Unassuming WO Cliff Christie retires from the RAF in May after 35-and-a-half years’ exemplary service.
Cliff has spent the majority of his career in the fuel’s environment from SAC to WO. As Command Fuels WO he is highly likely to be deemed one of the most prized and experienced all round fuel operators in the RAF.
In a career that has seen no misdemeanours, he has globe-trotted around the world, operating in numerous areas across the Logistics Supplier trade including Tornado Sqns, Bomb Dumps, Hercules 1st and 2nd line, Air Command & DSGs. His deployments include Op SILKMAN (01) (Sierra Leonne NSE), Op TELIC (03) (Basrah DSG, Fuels), Op HERRICK (09) (BASTION JHF) and Op ELLAMY (11) (Trapani IAF base Sicily, DSG/OT Receipts). Cliff has also tackled the Falklands as an SAC 1312 Flt (Hercules) 96, Cpl Hill Cove helicopter refuel site 99, FS Fuels Flight 14 and Sqn WO Supply and Air Movements Sqn 21.
Having moved twelve times during his service, his family accompanied him during tours in Bruggen, and two tours of Akrotiri.
For his illustrious efforts, Cliff’s first commendation was for Op ELLAMY where his actions on board the tanker during a fuel quality issue over a 24-hour period averted a possible reduction in the bombing of Libya due to the unavailability of the tanker fleet. His second commendation was secured during his tour at Akrotiri for his actions during OC discharge when the tanker was punctured by a tug during a receipt of JPTS for US detachment on Olive Harvest. But for his tireless efforts and intervention, both incidents could have led to catastrophic environmental damage and severely impacted air operations.
Mr Christie took the fuels lead of the RAF Net Zero Strategy to help achieve the UK Govs CO2 emission reduction trajectory for aviation from 2020 - 2050. This is closely aligned to the Department for Transport (DfT) Jet Zero strategy, where a mandated incorporation of a growing proportion of SAF in the aviation fuel supply chain will form a major part of the UK and RAF aviation decarbonisation pathway.
Asked about his best deployment, the Dundee-born Scot cites a six-month tour of Sierra Leone in 2001. “There was a great mix of people and I felt we as a team made a big difference and had a greater impact. Yes, it was a dangerous place, especially around checkpoints, but the people were really nice to us,” said Cliff. One of the hardest deployments was Afghanistan during 2008-09, with workloads necessitating 18–20-hour days.
And what will Cliff miss most about the Service? “It’s the camaraderie. You may not see someone for twenty years, but once you meet up again it is like old times. You may not make a lot of friends, but you do have a hell of a lot of mates who will do anything for you. I joined my first unit in Stafford and five to six of us still meet up regularly thirty-five years on. I will miss the travel, but not the deployments – neither will my wife!” said the smiling Warrant Officer.
Summing up his career in one word, Cliff, who always aspired to be a Warrant Officer, chose ‘enjoyable.’ “Thirty-five years has gone amazingly quickly. Yes, you have to switch off sometimes, especially in war zones, but you just get on with the job at hand,” he said.
Though retiring from the RAF, the happy-go-lucky Scot will not be resting on his laurels. He already has a job lined up as Deputy Town Clerk in a small Gloucestershire town near to where he lives. Cliff has been a swimming coach for over twenty years and will continue to instruct at his local pool.
Reflecting on his time working with Cliff, his colleague Flt Lt Aldred joked, “Every working day at 1030am precisely, all work must cease for ‘Pop Master’ on Radio 2 no matter what is occurring! As he consistently scores 39 points (highest you can get), we in A4 Fuels are convinced that he uses the ‘Shazam’ app to cheat and give him the answers!”
When asked what advice he would give to a new recruit to the RAF, the Warrant Officer had no hesitation; “Take every opportunity you can. Do force development, go overseas, experience adventure training, do deployments, visit multiple camps. There is more to the RAF than just being in one area. Do everything you can while you can…..and respect your elders!” said Cliff, cheekily.
The depth of feeling that Cliff’s colleagues have for him is palpable. They will genuinely miss this man. Testament to this is that on his last day many had travelled far and wide just to say thanks. I only met him for a few minutes, and I genuinely wish it could have been longer. Likeable, modest and above all friendly, his loss to the team will be keenly felt. Good luck Cliff and thank you!
