Good luck to all those involved with 56(R) as the historic Squadron changes hands today from the F3 OCU at Leuchars to become the ISTAR OEU at Waddington.
Cpt_Pugwash
22nd Apr 2008, 06:02
Further,...
Nine-ship Tornado flypast bids farewell to 56 Squadron
A History and Honour (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/) news article
21 Apr 08
Nine Tornado F3s from 56 (Reserve) Squadron at RAF Leuchars carried out a diamond formation flypast across parts of eastern Scotland on Friday, 18 April 2008, to mark the disbanding of the Squadron.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/GenerateThumbnail.aspx?imageURL=/NR/rdonlyres/006CA319-5D8E-4FBC-9417-7BE815105D7A/0/leuchars.jpg&maxSize=210 (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/LargeImageTemplate.aspx?img=/NR/rdonlyres/006CA319-5D8E-4FBC-9417-7BE815105D7A/0/leuchars.jpg&alt=Nine Tornado F3s) Nine Tornado F3s from RAF Leuchars 56 (Reserve) Squadron carry out a diamond formation flypast across parts of eastern Scotland
[Picture: RAF]
A special parade was also held at RAF Leuchars, located near St Andrews in Fife, to say goodbye to the Squadron, known as the 'Firebirds', who are moving to RAF Waddington near Lincoln. They have been at Leuchars since 2003.
As well as moving home the Squadron is also changing from its current role as a Fighter Squadron to that of an Airborne Early Warning and Surveillance unit. Its new Sentry and Sentinel planes also took to the skies as part of Friday's ceremonial events.
Originally formed in June 1916 for home defence duties, 56 Squadron and its personnel have seen action in both World Wars, as well as providing Air Defence of the United Kingdom and overseas territories during the Cold War; and up until this day.
Wing Commander David Hazell, 56 Squadron's Commanding Officer, took over his role in June 2007. He was serving with 56 Squadron for the third time, after originally serving with the Squadron in 1989. He said:
"As I pass the Squadron over to new guardians and a new role, I very much feel the poignancy of the Squadron's history and all those who have passed before us defending the United Kingdom. The 'Firebirds' have always been a Fighter Squadron; it is the end of an era. But I am sure that the new personnel who wear the 56 Squadron badge will do so with pride and carry on our fine traditions."
RAF Leuchars is the RAF's principal operational fighter station and one of the busiest air bases in Strike Command. It plays a critical part in the defence of the UK and its territorial waters.
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/GenerateThumbnail.aspx?imageURL=/NR/rdonlyres/CC5378EC-34C4-4BA9-BDB6-ED900D58ED30/0/leuchars2.jpg&maxSize=210 (http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/LargeImageTemplate.aspx?img=/NR/rdonlyres/CC5378EC-34C4-4BA9-BDB6-ED900D58ED30/0/leuchars2.jpg&alt=Tornado F3s) The Tornado F3s from RAF Leuchars 56 (Reserve) Squadron over the Forth Bridges
[Picture: RAF]
43(F) and 111(F) Squadrons also fly the Tornado F3 fighter and are tasked to provide crews and aircraft at 10 minutes readiness 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to police and, if necessary, shoot down rogue aircraft in UK airspace.
Wing Commander Hazell added:
"Although we are passing the Firebirds' heritage to a new role, I will be taking command of 43 Fighter Squadron, the 'Fighting Cocks'. Most of the personnel from 56 Squadron will be amalgamated into 43 Squadron, thus preserving the balance of personnel at RAF Leuchars. They will then be able to share in the history of another illustrious Fighter Squadron as we continue our role of defending the nation's interests."
56 Squadron has maintained a busy schedule up to the last moment. The Squadron is responsible for training aircrew to equip front line squadrons, as well as running the Qualified Weapons Instructor course (the RAF Top Gun). 43 Squadron will now assume this role in addition to its front line duties.
The Tornado F3 is due to serve at RAF Leuchars for another three years, before being replaced by the Typhoon, which will continue the work of the current incumbents of RAF Leuchars.
Friday's Tornado diamond fly past flew over the Forth Bridges, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and past RAF Lossiemouth and RAF Kinloss before returning to RAF Leuchars.