This week RAF Fylingdales said a fond farewell to Warrant Officer Kev Hannaford after 40 years service.
Kev joined the RAF in 1981 as a communications engineer serving on Stations that have long since closed; RAF Bentley Priory, The Hebrides in Scotland, RAF Oakhanger to name a few. A keen traveller, Kev has enjoyed his time on overseas postings that have covered the globe in his long career.
The engineering stalwart settled into RAF Fylingdales 2 years ago, bought a house in the local area with a plan to retire and continue his choral singing passion. However, with his wide experience and skills he has been recruited to coach and mentor engineering degree students at Teesside University. Kev said:
“Whilst the job offer came out of the blue, I ‘m really looking forward to passing on my experience to young people starting out in the engineering world.”
Staff at the Station provided a well deserved send off with a water hose guard of honour from Capita Fire Service and a Ministry of Defence escort as Kev made the transition from military life to civilian adventure.
RAF Fylingdales, alongside SKYNET satellite communication constellation, are jewels in the crown of the nation. The Station has contributed to the defence of the UK, and its allies, non-stop since 1963 and is one of two founding units of UK Space Command. With a heritage of almost 60 years defending the nation and providing Space Domain Awareness, it cements Fylingdales’ place, not only in the nation’s history but its future in understanding events occurring in space.
