The following Royal Air Force personnel have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List 2023.
Air Commodore Emily Jane Flynn OBE
Flynn’s exceptional command and leadership have been pivotal in enabling the Air Mobility Force to contribute to complex and high-profile worldwide RAF operations.
This focus includes her command during Operation Pitting in August 2021. Leading on work with other government departments, she conceived and delivered the set-up of the Afghan Reception Centre, which saw over 270 people arrive at RAF Brize Norton.
Demonstrating outstanding gravitas and political astuteness, she has also hosted members of the Royal Family, Heads of State and international dignitaries and led on the Station’s contribution to Operation Trelawny (assisting the G7 Summit).
I am both honoured and humbled to be recognised but the team at RAF Brize Norton were outstanding and pulled together time and again to deliver no matter what was asked of them. It has been my great privilege to serve alongside the Whole Force of military personnel, both regular and reserve, civil servants, industry partners and our families who made it possible to deliver the seemingly impossible. This award is tribute to the wonderful team I had the honour to work with.
Wing Commander Tracey Louise Affleck
Through inspirational leadership, unwavering loyalty and personal self-sacrifice, Affleck has had a direct, positive impact on the lives of the RAF Odiham community and delivery of Chinook operational capability globally.
Affleck has personally secured £300,000 in charitable funding to enhance the lived experience of personnel and pursued further monies to build a new community facility.
She has also completed many physical challenges, including running 1,000 miles in 2021. She has raised over £8,000 for UK charities, is a gender advocate and a sponsor of female education in Sierra Leone.
It is a real surprise, and truly humbling, to be recognised with this personal honour. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the support of an amazing team at RAF Odiham. The team had the same values and beliefs as myself, meaning we were collectively able to make a difference.
Air Specialist Class 1 (now Acting Corporal) Prem Dorje Lama
Air Specialist 1 Lama is a truly inspirational aviator and leader, who is devoted to the Royal Air Force and the wellbeing of the Nepalese community. He is a highly respected and influential member of the Gurkha Welfare Trust, supporting its work nationally and locally. He is also actively involved with RAF recruitment and cultural awareness raising.
His talents as a chef and leader are exceptional. He has recently been published in the Royal British Legion Centenary Cookbook; showcasing dishes from his homeland.
I am totally thrilled and surprised for the recognition of my community work especially to the local Nepalese community within my area. It has come as a huge surprise, and I am appreciative of it and would like to acknowledge the support from my wife without whom it would not have been possible. Not to forget my parents for their continuous love and guidance to do good in the society. The pandemic challenged us all in many ways, but to be able to contribute to the wider society and help where possible regardless of the needs, it is truly self-satisfying.
Squadron Leader Gary Montgomery
Squadron Leader Montgomery has made a truly exceptional contribution to British combat air operations over the highest-tempo period of the Force’s history.
As Officer in charge of the Squadron’s Operation Shader deployment to Cyprus, Montgomery led his unit into the first large-scale execution of Agile Combat Employment. In addition to the usual combat sorties against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, he planned and executed a host of broader missions.
In addition, he has spent countless days manning 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert for homeland air defence. Since the invasion of Ukraine, he has routinely led gruelling 8-hour combat patrols into Eastern Europe from his base in Scotland.
I am delighted and truly honoured to receive this King's Birthday Honour. It is a team effort and reflects the superb professionalism and hard work of 6 Sqn, and the Typhoon Force as a whole, through a very busy Operational period, both at home and overseas. I am always humbled by the committed personnel I work alongside on a daily basis, to whom Operations, fighting and winning is second nature and who never fail to deliver what is asked of them. I could also not have achieved anything without the unswerving support of my incredible family, to whom this award is also dedicated.
Squadron Leader (now Wing Commander) Princejit Singh Ubhi
Squadron Leader Ubhi is an exceptional officer who identified a need to assess aircrew competence more quickly and accurately. He developed an application which assesses risk levels for each crew and mission, allowing targeted training and optimised crewing to increase operational readiness and improve air safety. Ubhi has worked with RAF Digital to implement the tool across the Force.
He is a superb ambassador for the RAF and a persuasive advocate for diversity and inclusion through the Defence Sikh Network and the RAF Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Networks. He takes every opportunity to reinforce links with those communities who may not consider the RAF a natural career choice, with his own personal success forming a highly motivating example to his audience.
I am humbled and deeply grateful to receive this honour. This recognition is not solely mine; it is a testament to the unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance of my remarkable family, friends, and celebrated colleagues, notably on the 47 Squadron and the Air Mobility Force; reflecting our collective efforts, the countless hours spent working together, and the shared vision that has driven us forward. I am indebted to your generosity and trust. Sans Peur.
Flight Sergeant Anita Rosemary Wiejak
Flight Sergeant Wiejak led the Defence Nurse detachment at Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) in East Grinstead for two years during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic.
QVH was tasked with maintaining cancer surgical services. Wiejak’s vital input into QVH’s mission received high praise from the Trust Chief Executive and Chief Nursing Officer. Her expert logistical planning delivered safe procedures and protection for patients.
Throughout, Wiejak directly contributed to the provision and maintenance of essential clinical services. She provided clear leadership for the military staff and operated effectively beyond her rank.
It is truly a privilege to receive this honour. I am incredibly proud to be serving in the Princess Mary’s Royal Air Force Nursing Service. During my 20-years’ Service, I have had the opportunity to work for and with some truly inspirational people that have encouraged me to strive to be the best person and nurse I can be. Without them I would not be where I am today.
