RAF Brize Norton News

Engineer of the Year Award 2019

On Monday 13th May 2019, RAF Brize Norton’s Engineer of the Year Award 2019 was presented to Sergeant Martin Atkinson of 99 Squadron, who operates the Globemaster III, a long-range, heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft.

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Wing Commander O’Sullivan presenting the Engineer of the Year Award to Sergeant Atkinson, with Officer Commanding 99 Squadron, Wing Commander Latchman and 99 Squadron personnel.

Sergeant Martin ‘Aki’ Atkinson is the driving force behind 99 Squadron Heavy Rectification Team.  An incredible technician, leader and mentor, Aki has forged a formidable reputation as a highly motivated and talented Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.  He can regularly be found in his natural environment which is ‘knees deep’ in the bowels of a Pratt & Whitney Engine or C-17 pneumatics system, where he regularly takes the opportunity to practically mentor mechanical colleagues alike in the intricacies of the C-17.

He is always the first to volunteer and the first to deploy to rectify complex mechanical snags overseas.  This was demonstrated in February 2019, where he assembled his team and quickly deployed to the Middle East to conduct an engine change.  With his experience and focus the engine was changed in record time, returning a valuable C-17 asset back to Defence two days after deploying out to recover the aircraft.

Wing Commander Sean O’Sullivan, Officer Commanding Engineering and Logistics Wing Said: “It was an absolute honour to present the Engineer of the Year Award 2019 to Sergeant Atkinson; his work ethic and dedication to 99 Squadron, the Station and Defence is outstanding.”  

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