RAF Brize Norton News

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton 19 Jul 2022

On 19th July 2022, 122 French Air Force Officer Cadets and Staff from L’École de L’Air et de L’Espace, visited Royal Air Force Brize Norton.

Following an invitation from Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Mike Wigston, Brigadier General Dominique Arbiol and 122 French Air Force Officer Cadets and Staff from L’École de L’Air et de L’Espace, visited RAF Brize Norton on what proved to be the hottest day of the year. Undeterred by the heat, the French personnel arrived at RAF Brize Norton on a French A330 the previous day.

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton 19 Jul 2022

Wing Commander Katherine Ingram, the Royal Air Force French Liaison Officer, gave an insight into how the visit originated:

“Following a discussion between the two Chiefs, the ACAS AS France team was asked to investigate support for the visit. RAF Brize Norton was the perfect match for the ask, with it’s high operational tempo and strong partnerships with air industry. The Project Officer and squadron leads provided an excellent programme of activities with Airbus, AirTanker and military personnel, demonstrating exactly the wide range of air and ground capabilities that our visitors wanted to see.”

Wing Commander Katherine Ingram
Royal Air Force French Liaison Officer

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton 19 Jul 2022

The visit was designed to give the Cadets an appreciation of how an operational station functions, as well as provide the opportunity to understand how the RAF works alongside its partners in the aeronautical industry. The host for the visit was Flight Lieutenant Stuart Philpott, Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Falcons, Parachute Display Team, who was delighted with how supportive the various sections around the Station had been. He said:

“I wanted to take the opportunity to show the best of RAF Brize Norton. The various sections around the Station were extremely supportive and it enabled me to plan a really interactive day for the Cadets and Staff”.

Flight Lieutenant Stuart Philpott
Officer Commanding RAF Falcons and Visit Host

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton 19 Jul 2022

Our visitors were shown around the Airborne Delivery Wing hangar and given the opportunity to simulate a parachute descent, following visits to Air Mobility Wing and LXX Squadron in the morning. After lunch they had the chance to take control of a XXIV Squadron A400M simulator or a Voyager simulator in the Academy building, following a brief from Airtanker about their role in supporting the Voyager Force.

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton 19 Jul 2022

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Simond, the lead Officer for the French party, said:

“The guys have had such a great time, getting to go in the simulators and completing the jump where huge highlights”.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Simond
Lead Officer L’École de L’Air et de L’Espace Visitors

Visit of L'École de L'Air et de L'Espace to RAF Brize Norton 19 Jul 2022

At the conclusion of the visit, Flight Lieutenant Philpott presented to Brigadier General Arbiol, a gift from the Station. Brigadier General Arbiol said:

“This was a great opportunity for the Cadets to see an operational RAF station, experience UK culture and gain a deeper understanding for how the RAF integrate industry into front line delivery. I am sure they will not forget the lesson they have learnt here”.

Brigadier General Dominique Arbiol
Executive Director L’École de L’Air et de L’Espace

 

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