On 21st August 2024, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng Royal Air Force visited RAF Boulmer. He was accompanied by Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer (WO) Murugesvaran Subramaniam.
RAF Boulmer Station Commander, Wing Commander Charlotte Best, and Air Command and Control Force Commander, Group Captain Lisa Foy, hosted ACM Knighton and WO Subramaniam, who engaged with personnel across the Unit. At the time of the visit the Air Command and Control Force were participating in the second largest air exercise in the United Kingdom, Exercise Storm Warrior, which trains UK and Partner Nations in high intensity, large force employment tactical warfighting operations; this gave the Chief of the Air Staff a comprehensive insight into the role of the Air Command and Control Force, underpinned by RAF Boulmer.
Personnel across the Station had opportunities to engage with and discuss their stories with ACM Knighton and WO Subramaniam as they conducted their tour and reviewed the Station facilities. A highlight of the visit was awarding 99-year old former Sergeant George Young with his World War 2 medal - somewhat belatedly following his RAF service in Sri Lanka on 205 Squadron from 1943-47.
To conclude their visit, ACM Knighton and WO Subramaniam met with residents and staff of Royal Air Force Association’s Rothbury House, a purpose-built RAF retirement accommodation complex in Rothbury, Northumberland.
Wing Commander Best stated:
Hosting the Chief of the Air Staff and his Warrant Officer for the day was an incredible privilege; we were able to showcase this beautiful part of the world as well as the essential work the Air Command and Control Force deliver, keeping the UK's airspace secure 24/7/365.
