In November, Royal Air Force Coningsby held a Number 1 Group Awards ceremony, celebrating the excellence, innovation and outstanding achievements of No. 1 Group personnel.
The Air Land Integration Award presented by Mr Meyrick, representing Leonardo, was awarded to the Air Mobility Force nomination, Flight Lieutenant Jeenkinson of No. 99 Squadron, RAF Brize Norton. Flight Lieutenant Jenkinson has been the driving force behind every aspect of Globemaster (C-17) Airdrop capability development, demonstrating exceptional initiative, determination and leadership to deliver extraordinary output.
The People Award was presented by Air Commodore Paul, representing The RAF Association, to Squadron Leader Playle of HQ Air Mobility. Playle’s relentless pursuit of providing the best possible welfare for Air Mobility Force personnel has been simply outstanding. Playle’s People Ops skills have been evident in her welfare support to a number of personnel.
The Air Safety Award presented by Mr Brandin-Lain, representing ESRI UK, for the individual, team, unit or organisation, who has made the most significant contribution to improving Air Safety. Awarded to The Air Mobility Force nomination, the Air Mobility Force Air Safety Team. The Team’s work has resulted in a shift from reactive Flight Safety to a proactive stance, delivering the largest portfolio of DASOR and OSI management across the RAF. Squadron Leader Nathan Giles, RAF Brize Norton Air Safety Manager said:
"It was a great pleasure to accept this award on behalf of my team who have worked exceptionally hard in supporting the immobility force transition to one group. The team rose to the challenge and has delivered consistently to the duty holder chain, frontline squadrons and the station. I have no doubt in my mind that their collective efforts, belief and determination has enhanced safety."
Squadron Leader Nathan Giles
Air Mobility Air Safety Manager
The Dacre Trophy presented by Air Vice-Marshal Flewin, Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group, for the best Squadron within 1 Group. Awarded to the Air Mobility Force Nomination, No. 47 Squadron. Against the backdrop of Hercules retirement and operational surge, No. 47 Squadron excelled. The Squadron maintained full output until the last safe moment and did not miss a step with deployed operations and SF standby duties. Wing Commander James Sjoberg, Officer Commanding No. 47 Squadron from 1 Nov 2021 to its disbandment in September 2023 said:
“I am incredibly proud of everything that 47 Squadron has achieved in the past year to win this amazing award for the best squadron in 1 Group. It really was a massive team effort. The engineers, aircrew, HQ team, and execs did a superb job. They delivered astounding operations until the very end, helped drive progress on Atlas, and ran an unbeatable series of celebrations to see off the Hercules and 47 Squadron itself. My thanks go to each one of them, and their families, for their hard work and sacrifices. Thank you also to the Air Mobility Air Wing leadership for their support. Like our unofficial squadron motto from the early years of the Squadron we go onwards to the future without fear – Sans Peur!”
Wing Commander James Sjoberg
Officer Commanding Number 47 Squadron 2021-2023
Air Maritime Integration Award presented by Commandant Air & Space Warfare Centre, Air Commodore Crawford was awarded to the Air & Space Warfare Centre nomination, the Joint Air Delivery Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) and collected by Corporal Wishart. JADTEU's expertise and engagement with partner nations during the recovery of the TITAN Mini Sub enhanced the UK’s reputation as a reliable and willing partner.
Sergeant Adam Page, JADTEU Air Portability Trials Management Officer said:
"The award is the ultimate recognition of upholding the RAF core values, and all who were involved are humbled and proud".
Sergeant Adam Page
JADTEU Air Portability Trials Management Officer
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