The gates are due to open at 0800 hrs, and the show is due to begin at 1000 hrs, with some 40 static aircraft on display and a wide variety of other attractions. Given the amount of activity that is planned, I feel that this would be an ideal day to hold this year’s Annual Reunion and, although details have yet to be finalised, l should like, formally, to invite all Association members to RAF Valley on that date. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Flight Lieutenant Keith Hildred, whom I have asked to make the necessary arrangements.
To conclude, although the Squadron is no longer ‘operational’ it has, perhaps, its most critical role of all time in safeguarding the very future of the RAF. Association members will be aware of the current shortage of fast jet pilots, and it goes without saying that the Squadron is extremely busy as the drive for ‘60 IPS’ (Into Productive Service) brings a laser-sharp focus on our activities. Resourcing decisions taken in the mid-1990s have bitten hard, and the Squadron is now having to run at 100% in order to meet its task which, at time of writing, it is managing (just) to do. To illustrate the magnitude of the requirement, the daily flying programme comprises some 68 sorties (more than the entire Jaguar Force) and studies are being undertaken to increase this to 84. This equates to an annual task of some 11,500 sorties to train 83 RAF, 12 RN and 5 foreign ab-initio students, as well as 13 instructors and a brace of refresher courses.
Fortunately, the enthusiasm of the staff remains extremely high and this, coupled with the recent changes in the Squadron structure, has resulted in an outstanding achievement in the first part of the year. We achieved more than 100% of the quoted task in March and, despite everything the Valley weather has thrown at us, nos 57, 58 and 59 courses all remain on, or ahead of, schedule to meet their graduation dates. Undoubtedly, there will be great difficulties ahead. However, given the dedication and professionalism of the staff (and with a little luck and good weather), I am confident that 208 Squadron will, as it has done throughout its history, meet the task.
- Wing Commander Neil Meadows
