The new RAF A4 Force Elements Commander is Group Captain Nick Huntley; he takes over from Group Captain Jo Lincoln who is promoted to Air Commodore.
Image By: SAC Kimberley Waterson
The A4 Force Elements are the RAF’s specialist, high-readiness, expeditionary logistics and engineering units. They are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice, to support operations and exercises anywhere in the world. The A4 Force also includes RAF Music Services and the RAF Mountain Rescue Service.
Although headquartered at RAF Wittering, A4 Force Elements personnel are located at stations across the RAF and around the globe.
Group Captain Huntley (46) is an experienced logistics officer and already familiar with the many roles of the A4 Force Elements. He has previously commanded No 1 Air Mobility Wing (1AMW), which specialises in passenger and cargo handling, and the safe loading and unloading of military transport aircraft. 1AMW is based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire but is part of the RAF A4 Force.
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He said: “In am honoured to command the A4 Force Elements. I know from my own experience just how much dedication, knowledge and skill the people in this organisation have, and their military track record speaks for itself. It is a privilege to command them and I am very much looking forward to the next two years.”
Wherever the RAF is in the world, the A4 Force Elements can bring engineering and logistic support. The NATO Black Sea Air Policing Mission in Romania and the fight against DAESH in the Middle-East are just two examples of current A4 Force operations. The force also played a significant role in the Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Group Captain Jo Lincoln has led the A4 Force Elements since 2019. She now leaves on promotion to Air Commodore and will take up her new post at Headquarters Air Command. Keeping her personnel safe and ready to deploy during the Coronavirus pandemic has been an overriding priority.
She said: “It has been an absolute privilege to command the regular, reserve and civilian personnel who have delivered at home and abroad as part of the A4 Force Elements. With a great team, anything is possible and they are a great team. I know the Force will continue to go from strength to strength under the command of Group Captain Nick.”
For Group Captain Huntley, another period of change is coming. He said: “Because we cannot afford to take anything for granted, our focus now is how to stay safe and operationally effective as we emerge from the pandemic. So, I would like to thank Group Captain Lincoln for her dedication and hard work. The A4 Force Elements are in outstanding shape, and she has done a tremendous job.”
Group Captain Huntley concluded: “It’s important to understand people in order to lead them, so the next two years are going to be an exceptional opportunity to learn about our people and their own capabilities. We have a bright future ahead, and I believe we can do great things.”
