Ascension Island Base sits under the UK Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) Chain of Command and is positioned approximately 4,000 miles from the UK and the Falkland Islands.
The role of the Station is to deter military aggression against the UK’s South Atlantic Overseas Territories to maintain UK sovereignty. Additionally, it is a staging post for flights between the UK and the Falkland Islands.
Brigadier Charlie Harmer graduated from Harper Adams Agricultural College in 2000 and commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Artillery in 2001. His operational experience includes Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
After graduating from the Higher Command and Staff Course (HCSC) in 2022, Brig Harmer was appointed Regimental Colonel Royal Artillery. He assumed command of British Forces South Atlantic Islands in June 2025.
Following service as a Weapons System Operator, Wg Cdr Neate commissioned as an Aerospace Battle Manager in 2013.
His career as a Fighter Controller has been varied, encompassing UK and Falkland Islands QRA, sub-unit command as OC 2 Space Warning Squadron and various staff positions. Most recently, he has returned from deploying under Op Scorpius supporting the conflict in Ukraine.
Wg Cdr Neate assumed the role of Commander Ascension Island Base in July 2026.
RAF Ascension Island Base, BFPO 677.
