Personnel from the Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF) have been training at No. XXIV Squadron (also known as No. 24 Squadron), based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.
The four Bahraini personnel, including two Pilots and two Loadmasters, began their training at RAF Cranwell, where they spent six months undergoing their multi engine training and then a further three months of intense theory and practical training at No. XXIV Squadron.
“The training has been hard work but we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here at RAF Brize Norton and I look forward to passing the course.”
Lieutenant Colonel Alwazzan
Royal Bahraini Air Force
The two Pilots completed their final three-hour training sortie on 9 May 2018 under the watchful eye of Flight Lieutenant Walker a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI), No. XXIV Squadron. The RBAF personnel will now return to Bahrain to be the first trained Pilots for the C-130J Hercules, ahead of the delivery of their aircraft. The two Loadmasters will continue their training on the Squadron with the aim of completing their training in June 2018, further Bahraini Pilots will follow in their colleague’s footsteps and will undergo their Co-Pilot training for approximately 11 weeks.
“I’m delighted to be able to celebrate the graduation of Lieutenant Colonel Alwazzan and Major Alshami of the RBAF from the bespoke Bahraini C-130J Conversion Course, delivered at XXIV Squadron, the Air Mobility Operational Conversion Unit (AM OCU). It’s been a long and demanding course, starting with No. 45 Squadron at RAF Cranwell on multi engine training and culminating here on the AM OCU with their final test in the mighty Hercules. Bahrain is an important and close ally of the UK and XXIV Squadron is proud to be able to support the International Defence Training Team. It has been an absolute privilege to work with the cream of the Bahraini aircrew cadre.”
Wing Commander Gareth Burdett
Officer Commanding No. XXIV Squadron
