RAF Valley on Anglesey is home to No 4 Flying Training School, responsible for training the UK's next generation of world-class fighter pilots.
Aircrew are also trained at RAF Valley for mountain and maritime operations throughout the world.
RAF Valley is also home to the Mountain Rescue Service, the military's only high readiness, all weather search and rescue, aircraft post-crash management asset.
"Refuge in adversity"
In 1994, Group Captain Hoare enlisted in the RAF as a pilot. Throughout his career, he has flown the Typhoon, F/A18C Hornet, and Tornado GR1/4. He has a broad spectrum of operating experience and is certified as a Weapons Instructor. He has also served on a number of staff rotations, the most recent of which was in Washington, DC, at the F-35 Joint Program Office as the UK National Deputy.
1941 The Station opened as RAF Rhosneigr.
1941-1945 During World War Two the Station operated as a fighter station.
1948 The RAF Mountain Rescue Service was formed.
1960 No 4 Flying Training School arrived at RAF Valley.
1962 Search and Rescue Training commenced at RAF Valley.
2009 The Hawk TMk2 flew its first flight at RAF Valley.
Since the Station was opened in February 1941 it has been the home of many different aircraft in a variety of roles. Initially, RAF Valley was part of 9 Group, Fighter Command, and was known as RAF Rhosneigr. After two months, it was re-named RAF Valley.
During WW II the Station was a fighter station to defend Merseyside and the Irish Sea from enemy air and maritime activity. From 1943, it became a major staging post for USAAF aircraft arriving from the U.S to help the war effort.
Post-war, the Station became a flying training station for the RAF and Royal Navy. Today, it is the home of No 4 Flying Training School, operating the BAE Hawk TMk2. This advanced jet trainer, with its modern cockpit design and avionics, provides the ideal lead-in trainer for pilots graduating on to front line aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35.
From late 2019, RAF Valley will be the home of Basic Flying Training; the second phase of Fast Jet training for the RAF and Royal Navy. Following on from Elementary Flying Training, Basic Flying Training using the Texan T1 advanced turbo-prop trainer will prepare students for Advanced Flying Training on the Hawk T2 jet trainer.
