On Tuesday 25th September 2018, No. II Squadron, RAF Regiment, was presented with its new Squadron Standard by Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal David Cooper.
The senior squadron of the RAF Regiment, No. II Squadron, has recently completed a move of all 132 of its personnel from RAF Honington to RAF Brize Norton, its new home. The need for the move was driven by operational requirements and the new structure of the RAF Regiment as part of Force Protection (FP) transformation. Number II Squadron has been at the very forefront of this transition, taking on the operational task of Air Mobility Protection Teams.
As part of its recent arrival at RAF Brize Norton, the new Standard was presented at a parade which was attended by the families of Squadron personnel. The Standard was consecrated by the Chaplain in Chief, The Venerable (Air Vice-Marshal) John Ellis. Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal David Cooper was the Parade Reviewing Officer, with Officer Commanding No. II Squadron, Squadron Leader Mark Bowden, being the Parade Commander.
“Today is the presentation of the new Squadron Standard. The Standard hasn’t changed since I have been on the Squadron, the last one was 29 years ago so this is usually a once in a career event. With the move to RAF Brize Norton today is like our official arrival. The parade has taken a lot of preparation but we are really excited and the weather has turned out for us.”
Corporal Chris Jones
Number II Squadron, RAF Regiment
“It was an immeasurably proud day for me to be the Parade Commander for the presentation of the third II Squadron Standard in our 96 year history. We place a tremendous amount of stress on our families and without their unwavering support we would not be able to achieve what is asked of us by the Service; it was fantastic to be able to have them on the Parade Ground with us yesterday to mark this significant occasion. The presentation of the new Squadron Standard comes at a perfect point in time and allows us to formally mark our arrival at RAF Brize Norton, we are all energised by the opportunities that now lie ahead and look forward to developing our support for both the Station and the Air Mobility Force.”
Squadron Leader Mark Bowden
Officer Commanding No. II Squadron, RAF Regiment
