Celebrating 40 years in the Royal Air Force after enlisting in 1984, Squadron Leader Stuart Masters has worked mainly in the South East of the UK, as a Logistics (Logs) Mover.
His roles have varied from a passenger check-in clerk to a Cargo Export specialist, a Movements C-17 Evaluator, mentoring and testing fellow movers on the loading procedures on the C-17 aircraft, as well as detachments to the Middle East.
After promotion to Warrant Officer he completed roles in Standards Training Flight and Squadron Warrant Officer on the Air Movements Squadron at RAF Brize Norton. In 2015, he commissioned into the Logistics Branch as a Movements specialist, with a logistics annotation. This led to more varied roles, firstly working with civilian contractors at RAF Brize Norton, providing assurance across a varied and busy section and ensuring standards were maintained appropriately. Next, a frenetic role as Officer Commanding Cargo allowed him to use his cargo knowledge from his earlier years and work with a team of young, motivated individuals ensuring all kinds of dangerous goods and outsized items were safely transported around the globe in support of operations and exercises. After this he completed a period at HQ Air Command in a staff role before being posted to RAF Benson as the second in command Logistics Squadron working under Joint Helicopter Command, which he really enjoyed.
Squadron Leader Masters moved back to RAF Brize Norton on promotion and into a role as the Chief of Staff for Base Support Wing, ensuring the Station functions as smoothly as possible. During this time one of the most rewarding but sad roles was controlling the repatriation of any service personnel who had passed away whilst on operations – fortunately quite infrequent. In this role it was his honour to ensure the repatriation went smoothly and with compassion for bereaved families.
Squadron Leader Stuart Masters said:
“Throughout my career the Royal Air Force has given me so many amazing job opportunities with the various trade roles, the ability to travel, undertake an overseas posting and participate in unit sports and Force Development expeditions. I am now looking at what will likely be my last role in the regular RAF before retirement. I may consider a role within the Royal Auxiliary Air Force or a new challenge within civilian life.”
Squadron Leader Stuart Masters
Chief of Staff, Base Support Wing
