On Friday 24th May 2019, the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, visited RAF Brize Norton. The visit provided the Secretary of State with an overview of the RAF's strategic and tactical air transport aircraft including their air-to-air refuelling capability. The visit provided an opportunity for her to meet Whole Force personnel engaged in delivering the Station’s output of rapid global mobility in support of UK and overseas operations and exercises.
The visit started with presentations from the Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal David Cooper CBE MA BEng (Hons) RAF and the Station Commander, Group Captain Daniel James ADC MA MEng RAF. The presentations focussed on the Air Mobility Force and RAF Brize Norton’s integration into the wider Force.
During her time at RAF Brize Norton, the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP took the opportunity to view the aircraft that operate from Brize Norton including an A400M Atlas, C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules and A330 Voyager. Number 47 Air Despatch Squadron, Royal Logistic Corps, the only Air Despatch Unit remaining in the British Army, provided a stand to highlight their key role in providing an air drops solution that is pivotal to enhancing the RAFs ability to provide humanitarian aid for those who need it most. The Secretary of State for Defence departed on a Chinook from No. 7 Squadron, RAF Odiham, where she flew to Portsmouth to continue her tour.
“We were delighted to welcome the new Secretary State for Defence to the Station. The visit was a tremendous opportunity to showcase RAF Brize Norton at its very best, highlighting our continued contribution to UK defence at home and abroad.”
Group Captain Daniel James ADC MA MEng RAF
The Station Commander, RAF Brize Norton
