Over the past three weeks, over 60 dedicated members of 78 Squadron have taken part in this year’s fundraising efforts for the Royal British Legion (RBL) Poppy Appeal.

As we pay tribute to the courage, commitment and sacrifice of our armed forces community during Armed Forces Week, two members of RAF 78 Squadron, our military colleagues at Swanwick, tell us about their part in the King’s Birthday Flypast. Flight Lieutenant Ross Hammerton and Sergeant Jack Ford were aboard the Voyager aircraft that flew over Buckingham Palace earlier this month.

As we celebrate Armed Forces day, 78 Squadron, Air Traffic Control Officer, Flight Lieutenant Ross Hammerton, tells us about his recent trip to the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy. The event commemorated members of RAF No. 15082 GCI & Mobile Signals Units, a little-known British radar unit that landed on Omaha Beach with US Forces and lost several personnel. 

I have always enjoyed playing a part in flypasts, so when I was asked if I wanted to be involved with the one being organised for the King’s Birthday, I jumped at the chance!

As we remember those who lost our lives in conflict, Prestwick air traffic controller Angela Henderson tells us about the incredible story of her pioneering war time grandparents. Douglas and Margaret Fairweather are among the very few married couples to rest together in a Commonwealth War Grave and here, Angela reflects on their courageous acts….

Officer Commanding 78 Squadron, Wing Commander Chrissie Miller, reflects on her time in command as she prepares to leave Swanwick and hand over her duties.

As we celebrate Armed Forces Week, two members of the NATS team, Brian Wheeler and Gus Wells, have been made Honorary Members of the RAF’s 78 Squadron, based at our Swanwick Centre.  Wing Commander Chrissie Miller tells us more.

The flypast for the King’s Coronation involved massive collaboration to succeed within some of the world’s busiest airspace. With 68 aircraft originally planned to take to the skies, months of planning and coordination were undertaken to ensure that the display would run as smoothly as possible.

Working together with airports and airlines, we put in place some operating restrictions immediately before and during, the silences, both as a mark of our respect and to minimise the risk of noise disturbing the many commemorations being held up and down the country.

Exactly one year after the RAF’s Air Traffic Management unit at Swanwick was assigned the 78 Squadron number plate, they invited NATS colleagues to a Dining in Night to celebrate the anniversary and the strength of our joint and integrated working relationship.