Centenary Celebrations 04

…... For once safely back in the crew room and debriefed, the Station Commander, Group Captain Brian Braid, announced what many already knew, that sadly, 208 Squadron’s centenary year would also be its last as the decision had been made to disband the squadron to focus advanced flying and tactical weapons training on the newer Hawk T2. The Squadron’s Hawk T1s would be retained for use by other Hawk T1 operators: 100 squadron at RAF Leeming; the Red Arrows at RAF Scampton; and 736 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton.


RAF Valley would still retain links with the Hawk T1, as depth maintenance would still be carried out at Valley, and ground school for refresher courses and operating the Hawk T1 simulator would also be conducted. However, 208 Squadron would finally disband. With all Tactical Weapons training complete, there would be a few more instructor training sorties to be completed, but the Squadron Standard would be laid up at the Central Church of the Royal Air Force, St Clement Danes, on Sunday 22 May 2016. The glum expression on the President’s face mirrored the feeling around the room at that moment.


The Association is indebted to Stuart Brookes-Norrie for the following YouTube video of the flying activity at RAF Valley during the 208 (R) Squadron Centenary Celebrations on Friday 1 April 2016.

 

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…... Continued

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