Nimrod R1 Out Of Service Function
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Nimrod R1 Out Of Service Function
There will be a function held at RAF Waddington on 31 Mar 11, to celebrate the last flight of the Nimrod R1 (and the end of Nimrod).
All ex-51Sqn personnel (serving and non-serving) and other closely associated partners, are invited to email me at: nimrodr1.function(at)gmail.com for details.
You will appreciate that attendance will strictly be by invite only with limited places available and verification of all non-serving attendees will be required before being invited.
"51 Sqn Association" members will be sent separate invites through normal Sqn channels.
Kind Regards
Andy
All ex-51Sqn personnel (serving and non-serving) and other closely associated partners, are invited to email me at: nimrodr1.function(at)gmail.com for details.
You will appreciate that attendance will strictly be by invite only with limited places available and verification of all non-serving attendees will be required before being invited.
"51 Sqn Association" members will be sent separate invites through normal Sqn channels.
Kind Regards
Andy
What will we have to perform the R1's task on 1st April?
For the politically correct answer, you'll need to use some or all of these key phrases:
Burden sharing, harmonisation with the USAF, co-manning, special relationship, capability holiday, interoperability, Cold War mission.
But use these words, because words are important. None more so than 'adaptable'.
Adaptable is just a word but it encapsulates the vigilance, flexibility, resilience and agility we will seek to maintain.
and be sure not to use any of these:
Loss of sovereign capability, EWAD, loss of rapid autonomous modification/upgrade capability, inferior capability in some areas, f*ck all, nada, nil, nothing.
Because while our "intention is to remain America's most capable and reliable ally. We recognise that we benefit a great deal from the relationship. In return we will retain the ability to operate independently or in support of the US across the full spectrum of domains and capabilities."
Except those capabilities we flush down the tubes, and except those we will piggy back from the Yanks, and which will be meaningless and empty if ever they choose to turn off the tap. Eg 51, in the future.
And before you ask, there are no Beefeaters, Bobbies or Pearly Queens in the graphic, as they're all down the back of the Rivet Joint, eating pies.
I take it that our First Rate Armed Forces, to use the Government description, are about to engage on yet another capability holiday, to use an expression which has become thread bare, since the arrival of T Blair!
Oh dear, I do despair!
FB
Oh dear, I do despair!
FB
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Jackonicko Go Away
I think that aim here is to celebrate the retirement of an excellent platform flown and supported by an outstanding team, not to make comment on what we may have lost.
Well done 51 Sqn.
Those that know know.
Those that do not should be thankful!
Those that know know.
Those that do not should be thankful!
Tony,
Actually, the stated aim of this thread was to draw attention to a well-earned celebration of one era in the long and proud history of a very distinguished squadron.
Every subsequent post has simply bounced it back to the top.
Paying tribute and celebrating here is, however, an excellent idea. Not just because the R1 came close to clocking up 37 years in service with a single unit, which can't be a routine achievement (did 39 do it with the Canberra?).
But also because this is a unit, and a platform, that has consistently hidden its light in a deep hole, dug under a bushell, and dug at dead of night, very very quietly.
The question was asked, however, "what takes over?"
I answered that question, and I pointed out that we may not be quite as lucky in the future. That does not detract from my salute - if anything it underlines it.
However, I have no doubt that the men and women of 51 will make the very best of whatever they have in their very capable hands in the future, and that the squadron will continue to add to its laurels.
Actually, the stated aim of this thread was to draw attention to a well-earned celebration of one era in the long and proud history of a very distinguished squadron.
Every subsequent post has simply bounced it back to the top.
Paying tribute and celebrating here is, however, an excellent idea. Not just because the R1 came close to clocking up 37 years in service with a single unit, which can't be a routine achievement (did 39 do it with the Canberra?).
But also because this is a unit, and a platform, that has consistently hidden its light in a deep hole, dug under a bushell, and dug at dead of night, very very quietly.
And this has been a world-class capability, a war-winning capability, and a triumph of intelligent procurement and support, representing superb value for money for the taxpayer.
There can be few units whose current peacetime operations come close to equalling or exceeding their wartime glories, but 51 must come closer than most. There must be many ageing ex-Halifax chaps (to say nothing of those who flew Yorks with the Squadron, as a relative of mine did) who do not take some pride in what they know of the Squadron's recent achievements and current reputation.
It's therefore a great pleasure to salute a good, solid, platform, flown by a truly outstanding team, a genuinely elite band and supported by an almost equally impressive one, and I do so effusively and without reservation.
There can be few units whose current peacetime operations come close to equalling or exceeding their wartime glories, but 51 must come closer than most. There must be many ageing ex-Halifax chaps (to say nothing of those who flew Yorks with the Squadron, as a relative of mine did) who do not take some pride in what they know of the Squadron's recent achievements and current reputation.
It's therefore a great pleasure to salute a good, solid, platform, flown by a truly outstanding team, a genuinely elite band and supported by an almost equally impressive one, and I do so effusively and without reservation.
The question was asked, however, "what takes over?"
I answered that question, and I pointed out that we may not be quite as lucky in the future. That does not detract from my salute - if anything it underlines it.
However, I have no doubt that the men and women of 51 will make the very best of whatever they have in their very capable hands in the future, and that the squadron will continue to add to its laurels.
R1 out of service delayed by 90 days. Are you going to rearrange the do?
denachtenmai.
The Squadron isn't disbanding. They are going on to fly the RC135 Rivet Joint. Initially with the USAF at Mildenhall while their own 3 aircraft are converted, then with their own fleet.
denachtenmai.
The Squadron isn't disbanding. They are going on to fly the RC135 Rivet Joint. Initially with the USAF at Mildenhall while their own 3 aircraft are converted, then with their own fleet.
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R1 Out of Service Event
For the benefit of anyone who has not received official notification. I was informed today that the R1 out of service event on 31 Mar has been cancelled because of unforseen circumstances and will be rescheduled at a future date. Long live the R1, fly safe guys!
