2025 marked the 50th Anniversary of No.3 Mobile Catering Squadron, part of RAF Global Enablements Support Force.
From the earliest records of RAF personnel in action, there are stories of them being fed or preparing food for themselves. The importance of good food and nutrition has long been recognised by Commanders.
The RAF has long led the way in deployed catering, dating back to 1956/7. In 1975, after the Cyprus Emergency and learning from the Tactical Communications Wing and Harrier Force, who had small field catering teams, it was decided by Group Captain John Jackson at HQ Bomber Command to set up a Field Catering Unit at Watlington, near RAF Benson, called the Mobile Catering Support Unit (MCSU).
The aim was to have a dedicated team capable of deploying quickly with their equipment to support exercises and operations worldwide. In 1980, the Unit moved to Hullavington and again in 1993 to RAF Benson, where Stewards joined the Unit, and accommodation and hygiene management became key roles in deployed operations.
In 2003, the unit moved to RAF Stafford, where it was brigaded under the fledgling 85 (Expeditionary Logistics) Wing alongside 2MT and 5001 Sqn and co-located with other Air Combat Service Support Units such TSW to form the hub of RAF deployable Engineering and Logistics. The move to Stafford was relatively short-lived, and in 2006 the Unit moved once again, this time to RAF Wittering.
3MCS Today
Originally established to support the RAF on Operations, this remains the Squadron’s primary function. However, through its hard-won reputation for culinary excellence in the field, it is also a declared Joint Logistics Enabler and is SJFHQ's primary choice for large-scale deployed catering and joint catering deployments. The Squadron is always on call, ready to serve anywhere in the world.
Today, 3MCS deploys globally, providing deployed catering, Operational Hygiene Systems, and accommodation management to all armed services as tasked. The Squadron currently has personnel deployed across Europe, the Falkland Islands, the Middle East, Cyprus, and the UK, supporting current operations, training, pre-deployment training, and the Defence Exercise Program.
In the coming year, 3MCS personnel will deploy to Australia, Norway, and many other locations worldwide. The Squadron continues to support not only the Royal Air Force but also the Royal Navy, Army, and affiliated organizations in their endeavours. Additionally, 3MCS provides training to the wider trade group and its own personnel on the Squadron. The goal is to meet current requirements while enabling the Squadron to become more agile and environmentally friendly in line with current defence strategy and policy. The personnel strive to improve and develop, adhering to the chefs' motto: "You’re only as good as your last meal."
The name may have changed over the years from MCSU to 3MCS, but the ethos and core values that underpin the Squadron remain constant: work ethic, teamwork, culinary excellence, humility, readiness, and service. The wheatsheaf on the badge represents sustenance and nourishment, with sustainment being one of the ten principles of war. Demetra, the Greek Goddess of sustenance and plenty, was always celebrated at the festival of the flowers in Greek mythology—hence the poppy and its obvious connotations with the British Military. The Eagle, iconic to the RAF, and the motto "Prepare to Serve" is a wordplay on prep and serve—'prep' representing 'mise en place,' the French culinary term for everything in place ready to cook, and 'serve' representing both food service and the RAF core attribute of Service. Service to the Crown and the Nation and a recognition that professional duties must take precedence over personal interests, with a willingness to serve others before ourselves.
“ It’s a real privilege to work amongst such talented and motivated Chefs and Stewards, each member of 3 Mobile Catering Sqn brings something different to the team. Through global deployments ranging from the field to fine dining, the Sqn is on point to prepare to serve.”
Sqn Ldr Littler
Officer Commanding No.3 Mobile Catering Sqn.
With decades of dedicated service behind them, the Squadron looks forward to commemorating its proud history while continuing to support operations with the same professionalism and excellence it has demonstrated for half a century.
Steel Spoon Warriors: The 3 Mobile Catering Squadron
In khaki trucks with kitchens tight,
They roll through dawn, before first light.
The 3rd, the proud, the mobile crew,
With pots that shine and hearts so true.From field to field, through storm and sun,
They serve with grit till meals are done.
No silver trays, no fine décor,
Just hearty meals you can’t ignore.They feed the fight, they fuel the soul,
Their mission clear, their purpose whole.
With boiling brews and stew that sticks,
They work their magic, calm or blitz.A spoon, a flame, a battle cry,
They lift the weary spirits high.
Not all who serve must bear a gun—
These chefs on wheels get the job done.For every bite, a tale they bring,
Of camps they fed, of songs they sing.
The squadron strong, they stand with pride—
The quiet force on every side.So, here’s to them, the unsung few,
In aprons, boots, and courage too.
3 Mobile Catering, bold and grand—
Feeding the fight with their own hand.AS1 Stephen Atkinson
