BrizeCast is a behind the wire view of Royal Air Force Brize Norton, its people, technology and operations.
In this episode of BrizeCast, we hear from Group Captain Patton, who was recently appointed Commander Air Wing at RAF Brize Norton.
TRANSCRIPT:
Please note that this transcript is automatically generated, and may have some errors. The original audio is the authoritative wording.
Media Communications Officer Anita Jack: Welcome to the next episode of BrizeCast, the podcast from RAF Brize Norton. In this episode, we're introducing the new Commander Air Wing, the officer responsible for leading the Air Mobility Wing and overseeing the people, aircraft and the capabilities that enable the RAF to project air power across the globe.
We'll learn more about their background, leadership priorities and visions for the future of the Air Wing, so whether you're serving on Station, part of the wider RAF family, or simply interested in military aviation. Thanks for joining us.
Group Captain Stu Patton: I am Group Captain Stu Patton, and I'm the new Commander Air Wing here at RAF Brize Norton.
I'm proud to have been an Air Mobility pilot for the entirety of my operational career. Um, I started out flying the C-130Js, uh, initially at Lyneham, and more recently I've been heavily involved in A400M, most recently as a Squadron Commander on [00:01:00] 30 Squadron. In amongst that time, I spent some staff tours in MOD, uh, and out in the Middle East, and I've just recently come from being in 22 Group, effectively as a chief of staff, helping us to grow the Royal Air Force. So, the most exciting thing about being Commander Air Wing, is to be back working with the Air Mobility Force, with the amazing things that we do here. Everything from air-to-air refuelling to humanitarian aid and operations around the world, uh, 24/7, it's an incredible capability and it's an incredible privilege to be here as Commander Air Wing.
Brize is an amazing place to be, and of course, coming back, the immediate impression that you get is we're in the middle of our runway upgrades with, Operation Mace Vector. So, it's been incredible to see just how everybody is delivering and keeping our operations going, whether that's people working here at Brize Norton, or from the sites that we're operating from while the runways been upgraded.
You really have to look to realise that, that the runway isn't here and that our forces are working from elsewhere, and I think that's just an incredible tribute to the people who are, helping keep us on top of our capabilities.
My role as Commander Air Wing is to lead the delivery of, the Air Wing, which is to say, managing the operational squadrons that we have to ensure that they're ready for the task they face around the world, and that might be air-to-air refuelling, parachuting in all its forms, working with A400M and C-17 on the kind of global missions that they carry out. It's my job to make sure that teams are prepared for operations and what they do, they do safely and to the best of their abilities. For me, it's difficult to neatly encapsulate the Air Wing's contribution to defence because as we say here, everything depends on Air Mobility, everywhere you look, whether reaching the hardest targets or just ensuring people get to where they need to be, wouldn't happen without the people of Brize Norton and the Air Wing. So, it's a really exciting time, to be part of the air mobility force. I see everywhere phenomenal capabilities on the platforms that we operate on, the people that we have delivering our tasks and big challenges coming up ahead.
There's no getting around the fact that the world is pretty unstable and very dynamic at the moment, and we can absolutely see that in the activities of our teams, who we have operating around the world, and I think as we look forward to Exercise Steadfast Defender next year at a time when we are looking to really promote, what Defence can do, for NATO and our strategic partners, then, I know just how capable the Air Mobility Force is and everything we'll be able to do there, and I'm really excited to be here and watch us play our part.
For me, fostering a culture where people feel empowered to contribute and innovate is absolutely vital and, for me, the starting principle is that excellence exists everywhere. Our people, are phenomenal, I'm privileged to have already been to two honours and award ceremonies, in my short time here, and you realise the extent of things that people are doing everywhere, every day to make RAF Brize Norton, and the Air Wing, the capabilities that they are. So, for me, fostering that, spirit starts with just recognising that it's everybody that has the capability to make us the team that we are, and keeping people you know safe, trusted, and empowered to do the things that they do.
Away from work, I like trying to be out with my family in big scenery, so ideally trying to get into the hills. I love walking in the late district with our dog and I’m also, passionate about working with the local community to help with sports, so I do some work to help coaching with football.
So, the most important leadership lesson that I think I've learned so far is that excellence exists everywhere, and the most important thing we can do is listen to our people and to give them the chance to speak. It's so often the case that the good ideas come when you stop talking and start listening, so, during my time as Commander Air Wing, I fully intend to make sure that I'm giving people the opportunity to help us be the best team that we can be. I'm privileged to have worked with lots of inspirational people, and I think the examples come in many fashions. An example that sticks in my mind is the Warrant Officer that I had on 30 Squadron. In there, was an example of a man who completely understood what the Squadron needed to be, and how he could shape the Squadron in the way that we needed it to be shaped and I am eternally grateful for way that he went about supporting the Squadron and leading his team and, if I can learn anything at all from him, then I should be prouder and better for it.
My message to everyone across Brize Norton and the wider Air Mobility Force is simply that, Air Mobility is awesome, everything Defence does depends on Air Mobility, and it is able to do so because of the incredible teams we have across the Whole Force here at Brize Norton to keep us going on about our mission. Looking out as I look across our delivery in the face of Op Mace Vector, when I was operating away from home, we are able to do these things because of the incredible people we have. So, my message would be, thank you, and I'm excited to work with you in the years ahead.
[Ends]
