Congratulations to the Pilots and Mission Air Crew who last week graduated from 45 Squadron. A deeply personal ceremony, each graduating students had their “wings” and silver sixpence awarded to signify their success after a long and intensive course. A time-honoured tradition, each set of wings has first been flown on an operational sortie. The gifting of a sixpence is said to originate from the cost of being able to make a call at a phone box in case of an unscheduled landing.
Graduating courses 420-036/037 Multi Engine Pilot Training and 23-1/2/3 Mission Air Crew were reviewed by Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Townsend CBE MA RAF. Speaking to the graduating students and their guests, Air Vice-Marshall Townsend spoke of the importance of the profession the graduating students were entering into and how they “represent what we are as a force”.
RAF Cranwell wishes all of those graduating the very best in their onward operational training and careers.
