At the time of writing Spring is finally starting to spring after what seems to have been a long, dark and particularly wet winter. There has, however, been plenty to keep the Station and its people busy since the publication of the last edition of Helicon.   World events have meant that the Chinook Force is as busy as ever, whether actually deployed or at increased readiness to do so.  You will likely have seen that I have taken the difficult decision to pause the Chinook display this year – this is because of the wider commitments we have around the world and my focus on preserving the force wherever possible. We will however be showing off the magnificent aircraft by performing a ‘role demonstration’ at a limited number of key events. This is much less costly in terms of time and work up, but still shows the mighty Chinook off in its full glory. We will be looking to showcase this on at Families’ day in August, which is going to be a fantastic event.

From exercises to charity events, our personnel have been at the helm. More recently we celebrated International Women’s Day with the Carterton Branch of the WI, a great afternoon working alongside inspirational women and not forgetting World Book Day with RAFAKidz Nursery; Padre Kit had a great time reading to them all. Our STEM Ambassadors have had an amazing time with local schools, engaging with children, through education, highlighting the importance of all thing’s science related. As we look ahead to the coming months with a busy calendar, we will endeavour to bring you news of all the latest activity including the 80th Anniversary of D Day, National Armed Forces Day and the upcoming changeover of command on Station as we prepare to say a fond farewell to our current Station Commander and Commander Air Wing.

Dear all at RAF Leeming, I have now been in post for six months and this time has flown by. For me personally, the last six months have had some outstanding highs, coupled with some tragic lows. That said, I will keep my foreword short because we have written an extensive article summarising this period - see pages 6/7. I encourage you all to read this excellent article. I would just like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the whole force for your excellent work over this extremely busy period, I know that you have all given so much to support this outstanding RAF Station and the broader RAF.