RAF Lossiemouth has been awarded the George Stainforth Trophy, acknowledging the extraordinary efforts made by station personnel throughout 2021.
Presented annually, this prestigious award recognises excellence on operational activities and the Royal Air Force station that has done the most to sustain and enhance the reputation of the Service.
Accepting the award from the RAF Deputy Commander Operations, Air Marshal Sir G M Mayhew KCB CBE MA RAF, RAF Lossiemouth Station Commander Group Captain Jim Lee said:
It is a privilege to accept this very special award on behalf of every single one of you here at Team Lossie. Despite the continuing challenges that COVID threw at you in 2021, you successfully delivered our operations without fail. As a result, we continued to secure the seas and skies of the UK, maintaining 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert and Maritime Patrol, and delivered numerous operations across the world that keep our nation safer. At that same time, you helped us continue to grow as a Station, with the many infrastructure projects moving forward in spite of the COVID challenge. The substantial investment in RAF Lossiemouth is a real commitment to make our station a better place to live, work and stay, but thanks to your patience and effort, that is now turning into reality. Thank you all and very well done on this fantastic achievement.
Group Captain Jim Lee
RAF Lossiemouth was praised for its commitment to supporting their team through innovative projects focussed on physical and mental wellbeing particularly during COVID restrictions. One example was the LiveWell@Lossie campaign and accompanying website which hosted local walking, running and cycling routes as well as home-based workouts, pre and post-natal fitness support and pathways back to fitness.
The contribution made by Team Lossie to wider civic and community life was also formally recognised. Personnel had deployed across the UK to support NHS Vaccination Programmes, NHS Ambulance Services and responded to national crisis including providing trained fuel tanker drivers. The impressive charitable and volunteering work undertaken by Team Lossie members in their own time was also highlighted as being a force for good in the wider area.
Group Captain Lee added:
I am really proud of how our personnel stepped up in a time of national need to help those who were struggling. When the call came, Team Lossie did its part to ensure the whole population got the extra support it needed during some extraordinary circumstances. That’s what we do here.
The Trophy, commissioned to commemorate the long and distinguished career of Wing Commander George Hedley StainforthAFC, was first presented in 1974. Since 2010, the trophy has been awarded annually.
Speaking on RAF Lossiemouth’s success, the Adjudication Panel said:
This decision was taken in recognition of the extraordinary efforts made by the Station personnel in displaying outstanding commitment, in not only leading the RAF’s contribution to global operations, but also driving a culture of positive action across the entire Service and local community.
