On Friday 20th October 2023 RAF Brize Norton hosted its annual BRAVOS Awards evening. The BRAVOS – Brize’s Recognition Awards for Valued and Outstanding Service, now in its eleventh year, annually celebrates the successes and achievements of Station personnel across the Whole Force.
Serving personnel, civil servants and contractors at RAF Brize Norton were nominated in one of ten categories, which highlight the breadth and diversity of the achievements of personnel at the RAF’s largest base. The event recognises those whose commitment and devotion make a positive difference to the Station and to the wider community. The nominees were put forward by their colleagues and members of the community, and all have made an outstanding contribution to RAF Brize Norton.
Station Commander of RAF Brize Norton Group Captain Claire O’Grady said:
“As the Station Commander I am incredibly proud of everything our personnel have achieved over the last year, delivering on global operations time and time again, going above and beyond in their primary roles and providing support to the wider community. This ‘Enterprise’ only works when our Civil Servants, contracted partners, Regular and Reserve personnel come together, aided by our wider local community, allowing the Station to deliver world class operational support.”
Group Captain Claire O’Grady
Station Commander
RAF Brize Norton
The evening was held inside one of Brize Norton’s aircraft hangars, which was transformed into a glamorous awards venue against the backdrop of an Atlas C.1 (A400M). Sporting achievements, volunteering work and operational commitments were all recognised at the awards ceremony, which was attended by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton.
This year’s winners were:
Sporting Achievement Award- Mr Charlie Dye
Valliant Volunteer Award - Chief Technician Ian Conn
Operational Safety Award - Explosive Storage Team
Flight Lieutenant David Lord VC DFC Memorial Award - Flying Officer Ryan Connor
Group Captain F L Robinson DSO MC DFC Memorial Award - Air Specialist 1 Moudud Kabiry
ASTRA Award - Sergeant Charlie Gager
Best Business Award - Bourton Road Butchers
Station Commander’s Award - Mrs Vicki Mason
Commander Air Wing’s Award - Flight Lieutenant Marcus Norman
Top Team Award - Safety Equipment Section
The night included two extra awards presented at the end of the evening. The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Maria Webster for her unwavering dedication to the RAF Brize Norton community over 25 years. This was followed by the RAF Centenary Trophy, presented by the Chief of the Air Staff to the RAF Brize Norton Compass Committee, recognised for work supporting special educational needs within the military community.
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