The RAF Global Enablement Medical Force has received the Firmin Sword of Peace Award for its outstanding humanitarian contributions during 2023.
This prestigious award recognises Royal Navy, Army, RAF, and Joint Service Units for fostering positive relationships between the British Armed Forces and communities worldwide, in the previous year.
Presented at RAF Brize Norton by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, the award highlights the Medical Force’s extraordinary achievements, including deployments during Operation Greenlighter, after the Türkiye earthquake, and Operation Polarbear in Sudan. Their efforts provided critical medical care to thousands, often under challenging conditions.
"It's an honour to present RAF Global Enablement’s Medical Force with the 2023 Firmin Sword of peace for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism. The commitment shown by our Regular and Reservist personnel represents the very spirit of service and excellence that the RAF stands for."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton
Chief of the Air Staff
Alongside the support that the Medical Force provides to Global Operations and Defence, personnel from Tactical Medical Wing initiated a co-responder team with the South-Central Ambulance Service, which sees them support their local communities whilst maintaining clinical skills.
"This award reflects the patient centred dedication, professionalism, and compassion of every member of the Medical Force. This award truly belongs to the entire Medical Force, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together."
Group Captain Rowley
Commander Medical Force
The Firmin Sword of Peace was first established as the Wilkinson Sword of Peace in 1966, and is awarded each year to the unit of the UK's armed services judged to have made the most valuable contribution towards establishing good and friendly relations with any community at home or overseas.
