High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Jennifer Crompton, saw the county from the sky as she flew with Cambridge University Air Squadron at RAF Wittering 16th June.
In ancient times the High Sheriff was the principal law enforcement officer in the county, but over the centuries these functions have been transferred to the courts and the police. Today the High Sheriff promotes the good work that happens in Cambridgeshire and facilitates positive communication between the county’s organisations.
RAF Wittering is one of Cambridgeshire’s most important Defence establishments and the only military flying Station in the county. Mrs Crompton was welcomed to RAF Wittering by the Station Commander, Wing Commander Jeremy Case.
Wing Commander Case said: “We’re delighted to welcome the High Sheriff and her husband to RAF Wittering today. Visits of this kind allow us to raise awareness of the role that RAF Wittering plays in delivering for Defence with our wider civic community.”
After a visit to the Royal Air Force Police, the High Sheriff was taken to Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS) for a familiarisation visit and a short flight in one of the Squadron’s Grob Tutor aircraft. There are 15 RAF University Air Squadrons, two of which are based at Wittering, and their main role is to attract talented undergraduates to regular and reserve RAF service.
In addition to its five flying units, RAF Wittering is home to the specialist engineering and logistics squadrons that support RAF air operations and exercises, collectively known as the A4 Force Elements. A4 Force personnel are stationed at Wittering and other UK bases, supporting most of the ongoing RAF missions at home and abroad.
A visit
to the specialist engineers of No 71 (Inspection and Repair) Squadron followed. Mrs Crompton then travelled to Station’s Vigo Woods training area for a look at Exercise Lion’s Tail, a serious test of military skill for No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron and No 3 Mobile catering Squadron.
The High Sheriff said: “There is so much more to RAF Wittering than meets the eye, the Station is far larger than it appears from the road. I’ve been most impressed by the diversity of what happens here; from the flying training, to the technology involved in 3D printing and military logistics.”
The Honours and Awards ceremony is a regular highlight in the Station’s calendar at which military and civilian personnel are recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Station and to Defence.
In conclusion, Mrs Crompton said: “It was a great privilege to present medals and awards to so many deserving people today, a real honour. My strongest impression of all was the sense of community and teamwork, across the Station and within the individual units that I visited. My sincere thanks to Wing Commander Case and his team for this fascinating insight into RAF Wittering, it is one of Cambridgeshire’s greatest assets.”