On 20 April 2007 one of our aircraft crashed at RAF Mona. The student pilot, who was flying solo successfully ejected and was taken by Sea King to the Spinal Injuries Unit in Nottingham. I’m happy to report that 5 days later he was present at his course solo drinks party, where he received his Martin Baker badge, tie and certificate (and a considerable amount of banter from his course mates). Recovery was swift and he graduated in the autumn and began Tactical Weapons Training in March 2008.
The Squadron was involved in a busy visits programme over the year. The Valley Aviation Society organised their annual photo shoot in the summer and raised £5000 for RAF Valley charities, Several high-ranking Servic
e visitors were welcomed here including Air Chief Marshal Major, Chief of Staff Indian Air Force, who was Reviewing Officer at the graduation of Indian Air Force 9 and V107. Not to be outdone, our Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Glenn Torpy was a recent visitor and Reviewing Officer. We have also received the Commander-in-Chief of the newly formed Air Command, Air Chief Marshal Sir Clive Loader who briefed the Station personnel on Service-related topics. Air Commodore Newby, Director of Flying Training, hosted a visit by members of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS). This is an organisation that will grow in importance at RAF Valley over the coming years and I am sure that my replacement, Wg Cdr Jamie Hunter, will keep you well informed in future newsletters. Other notable visitors included a delegation from the Chilean Air Force and Air Traffic Controllers based at Manchester Airport; we reciprocated the latter’s visit at the end of February this year.
We continued our active social programme over the year. Notable events included a very successful lunch of the month featuring a film and TV fancy dress theme, a trip to Chester races and numerous Mess functions. A highlight this year was an RAF Valley all-ranks dinner in the Officers' Mess celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force which is being organised by a committee headed by our Squadron Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Brown.
We are also planning a Battlefield Tour in April to Berlin, Dresden and Colditz Castle. This is something that the Squadron is anticipating with relish, and, to the best of my knowledge, has not been done before.
Also, we hope to organise a major expedition along the lines of Exercise Valley Trek, which saw 11 Squadron personnel tour Yosemite National Park, California. Nine months planning enabled me, staff and students participate in trekking, rock climbing and white-water rafting. The hardy group tackled a 16 mile trek that involved 6000 ft of climbing and a 30degC change of temperature to conquer El Capitan. A great success: we hope, as mentioned above, to undergo a similar trip in the late summer.
