Double Fast Jet Graduation

The two fast jet training squadrons at RAF Valley – numbers IV(R) and 208(R) Squadrons – had a double celebration in June 2015 when fast jet trainee pilots from both units graduated at the same time.

To mark this event, the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach came to the Anglesey base to review the graduation.

RAF Valley station commander, and CO of number 4 Flying Training School, Group Captain Pete Cracroft said: “This was a special day for RAF Valley with both our squadrons graduating fast jet pilots together. For the young pilots setting off from Valley to their front line units this is a milestone in their careers, and all of us at RAF Valley wish them the very best for the future. The success of our six graduates is also testament to the dedication and hard work of our uniformed and civilian personnel on IV(R) and 208(R) squadrons, and across the station.”

Before the graduation ceremony, the six graduating students flew past families and friends in two “4-ship” formations in Hawk T1 and T2 aircraft, and conducted a simulated airfield attack. The graduates will move on to operational conversion units for the Typhoon, Tornado and in one case, an exchange posting in the United States.

Editor: Sqn Ldr Williams

Photographs: SAC Rob Travis

Top: Line up of OC’s instructors and students in front of aircraft. Left: 208(R) Sqn with Hawk T1, and Right: IV(R) Sqn with Hawk T2.

Lower: Back Row L-R: Flt Lt Andrew McEwen, Flt Lt Adam King-Adams, Flt Lt Jonathon Hubbleday, Wing Commander Dan Beard, OC IV(R) Squadron, Fg Off Dustin Wales, Flt Lt Graym Hunter, Flt Lt Edward Arkell. Front Row L-R: Group Captain Pete Cracroft, Stn Cdr RAF Valley, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, Wing Commander Chris Kidd, OC 208(R) Squadron.

This article first appeared on the Royal Air Force Website and the RAF Valley Website.

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