On Friday 14 May 2021, Wing Commander Lee Roberts handed over the role of Officer Commanding LXX (70) Squadron to Wing Commander Calvin Bailey MBE.
Lee took command of the Squadron back in March 2019 and departs on promotion to the Air Mobility Force Headquarters, also based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.
Wing Commander Lee Roberts, Outgoing Officer Commanding LXX Squadron said:
“I look back on my tour as Officer Commanding LXX Squadron with immense pride. It has been an interesting and exciting 26 months in command. Highlights include the commencement of national standby commitments, in addition to Atlas providing support to the Red Arrows tour of the USA. However, the tour has been defined by the impact of and our support to Covid-19, both in terms of patient transfer and vaccine delivery; such events gave the Squadron a real sense of pride.
“It has been my absolute privilege to command LXX Squadron, a chapter of my service life that I will look back on with great fondness. I must pay tribute to my wife and family and the support that they have given me throughout this tour, a tour that was only possible with their continued support and patience. I wish LXX Squadron and their new Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Calvin Bailey every success in the future. USQUAM.”
Wing Commander Lee Roberts
Outgoing Officer Commanding LXX Squadron
LXX Squadron are responsible for providing strategic air transport worldwide utilising the A400M Atlas, the newest aircraft within the Air Mobility Fleet, entering operational service with the Royal Air Force in 2014. The A400M Atlas provides tactical airlift and strategic oversize lift capabilities complementing those of the C-130J Hercules and C-17 Globemaster.
Wing Commander Calvin Bailey joins LXX Squadron having recently completed a deployment on Operation SHADER as the Commanding Officer of 903 Expeditionary Air Wing and previous tours at MOD Main Building and RAF Brize Norton.
Wing Commander Calvin Bailey, Incoming Officer Commanding LXX Squadron said:
“It is a great honour to take command of a unit of such distinguished history and heritage; but also, a unit which is breaking new ground in the delivery of tactical air transport for our country. I thank Lee for his incredibly hard work and the platform he has created on which we shall build. I look forward to growing a proud and capable force able to meet the challenges of the future.”
Wing Commander Calvin Bailey
Incoming Officer Commanding LXX Squadron
The Squadron, of nearly 250 personnel play a vital role within the Air Mobility Force, which provides the UK Government with the ability to deploy, sustain and recover personnel and equipment, over significant distance. Over the last 12 months, LXX Squadron have been deployed on numerous operations and exercises across the globe in support of UK Defence.
