ON Wednesday 15th June Royal Air Force Boulmer held a reformation parade for 19 Squadron and 20 Squadron at Alnwick Castle in the presence of distinguished guests, service families and members of the public. To mark this historic event, the Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland reviewed the parade on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen; the Queen’s Colour of the Royal Air Force was paraded by the Queen’s Colour Squadron; and 12 Squadron conducted a spectacular flypast with one of their Typhoon aircraft.
Although 19 Squadron and 20 Squadron were awarded their squadron number plates in April 2021 and June 2021 respectively, the challenges of COVID and the tempo of their Air Defence operations had prevented them from celebrating the honour any earlier.
Station Commander RAF Boulmer, Group Captain Keighley, said:
’This is a very proud moment for both Royal Air Force Boulmer and the local community, whose generous support never ceases to amaze me. While the award of these squadron number plates is a huge honour for us, it is also well-deserved recognition of the critical role that our teams play in defending the skies above the UK and supporting operations overseas.’
Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, Wing Commander Chris Misiak, said:
‘The history associated with both 19 & 20 Squadron is legendary, and it is a privilege to be bestowed with the honour of reforming the Squadrons. A great setting for a wonderful occasion, we look forward to carrying on the finest traditions and standards our predecessors set. ‘Possunt quia posse videntur; we can because we think we can.’’
Officer Commanding 20 Squadron, Wing Commander Andrew Foy, said:
‘The Reformation Parade and Reception at Alnwick Castle is a significant event in our history as it formally marks the stand-up of the Air Surveillance and Control System Operational Conversion Unit as 20 Squadron. Like 19 Squadron, we are now in the unique position of being able to integrate our own distinguished Air Defence heritage with that of one of the RAF’s most celebrated Squadrons. It is an honour to take on that combined responsibility and a privilege that we are able to recognise it with a formal parade at a magnificent location.’