Royal Air Force Wittering has a brand-new top team with the arrival of a new Station Commander and two new Wing Commanders.
The Station Commander at RAF Wittering has two main responsibilities: the smooth running of the Station and its airfield, and supporting air operations with the dedicated logistics and engineering squadrons of the A4 Force.
Group Captain Jo Lincoln arrived in August as Station Commander and A4 Force Elements Commander. She is joined by Wing Commander Andy Valentine as Chief of Staff for the A4 Force Headquarters and Wing Commander Maggie Boyle as Officer Commanding Support Wing.
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Image By: SAC Kim Waterson
Aircraft shelters, safety equipment, fuel and catering are vital to sustain modern air power. When an exercise or operation is called, the Chief of Staff and his team in Force Headquarters co-ordinate the A4 Force squadrons. They make sure the RAF has everything on the ground, so it can operate in the air.
Wing Commander Valentine returns to RAF Wittering in the Chief of Staff’s chair. He said: “I am really pleased to have the opportunity to serve at RAF Wittering again at such a busy and interesting time. Our headquarters and squadrons, based here and at other RAF stations, do fantastic work supporting global air operations. It is great to be part of such a dynamic team and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
Support Wing at RAF Wittering is responsible for the welfare of service personnel and their families, the training of military and civilian personnel, as well as the upkeep of buildings and infrastructure, and community relations. Catering, housing, personnel support and finance are just a few of the other functions Support Wing manages.
Maggie Boyle left RAF Wittering on promotion just over a year ago and returns as a Wing Commander. She said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to return to Wittering. I am very lucky to be a part of a station that has a key role in delivering air operations across the world, as well as training the next generation of pilots. The community spirit here is great, and with a new Station Commander and Chief of Staff, we have a real opportunity to do great things.”
In common with all newly appointed Station Commanders, Group Captain Lincoln’s first weeks have been extremely busy. She said: “You have to hit the ground running, because there is no honeymoon period. This is where having an experienced team around you really makes a difference.”
The Station Commander concluded: “Having Andy and Maggie on the team is a real advantage - they are both very knowledgeable in their chosen fields and they know this Station and the A4 Force well. In many ways, it is the best of both worlds, we have the energy of new team members but it’s a team that’s built on experience and ability.”
