Armed Forces Day 2020

Armed Forces Day has always presented an occasion for the military to engage with the public and highlight the work we do on behalf of the nation.

As military personnel we are immensely proud to play our part in defending the UK and its interests and to serve our nation and this gives us the opportunity for that to be acknowledged.

The RAF has been busy during the pandemic. While the skies have seen a reduction in civilian air traffic, the military has continued to operate in order to maintain the defence of the UK throughout the Covid crisis and to prepare for the operations of the future.

Some members of the RAF contingent at Swanwick have been deployed in direct support of the Covid Task Force assisting in air operations planning, supporting regional ambulance services and helping other government departments. We have also had personnel volunteering to help in the community, through service charities and to maintain links with unit personnel and their families.

As always it has been a team effort whether conducting our core operation or assisting with the MOD’s Covid response. Similarly, we have worked closely with NATS to manage the situation on unit and across the ATC operation to ensure safety is maintained in the air and across the Swanwick site.

As Commanding Officer of RAF(U) Swanwick, Armed Forces Day reminds me to reflect on what we have achieved over the previous 12 months, to thank my team for their considerable efforts and to feel proud of each and every person who works to deliver the output of the unit.