The Squadron received many requests to take part in flypasts during the year. Having flown a 7-ship ‘V’ over Cardiff to celebrate the end of World War II, we were in demand again and invited to conduct the flypast in honour of the opening of the Welsh National Assembly Building (the Senedd). Members of The Royal Family present, including Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Charles, passed very favourable comments on the timeliness (to the second) and the positions of the formation. The Squadron also flew over Llandudno and Holyhead to support local events, Amlwch and Llandudno in support of the RAF Valley Freedom Parades, Torquay to commemorate the inauguration of a Royal Observer Corps Memorial, a Graduation Ceremony at RAF College Cranwell and, closer to home, we over flew the funeral of an RAF Valley based fireman.
The Squadron also had a busy visits programme over the year. The Valley Aviation Society organised their annual photo shoot in the summer and several aircraft flew to Valley to act as static displays. We provided our display aircraft, which was very well received. Several high-ranking visitors, both Service and civilian, came to the Squadron. Notable personnel included the British High Commissioner to India, Sarah Bobet, and Air Marshal Bhairnani of the Indian Air Force. The Squadron continued its bi-lateral exchange with the Argentinian Air Force and Captain Alfie Ambrogi spent some time with us. Flight Lieutenant Mostyn Payne reciprocated the visit later in the year when he visited Argentina. Personnel from the Squadron were involved in visits to the Belgian Air Force Base at Beuvechain for the Alphajet European Trainers Meet. Flight Lieutenant Cawthorn was dispatched to India to increase our understanding of Indian Air Force flying training, which has proved invaluable. Staff and students also flew to French Air Force Salon to undertake Exercise GARLIC LEMON (low flying in the French mountains). C (Central Flying School) Flight took 4 aircraft to Aalborg in Denmark and, on another occasion, to Lechfeld in Germany. We continued our friendship ties with the Metropolitan Police, who organised motorcycle training for several of our staff (it pays to be in with the Met).
There were several notable events that must be recorded. HRH Prince William visited RAF Valley from 4-16 December 2005 to gain experience of Mountain Rescue Services, and the role of the Royal Air Force. He flew in a Squadron Hawk and spent a week with 208 Squadron. He was treated as a student and ‘mucked in’ very well, enjoying the flying and socialising. He left with kind words and high praise for the Squadron.
Squadron Leader Tony Little left for a ground tour at the end of 2005, after 17 years at RAF Valley and 11 on 208 Squadron; his experience will be missed, although he does come back annually to perform the Annual Staff Visit.
The Commander-in-Chief commended Flight Lieutenant "Giz" Taylor in the New Year Honours List for his work as the Air Cadet Liaison Officer at RAF Valley He also presented Squadron Leader Mark Sharp, OC B Flight, with a Flight Safety Award.
