RAF Honington gave a warm welcome this week to Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group (AOC 2 Gp) Designate; Air Commodore Suraya Marshall and introduced her to the home of RAF Force Protection.
A chance to meet Station personnel and experience life at RAF Honington before Air Cdre Marshall takes up her new position as AOC 2 Group in October 2021 in succession to Air Vice- Marshal Gillespie.
After meeting both Station and Force senior leadership, Air Cdre Marshall was able to engage with personnel direct on matters of the moment and in particular with representatives from the Force Protection (FP) Force HQ, Support Wing and the Force Protection Centre.
The AOC 2 Gp (Des) was treated to a capability demonstration with a display of ‘Force’ from 7 FP Wing and 1 Squadron RAF Regiment in the Complex Air Ground Environment training area before heading to the Force Protection Centre. Here she was updated on the current FP Force Protected Mobility and Manoeuvre vehicle fleet, Next Generation Air FP Equipment and Force Protection Experimentation (FPX). Both activities enabled Air Cdre Marshall to receive a first-hand understanding of exactly how new technologies are improving our output.
The visit was also an opportunity for AOC 2 Gp, AVM Gillespie, to join Air Cdre Marshall for the latter part of her visit whereby they were both able to attend the final of The Military Working Dogs Trials to congratulate and present the winning teams.
AVM Gillespie was also able to hold a departing brief with senior leadership as his final visit to the Station in his current role before staying to enjoy the Battle of Britain anniversary dinner.
