Command of the RAF’s Air Mobility Force Air Wing at RAF Brize Norton has changed hands from Group Captain Gareth Burdett to Group Captain Andy McIntyre.
Incorporating the RAF’s Voyager, VIP Transport, Globemaster (C-17) and Atlas C Mk.1 (A400M) squadrons, plus the Airborne Delivery Wing, the Air Wing has been exceptionally busy over the last two years. Group Captain Burdett took off in an Atlas from RAF Brize Norton, before handing control of the aircraft – and the Air Wing – to Group Captain McIntyre.
Group Captain Burdett, a C-130 pilot by background said:
“The last two years have been an immense privilege for me. The people of the Air Mobility Force and the units we work with are truly exceptional: excelling themselves in support of Ukraine, conducting disaster relief, evacuating from Sudan, enabling UK Air Defence, countering-D’Aesh and a myriad of other. Particularly poignant for me was the task of retiring the Hercules and transferring its capabilities onto Atlas and Globemaster. The new platforms have not let us down, and I’m delighted that the ‘Hercules spirit’ lives on in all our squadrons.”
Group Captain Gareth Burdett
Former Commander Air Wing
Group Captain Burdett returned to RAF Brize Norton to greet his family and colleagues, leaving Group Captain McIntyre onboard the Atlas to continue the training sortie as the new Commander Air Wing.
Group Captain McIntyre said: “Having first set foot at RAF Brize Norton to commence a co-pilot tour on the (almost) brand new C-17 in 2003, the Air Mobility Force has been close to my heart for my whole career and it’s an honour to take on the Commander Air Wing role. The Air Wing is central to the team of teams that deliver and support operations worldwide, and I am thrilled to be back working within such an incredible community that delivers so much to UK Defence.”
Group Captain Andy McIntyre
Commander Air Wing
