Heavy aircraft return to RAF Wittering

Exercise Swift Pirate is a regular feature in the Station’s busy calendar, and the heavy aircraft of the RAF Mobility Force are a familiar sight in the skies around RAF Wittering.

This week 16 Air Assault Brigade and the RAF Mobility Force have been training together at RAF Wittering, where the Station has doubled as a primitive airfield in a foreign country. Careful and meticulous planning has been key to meeting the exercise objectives whilst keeping personnel safe and as Covid-secure as possible.

Group Captain Jo Lincoln is the Station Commander at RAF Wittering and Commander of the A4 Force Elements. She said: “It’s all about the training, making sure that we are ready to deploy anywhere in the world, whenever we are needed. Working together, 1AMW and 16 Air Assault Brigade produce a powerful military effect and we’re very happy to have them both here.”

But the exercise is far more than just the movement of passengers and equipment. During Swift Pirate 1AMW personnel live as though they were on an operation, they practise their core military skills, are accommodated in basic conditions and regularly exposed to simulated threats from hostile forces.

Swift Pirate is the first exercise for SAC Joseph Tuitoga (24) from 1AMW. Over the past few days he has been loading and unloading aircraft, processing passengers, handling freight and taken on sentry duties.

He said: “It’s my first exercise so I didn’t really know what to expect. It’s been quite challenging at times, but it’s designed to stretch you so that in a real-life situation you know how to handle it.”

Group Captain Lincoln concluded: “This exercise is a real test for the Station and for 1AMW, and we’ve been fortunate to have the participation of 16 Air Assault Brigade. I’m very happy to say that it’s been a complete success and shown yet again just what a valuable asset our airfield is to Defence.”