Outstanding contributions to operations and exercises earned the Royal Air Force Logistics Driver of the Year Award for an A4 Force Driver from RAF Wittering.
Image By: SAC Jack Welson
Originally from Dartford in Kent, Senior Aircraftman Alex Bennett-Yard (32) joined the RAF in 2007. After completing his basic training at RAF Halton, he went on to graduate from driver training at the Defence School of Transport in Yorkshire.
SAC Bennett-Yard said: “I’d thought about something military like the Royal Marines, but my parents directed me to the Royal Air Force, and I needed a qualification that I could use in civilian life. My personality suits the camaraderie you have in the military and I wanted to do something different.”
Alex is a member of No 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron (2MT). The Squadron was formed in Cambridge during the Battle of Britain, ferrying ammunition, fuel and aircraft spares between fighter stations in the south of England. Today, more than eighty years later, 2MT still keeps the Royal Air Force supplied on operations across the world.
During the NATO capability evaluation, Alex showed leadership under pressure with his meticulous planning and high standards of driving, frequently mentoring junior drivers. His contributions to the NATO Baltic Sea Air Policing mission in 2020 were equally striking. In Lithuania SAC Bennett-Yard’s driving skills were evident again, leading on the road in an unfamiliar environment, safely transporting multiple loads from the port to the airbase.
.JPG)
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
SAC Bennett-Yard also played a leading role in the planning for Exercise Crimson Warrior, which British and American aircraft conducted high intensity training over the North Sea and North East of England. Liaising with the United States Marine Corps, RAF Marham and HMS Queen Elizabeth, he planned an efficient equipment recovery, eliminating the requirement for hired vehicles and saving thousands of pounds.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
2MT Squadron is an A4 Force Element. The A4 Force Elements are specialised, high-readiness, engineering and logistics units that support Royal Air Force operations and exercises at home and abroad. The A4 Force Elements are headquartered at RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire.
Speaking of his time as a RAF Driver, and his award, Alex said: “It’s been decent. For me it’s been getting to see quite a lot of the world and Europe just through being a driver. You join a job like this to see the world and you don’t have many better options when it comes to seeing different places. Receiving the award was a bit of a shock really, I was just trying to do my job to the best of my ability.”
Image By: SAC Jack Welson
From cars and minibuses to cranes, articulated lorries, coaches and specialist vehicles (such as aircraft refuelers), RAF Drivers operate many vehicle types and ensure personnel, equipment and commodities are in the right place at the right time.
Squadron Leader Dan Cook is Officer Commanding 2MT Squadron. He said: “I’m delighted that Alex’s hard work and focus have received proper recognition. Our drivers are specialists, they are trained to a very high standard and their skills extend to much more than driving, as Alex has proved.”
Group Captain Nick Huntley commands the A4 Force Elements. He said: “It is a milestone achievement. Support to operations and exercises is the A4 Force’s primary function and Alex’s contributions to Royal Air Force and NATO operations have been exemplary, he is a credit to the A4 Force and the RAF.”
