Wing Commander Clark, Officer Commanding Operations Wing at RAF Marham has been awarded a Meritorious Service Medal by the United States Air Force for his outstanding achievement during his time as Chief of Combat Operations, Combat Operations Division, 609th Combined Air and Space Operations Centre, in the Middle East.
During this period Wing Commander Clark displayed exceptional leadership of 156 Joint and Coalition personnel while planning and executing United States Central Command combat operations and contingency plans in support of Operations. He directed the execution of 195 daily Air Tasking Orders across four Combined Joint Operating Areas with 44 partner nations, effectively managing the execution of over 4200 tanker sorties that enabled the successful application of more than 12700 combat sorties.
Demonstrating outstanding leadership throughout his tour, Wing Commander Clark coordinated the responses to attacks on two coalition airfields. His calmness under pressure was evident during the three-week period of the Iranian crisis, which culminated in the Iranian Theatre Ballistic Missile attacks on two airbases. His decision to evacuate personnel from one of the bases and divert airborne remotely piloted aircraft ensured timely, threat warnings, and led to the protection of valuable assets and lives. On the citation for this award Lieutenant General Guillot, from the United States Air Forces stated that the singularly distinctive accomplishments of Wg Cdr Clark reflect credit upon himself, the Royal Air Force and his country.
The award was presented by RAF Marham Station Commander, Group Captain Jim Beck on behalf of the United States Air Force.
Wing Commander Clark said
“I am humbled to receive this award, it is really a reflection on the entire team which did an outstanding job, over many months, in difficult circumstances”
Officer Commanding Operations Wing
Wing Commander Clark
