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606 Squadron Receive Top Reserves Award

It has been announced that 606 (Chiltern) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) has been awarded the Robins Trophy – the top award from the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Inspectorate.

606 Squadron, based at RAF Benson, is the only RAF Reserve unit within the Joint Helicopter Command.  It provides personnel from 12 different trades to support helicopter activity across the Command and across Defence.  This year they have been recognised as the Reserve unit that has done the “most to improve the good name and efficiency of the RAuxAF during the year”.

The Squadron has continued to grow in manpower and has become one of the largest, most forward thinking, efficient and productive Reserve Squadrons in the UK.  From providing ground engineering and logistical support to the Puma Force at RAF Benson to assisting Tactical Supply Wing with a logistical process overhaul, the Squadron has continued to deliver support to the Joint Helicopter Command and wider Defence.

Their unerring support to ongoing operations in Afghanistan and Mali, supporting the Puma and Chinook Forces respectively, has been pivotal to operational success.  The Squadron have also supported training in the UK, for example during Exercise KUKRI DAWN when numerous 606 Squadron RAF Regiment personnel enabled the helicopter crews to undertake realistic training.

Squadron Leader Andrew Bucknell, the Officer Commanding 606 Squadron, said:

“We are thrilled to have been recognised by this award.  My team have worked tirelessly throughout the year, constantly training to ensure that they’re ready whenever needed.  Their continuous commitment to the Joint Helicopter Command and wider Defence has raised the profile of the Squadron to new heights and has clearly demonstrated the value of RAF Reserves.”

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