Mission Critical Equipment for the Typhoon Force at RAF Coningsby is prepared for operations faster than ever in the Station’s new cargo handling facility.
In military language, the new building will allow RAF Coningsby to fulfil “Purple Gate Customs Bonding”. This means that military equipment and supplies can be properly stored once prepared for overseas movement, and that host nations know that the cargo is safe and legal.
Officer Commanding Logistics Squadron, Squadron Leader Phil Bishop, said:
“The handling of military freight is a detailed business, especially when it’s going overseas. We must conform to our own customs standards, but also to the standards of the nation we’re deploying to. To do that safely and securely, and not get under anyone else’s feet, a dedicated building is essential.”
Biosecurity is a serious concern for Defence forces around the world. The unplanned introduction of foreign species can have far reaching effects. The new building will allow RAF Coningsby Movers to ensure that no indigenous British species are inadvertently exported to a partner nation inside the cargo.
Coningsby’s new cargo handling facility has plenty of space, is large enough to operate 16-tonne forklifts inside, and can hold enough freight to fill a C-17 Globemaster. The new cargo handling facility forms part of the RAF’s growing estate designed with sustainability at heart. The building includes solar panels, which provide the electricity it needs to be carbon neutral.
Royal Engineers from the Army provided oversight to the project. Captain Chris Davison said:
“Value for the taxpayer is the thing. Milestone payments were only made when the work was completed to a high standard, and we made sure that the contractors and subcontractors followed health and safety legislation throughout the build. The new building has got to be safe, fit for purpose, and represent a good deal for Defence.”
The cargo handling facility will become the responsibility of RAF Coningsby’s Movements Section. RAF Movers are responsible for planning and executing the movement of RAF personnel and equipment by road, rail, air and sea.
Sergeant Mark Simpson oversees the Movements Section. He said:
“Firstly, credit to my retired colleague Warrant Officer Mark Vaughan as the new building was his idea from the start. All RAF operations and exercises depend on Movers getting supplies and ground support equipment safely and correctly through the supply chain into the host nation. It’s going to make a massive difference; this building is perfectly designed to meet current and potential future regulations.”
Officially opened on 16th October by Wing Commander Nick Startup, Officer Commanding Base Support Wing, the building swung immediately into use. Wing Commander Startup said:
“Firstly, congratulations to the team from Station Support Squadron in pulling this together. The Typhoon Force deploys all over the world, and this building allows our Movers to ensure the squadrons have the right equipment in the right place at the right time, to have what they need to fly and fight.”
