RAF Valley on Anglesey is home to No 4 Flying Training School, responsible for training the UK's next generation of world-class fighter pilots.
Aircrew are also trained at RAF Valley for mountain and maritime operations throughout the world.
RAF Valley is also home to the Mountain Rescue Service, the military's only high readiness, all weather search and rescue, aircraft post-crash management asset.
Currie joined the RAF in 1997 as an Air Traffic Control Officer, initially serving at RAF Lyneham and Leuchars. In April 2024, he became Station Commander of RAF Valley. Prior to this he was Senior Air Staff Officer in 11 Group.
In 2003, he deployed to Iraq on Op Telic and was subsequently posted to Tactical ATC Unit, responsible for establishing Temporary Landing Zones across the world and attaining his Military Parachute Wings. In 2004 he deployed to Afghanistan and returned in 2006 to activate Camp Bastion TLZ. Promoted to Squadron Leader in 2008, he was posted to Scottish Area Radar Centre and in 2010 he deployed on Op Herrick, being awarded the Queens Commendation for Valuable Service after this tour.
In 2010 he was posted to 1 Air Control Centre, RAF Scampton before being posted to PJHQ as the Cyprus Desk Officer in 2013. Following promotion later that year, Currie was posted to the Army’s Collective Training Group as an Air Advisor. In 2015 he attended Brunei Command and Staff College to complete a MA in International Security. In 2017 he took command of the RAF’s sole Area Radar Unit at Swanwick and was awarded an OBE in the 2021 Queens Birthday Honours List. Following Swanwick he moved to the Military Aviation Authority as Deputy Head Regulation.
Since the Station was opened in February 1941 it has been the home of many different aircraft in a variety of roles. Initially, RAF Valley was part of 9 Group, Fighter Command, and was known as RAF Rhosneigr. After two months, it was re-named RAF Valley.
During WW II the Station was a fighter station to defend Merseyside and the Irish Sea from enemy air and maritime activity. From 1943, it became a major staging post for USAAF aircraft arriving from the U.S to help the war effort.
Post-war, the Station became a flying training station for the RAF and Royal Navy. Today, it is the home of No 4 Flying Training School, operating the BAE Hawk TMk2. This advanced jet trainer, with its modern cockpit design and avionics, provides the ideal lead-in trainer for pilots graduating on to front line aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35.
From late 2019, RAF Valley will be the home of Basic Flying Training; the second phase of Fast Jet training for the RAF and Royal Navy. Following on from Elementary Flying Training, Basic Flying Training using the Texan T1 advanced turbo-prop trainer will prepare students for Advanced Flying Training on the Hawk T2 jet trainer.
1941 The Station opened as RAF Rhosneigr.
1941-1945 During World War Two the Station operated as a fighter station.
1948 The RAF Mountain Rescue Service was formed.
1960 No 4 Flying Training School arrived at RAF Valley.
1962 Search and Rescue Training commenced at RAF Valley.
2009 The Hawk TMk2 flew its first flight at RAF Valley.
