line squadrons will constantly improve, without my people being mucked around. Sure, there will be times when lifestyles are affected but don't forget that we are here to help defend democracy, not necessarily to practice it. Secondly, we should strive to work better, not harder. Thirdly, I firmly believe in what the military call 'mission command'. In simple terms, this is to set the task without stating how to achieve it. There is no doubt in my mind that mission command motivates people. My last message to my people is that I am keen to employ the right person in the right job and that responsibilities rest at the most appropriate level. Over the years there has been a tendency in the RAF, and probably in the other services, for responsibility to sit at the next rank up. I need corporals to have corporal-level responsibility, sergeants to have sergeant-level responsibility and so on. Finally, I need servicemen who want to be at RAF Spadeadam. If not, I can arrange it.

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