Three major awards and a promotion to Flight Sergeant have been earned by an outstanding Air & Ground Steward from Royal Air Force Wittering.
Sergeant Steve Harland (44) has been named as the RAF Air & Ground Steward of the Year for 2020. His award is well deserved, recognising his extraordinary contributions to the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia and his tireless work in preparing the next generation of RAF Chefs.
Image By: SAC Jack Welson
During NATO operations in Estonia, Steve led a team of 14 Chefs and Stewards from No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron (3MCS) who were tasked to feed 380 people each day. Because of other operations and activities happening at the same time, Steve and his team never knew how many personnel to feed and numbers changed on an almost hourly basis.
Image By: SAC Kim Waterson
Sergeant Harland also negotiated with local food suppliers to ensure that only the most nutritious available ingredients were used. It was a dynamic challenge that was met with an exceptional feat of planning and management, and for which Sergeant Harland was rightly recognised.
Air & Ground Stewards in 3MCS make sure the Chefs have everything they need to produce high quality nutritious meals. Maintaining hygienic kitchens, preparing equipment and dining areas, logistical planning, and laundry are only a few of the responsibilities Air & Ground Stewards are given.
Back at RAF Wittering, Steve is the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in the Training Flight of 3MCS. Training Flight introduces trainee RAF Chefs to cooking in a field kitchen and teaches Chefs who are newly promoted to Corporal to lead a deployed military kitchen.
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In 2018 Steve and his team delivered a record number of courses at RAF Wittering and other RAF Stations, and managed a four-month deployment. For his unceasing work in 2018, Sergeant Harland has received the A4 Force Element Commander’s Award for Excellence, known as the RAF Wittering Silver Sword.
Originally from York, Sergeant Harland joined the RAF in 1994. After more than 25 years’ service, he has just collected his Long Service & Good Conduct medal and clasp. Steve is also a part time fire fighter with Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service, as if his work at RAF Wittering did not keep him busy enough.
For all his achievements, he remains quietly modest. Steve said: “I don’t know, I just do my daily job as far as I can see. Really, I just like to get on with my job and make sure other people are able to get on with theirs.”
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Soon Sergeant Harland will begin another new challenge. On March 20th he will be promoted to Flight Sergeant and take up a new post in RAF Wittering’s Catering Flight.
Group Captain Jo Lincoln is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering and A4 Force Elements Commander. She said: “Sergeant Harland is a credit to his Trade and the RAF. To work so tirelessly for his country and still be able to give to his community as a firefighter is just amazing. This last two years have been exceptionally busy, and it is only right that he is recognised for all that he has achieved. His forthcoming promotion is very well deserved and we are lucky to be keeping him on the team at RAF Wittering.”
