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NEWSROOMThe latest news stories about the Team will appear here, with the most recent articles being added to the top of the page. Over time, the older stories will be moved to the News Archive which is available from the link at the bottom of this page.
Red Arrows support Comic ReliefA giant red nose destined for the front of the BBC Radio Lincolnshire building was brought to Royal Air Force Scampton for the Red Arrows to do their bit in support of this year’s Comic Relief! The red noses worn by the pilots were then autographed and have now been auctioned off by the BBC as part of their huge fundraising efforts for Comic Relief.
16 March 2007
First 9-ship of 2007!On Friday 23rd February 2007 the Red Arrows performed their first 9 ship of 2007. The Team practiced a flat display over their home station of RAF Scampton. Over the past few months the Red Arrows have been flying 6 sorties per day, proving their skill of aerobatic flying to the Red’s Team Leader, Squadron Leader Jas Hawker, in a build up to their first practice as a complete Team. The Red’s will now concentrate on perfecting the sequence for the 2007 display season by flying and de-briefing 3 sorties, 5 days a week of mainly a 9 ship formation. Constantly working towards being awarded their Public Display Authority in May. Sqn Ldr Jas Hawker said "I am extremely happy with the progress the Team are making, not just the aircrew but my dedicated team of ground crew who’s hard work all year round make all of this possible." The Team are now eagerly looking forwards to the year ahead, in the next couple of weeks they are to depart for Greece then onwards to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to continue the preparation for the up and coming 2007 display season! 23 February 2007
Andy in IraqCorporal Andy Benson, 33, from Huyton, Merseyside is currently serving on operations in Iraq. Andy has spent the last three years as one of the Red Arrows’ official photographers and has been tasked by the Air Force to spend the next three months away from his current unit of RAF Scampton serving on an operational tour of duty capturing imagery of UK military personnel deployed in southern Iraq. Andy is working within the Headquarters Multi-National Division based at Basrah Air Station as a member of the Combat Camera Team, whose job it is to take imagery of UK troops at they strive to bring security and stability to the people of Iraq. Part of a three-person team who deploy on operations across Iraq in areas such as the Al Faw Peninsula in the south to Maysan Province in the north and East. It is Andy’s job to produce still imagery for use by the news and media around the world. Andy said "In the UK I manage the Red Arrows’ photographic section where we are responsible for the video recording every training and display sortie flown by the Team which is then used to debrief the Team and assist with flight safety regulations. We also do all of the team’s PR photography, both video and stills." When told he would be leaving his base at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire for three months and deploying to the Iraqi desert Andy was expectedly cautious but excited: "I was apprehensive as to what I would find when I arrived here,
but as most of the Squadron have deployed on recent Ops I had a rough
idea from their war stories! Like his colleagues Andy finds it hard when he hears that a UK soldier has been injured or killed while carrying out their duties in Basra: "One of the sadder aspects of my work here is to photograph the repatriation ceremonies of fallen colleagues before they are flown back to their loved ones in the UK. They are very sad occasions which stir up many emotions. They also make me more determined that I should help my colleagues here to complete the task we came here to do.! Although Andy will be in Iraq for a couple of months yet, he knows that when he returns to his job with the Red Arrows, he will get straight back into the rear seat of a Hawk jet and take to the skies. He’s hoping that after such a long break he won’t be airsick on his first flight! 22 February 2007
Blues in RAF Adventure TrainingFive members of the engineering section of the Red Arrows recently embarked on Exercise Blue Vixen which is the RAF’s Annual novice Cross-Country Skiing, held in the Zweisel area of Bavaria, Germany. The expedition is aimed at all levels of skiing experience but this years Raf Nordic Skiing expedition raised its biggest challenge yet…… No snow! Not to let a little thing like no snow get in their way Corporal’s ‘Bud’ Budziszewski, Glenn King, Martin Boylett, Junior Technician ‘Leroy’ Robinson and Senior Aircraftman Jim Landells set off on a cold Friday morning on 5th January 2007 embarking on the two day drive across Europe in the comfort of a LDV minibus. The aim of the expedition is to improve on any cross-country skiing skills and not to break anything! The boys paused for a well needed rest stop overnight at Ramstein’s Air Force Base near Kaiserslautern, which was half way to their destination. Upon their arrival on Saturday afternoon the Scampton skiers arrived at their accommodation then went on to collect all the skiing equipment they would need for the duration of their stay. After a quick unpack the guys then had the opportunity to meet the other 160 Royal Air Force personnel at the expedition’s welcome meeting, where the week’s activities were outlined and a few welcome drinks were shared with old friends! After a very early start on the Sunday morning the group set off to find a patch of snow to ski on, which brought them to the upper slopes of the Arber on the areas highest peak at 1456 metres! At this altitude the conditions were not good so the group cut to plan B and took to the grass. Here they practiced the basics, including falling over and more importantly getting back up. Not as easy as it sounds with skis attached to your feet! The trip consisted of crucial briefs for any budding skiers including a ski equipment and maintenance lecture, after which the group were divided into bronze and silver groups depending on which adventure training qualification they were working towards. Throughout the trip the weather was constantly against the group, but not wanting to give up new plans were quickly made, including Glenn leading a small multi unit group on a 10km trek with equipment through the hills around Zwiesel. The aims of the Royal Air Forces’ ethos of Adventure Training were undoubtedly achieved with adaptability and tolerance replacing the usual physical aspect of the ‘challenge’. Team morale remained high throughout the trip despite the distinct lack of snow, but there’s always next year! 20 February 2007
Little Red Arrows make surprise appearance at School FairDuring 2006, Hady Primary School in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, held a summer fair during which the afternoon’s events consisted of the crowd being treated to a spectacular display by the children in their newly made Red Arrows aircraft, which were designed and constructed by the highly skilled team of Classmate Engineers. The children expertly taxied their Boxer Mk1aircraft from the Top Secret classroom hangars out onto the display area, lined up on the runway, and to the resounding accompaniment of the "633 Squadron and Dambusters March", took off into clear summer skies. The crowds cheered and applauded with awe and delight as one perfectly executed manoeuvre followed another. Corkscrews, Rollbacks, loops and crossovers saw the planes passing literally inches from each other as the pilots released their Red, White and Blue streamers before the display was brought to a close with the Teams Champagne Split manoeuvre. Never before has such a spectacle been beheld over the skies of Chesterfield. The Teams Manager Shirley Mulroy said "I’m really proud of what the Team have achieved today, they have put in a lot of hard work and training and it has most definitely paid off!". The display was the undoubted highlight of what was a very successful event and is still talked about today. It will hopefully be something that the school and the children will be able to look back on with a smile in years to come and say with pride "Yes. I was there!" 02 February 2007
New Blues join the Red Arrows!The following Royal Air Force personnel have been selected to join the world-famous Red Arrows as part of their 70-strong support team known as ‘the Blues’. They will each attend many of the 90 displays that the Red Arrows perform throughout the UK and Europe each summer. Senior Aircraftman John Kelly John (35) attended Queensmead Secondary School in South Ruislip, North West London and had several civilian engineering jobs before joining the Royal Air Force in 2000 as a logistics technician. Known as a ‘Supplier’, John is responsible for ensuring that supplies and spare parts get to the Red Arrows wherever they are operating throughout the world. Since finishing his trade training, John has been based at Royal Air Force Lossiemouth working with Tornado GR4 ground attack aircraft and at Royal Air Force Lyneham in Wiltshire working with the Hercules C130 transport aircraft fleet. His Royal Air Force career so far has taken him throughout the world, including involvement in military operations in Kuwait and Iraq. John now lives in Lincolnshire with his wife Sophia and five year old son Lewis. In his spare time, he enjoys hill-walking, fishing, camping and shooting. He is also a keen photographer. His verdict on his new job? "This really is the pinnacle of my RAF career, and I am immensely proud to be part of such a highly respected and professional team of people." Corporal Alex Heaton Alex (33) attended Reinwood Primary School, Salendine Nook High School and Huddersfield New College before joining the Royal Air Force in 1991 as an Airframe technician. Known as a ‘rigger’, Alex works on the structure of aircraft such as the wings and fuselage. Since finishing his trade training in 1992, Alex has worked on the Tornado F3, a two-seat supersonic fighter used by the Royal Air Force in an air defence role and the Harrier GR9 ground attack aircraft, famous for its vertical take off and landing capability. Whilst at Royal Air Force Cottesmore in Rutland, Alex was part of a structural repair team responsible for all repairs on Royal Air Force Harriers worldwide. His work has taken him throughout the world, including involvement in air operations in the Middle East, Falklands and, most recently, Afghanistan. Although his family still live in Huddersfield, Alex now lives in Grimsby with his wife Debbie and their five-year old daughter Ellie. They are expecting a new baby in February 2007, who has already been named Alfie after Alex’s Royal Air Force nickname. In his spare time Alex is fanatical about sport, especially football, cricket, rugby. He has also competed in military field gun tournaments, known as the toughest military team sport in existence. Alex has been a keen Huddersfield Town supporter since he was a small child, and manages to keep updated on the team’s fortunes wherever he is in the world. His verdict on his new job? "Joining the Red Arrows is a dream come true for me. I love coming to work because every day is different. Not many people can say that about their job." Sergeant Stan Sargeant Stan (39) attended Bramcote Hills Comprehensive School in Nottingham before joining the Royal Air Force in 1995 at the age of 17. On finishing his trade training in 1985, Stan qualified as a propulsion technician, responsible for the maintenance of aircraft engines. He began his career at Royal Air Force Cottesmore in Rutland and Royal Air Force Marham in Norfolk working on the Tornado GR1, a two-seat ground attack aircraft. He has also spent time working with the Harrier GR7 ground attack aircraft, famous for its vertical take off and landing capability. His work with the Royal Air Force has taken him throughout the world, including involvement in air operations in the Middle East. Stan still lives in Nottingham with his wife Tracey. In his spare time he enjoys many sports, including football, running and hill walking. His verdict on his new job? !I am very much looking forward to the challenge of working with the Red Arrows. It is an experience that will change my life." Corporal Simon Evans Simon (33) attended Moseley Park School in Bilston before joining the Royal Air Force in 1990 as an Assistant Air Traffic Controller. After finishing his trade training he served at Royal Air Force Waddington in Lincolnshire, first working in Air Traffic Control and then as Operations Assistant on No. 23 Squadron, working with E-3D AWACS aircraft. He has also spent five years at Royal Air Force Valley in North Wales, where he worked on a unit responsible for the live testing of Royal Air Force air to air missiles. Simon’s work with the Royal Air Force has taken him around the world, including multinational exercises in the USA and Europe. He has also been involved in operational deployments in the Middle East. As a Flight Operations Assistant, Simon will be responsible for providing the Red Arrows with accurate flight planning & weather information both at home and at their displays around the world. Simon now lives in Lincolnshire with his partner Sheena, and her two children Glen (16) and Megan (11). In his spare time he supports Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and is a keen follower of the World Rally Championship, aiming to visit at least one overseas rally each year. His verdict on his new job? "I feel very privileged to be a part of the Red Arrows team, and I am looking forward to the travel that the job will involve." 02 February 2007
Public Relations Blue of the Year!Along with the upkeep and maintenance of the nine aircraft we all see in the Red Arrows displays the Blues are always eager to assist the Public Relations Manager with the various PR requests the Team receive throughout the year, whether it’s handing out Red Arrows material to the crowds at an Airshow, showing people around one of the Red Arrows aircraft or coming up with new and brilliant ideas to improve the squadron. In the Public Relations office we have lost count of the number of glowing thank you letters and emails that people have sent in, telling us of their memories of the Red Arrows that will last a life time! For 2006 we are happy to inform you that Public Relations Blue of the Year is Sergeant Arthur Buckton who has continually throughout the year combined enthusiasm for meeting the public with proactive, innovative and well-thought-out PR ideas. 01 February 2007
Blue of the Year!Annually on the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team the esteemed and well sought after position of Blue of the Year is awarded, and this year was no exception! Throughout the previous 12 months, the Blue of the Year’s contribution to the Team has been nothing short of outstanding. Not only is he an accomplished technician he also, as one of the longest serving members of the team, has a wealth of experience which he is always willing to share. His enthusiasm and energy was particularly evident in his contribution to the efficiency of the 2006 Season’s Dye team; which, without doubt, made a significant contribution to the team’s success rate. His irrepressible good humour marks him out as a well respected and popular member of the team. Additionally, his endless enthusiasm has provided great motivation for other members of the team. He is the picture of a model airman, proudly demonstrating the very high standards that we expect from our team members. As a shining beacon of the Red Arrows, it is with great pleasure to inform you that this year’s Blue of the Year is awarded to SAC Adam Thomas. 10 January 2007
Happy New Year from Red 1 and the Team!As we put the well-deserved festive break behind us, all of us on the Red Arrows are looking forward to stepping up another gear as we prepare for the 2007 display season. Over the next few weeks, the pilots will continue to learn the new manoeuvres for this year’s display, whilst the engineers continue with their hard work in supplying the aircraft that we need to fly our 6 sorties per day. I aim to fly our first 9-ship formation towards the end of February and hope to depart the UK in mid-March, on our now regular deployment to Cyprus. This will allow us to put the polish onto what I think will be an exciting and dynamic display for 2007. I would like to thank you all for your continued support over the past year. On behalf of all members of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, I would like to wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2007. Jas Hawker 05 January 2007
Newport Ceinwen joins the Red ArrowsSenior Aircraftman Ceinwen Roberts (27) from Newport in South Wales has been selected to join the world-famous Red Arrows as part of their support team. Ceinwen will be joining 70-strong team of engineers and support trades known as "the Blues", who’s hard work and team ethos ensures that the Red Arrows have the nine two-seat Hawk aircraft fully serviceable throughout the summer display season and the Teams rigorous winter training period. Ceinwen will attend many of the 90 displays that the Red Arrows perform throughout the UK and Europe each summer. Her verdict on her new job? "I am enjoying the variety of working with the Red Arrows. Every day brings a new challenge." Ceinwen attended Bettws Comprehensive School in Newport before joining the Royal Air Force in 2000 as a mechanical technician. Since finishing her trade training in 2001, Ceinwen has worked on the Harrier GR9 ground attack aircraft, based at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland. She has been involved in exercises and air operations in the USA and Romania, and, most recently, in Afghanistan. Ceinwen now lives in Grantham, and in her spare time she volunteers with her local Scout Group. 04 January 2007
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