32(TR) Sqn - Why do we have/need them?
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Oh come on Caz,
At least have the ba££s torespond to us................are you still there or have we all gone deep and silent and sulking then??
Come on, where's that true 32 Sqn spirit gone??
At least have the ba££s torespond to us................are you still there or have we all gone deep and silent and sulking then??
Come on, where's that true 32 Sqn spirit gone??
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Winco,
No offence taken by your asking the question re 32 Sqn. I hope that the answers here on both the Sqn and Northolt (which has very much become a London focus in recent years) have answered any doubts you may have. Operationally I can vouch for GW1, Sierra Leone, Balkans, GW2 and Afghanistan (corporate's a little before my time I'm afraid!). The current deployments have been ongoing without a break since Jan 03; quite a burden for a sqn with only 8 fixed wing platforms. It's not just VIPs though either, its anything and anyone that needs a fast taxi (this can range from vaccines to SF to the "man who can fix the computer that's gone down", as well as the more regular customers). To put it in context, with the extended lay down of early GW2, getting from Saudi to say Southern Oman for a meeting would be a 5 day round trip as visa restrictions precluded moving other than by military means and the flow patern meant you had to route via Akrotiri with a night stop each way. With a 125 available to the command team they could do it in an afternoon. A truly flexible operational capability that provides great value for money.
Hope this helps...
No offence taken by your asking the question re 32 Sqn. I hope that the answers here on both the Sqn and Northolt (which has very much become a London focus in recent years) have answered any doubts you may have. Operationally I can vouch for GW1, Sierra Leone, Balkans, GW2 and Afghanistan (corporate's a little before my time I'm afraid!). The current deployments have been ongoing without a break since Jan 03; quite a burden for a sqn with only 8 fixed wing platforms. It's not just VIPs though either, its anything and anyone that needs a fast taxi (this can range from vaccines to SF to the "man who can fix the computer that's gone down", as well as the more regular customers). To put it in context, with the extended lay down of early GW2, getting from Saudi to say Southern Oman for a meeting would be a 5 day round trip as visa restrictions precluded moving other than by military means and the flow patern meant you had to route via Akrotiri with a night stop each way. With a 125 available to the command team they could do it in an afternoon. A truly flexible operational capability that provides great value for money.
Hope this helps...
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Have they not heard of London City Airport?
London City is very limited in the aircraft types approved to operate from there (see list at the link) due to noise and approach restrictions:
London City Airport Consultative Committee - Aircraft
More importantly, no self-respecting celeb wants to travel to the east end to fly from an airport that cannot operate their G VI.
London City is very limited in the aircraft types approved to operate from there (see list at the link) due to noise and approach restrictions:
London City Airport Consultative Committee - Aircraft
More importantly, no self-respecting celeb wants to travel to the east end to fly from an airport that cannot operate their G VI.
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Excommunicator
Many thanks for the insight into current Sqn ops for 32. When i orginated this thread, I was slightly ignorant of what they were up to. I also raised the question about Northolt and I still feel that the questions were justified in light of recent sever and astonoshing cuts.
I have been firmly put in my place that the Sqn is playing an important part in current ops (and past ones too) and I am pleased to hear that.
I suppose my more recent gripe is the likes of Caz who feels that 'his' Sqn was/is the be-all and end-all of RAF operations since time began. To the likes of myself and the thousands of other front line aircrew, they were not and are not. They are widely regarded as a very posh taxi service for SO's and VIP's and I'm not sure that in this present economic climate they should be favoured over other front line assets. Nevertheless, it's good to hear that they are being employed on other more important duties.
And as for his comments about Corporate, well they are simply bizarre.
32 sqn - He is definately being hunted - maybe he needs to get his horn back in his hand!!
Many thanks for the insight into current Sqn ops for 32. When i orginated this thread, I was slightly ignorant of what they were up to. I also raised the question about Northolt and I still feel that the questions were justified in light of recent sever and astonoshing cuts.
I have been firmly put in my place that the Sqn is playing an important part in current ops (and past ones too) and I am pleased to hear that.
I suppose my more recent gripe is the likes of Caz who feels that 'his' Sqn was/is the be-all and end-all of RAF operations since time began. To the likes of myself and the thousands of other front line aircrew, they were not and are not. They are widely regarded as a very posh taxi service for SO's and VIP's and I'm not sure that in this present economic climate they should be favoured over other front line assets. Nevertheless, it's good to hear that they are being employed on other more important duties.
And as for his comments about Corporate, well they are simply bizarre.
32 sqn - He is definately being hunted - maybe he needs to get his horn back in his hand!!
feels that 'his' Sqn was/is the be-all and end-all of RAF operations since time began
To be fair to Caz that "I'm better than you" that you perceive in him is no different to pretty much every poster on this site - you've only got to look at the threads on Nimrod MR2 / MRA4 cuts or Tornado vs Harrier or Lossie vs Marham or RAF vs FAA or Aircrew vs The Rest (or, god forbid, charcoal vs gas
) to see that most people on here would argue black is white if it is something they are very passionate about, and will not listen to any others views (particularly if they are the opposite to their own).Granted, it would be nice to hear him expand on Corporate but I don't feel there's a need to chase/stalk him every other post for answers. But there are times on these forums when the phrase "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" is very apt!
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For the record.
32 Sqn were involved in Op Corporate.
However, purely UK and Gib tasking. OK, no medals or 'there I was at 30,000ft' war stories.
And did a remarkable service in GW1.
I know because I was there.
They also serve.
Also, apologies to Cazatou for the 'Op Corporate Hospitality' crack in an earlier post. Although the menu on the Bzn to Gib leg was excellent. What a way to go to war!
Endex.
32 Sqn were involved in Op Corporate.
However, purely UK and Gib tasking. OK, no medals or 'there I was at 30,000ft' war stories.
And did a remarkable service in GW1.
I know because I was there.
They also serve.
Also, apologies to Cazatou for the 'Op Corporate Hospitality' crack in an earlier post. Although the menu on the Bzn to Gib leg was excellent. What a way to go to war!
Endex.
Last edited by taxydual; 19th Nov 2010 at 21:33. Reason: Memory reboot.
The operational updates are fine, they're cleared by the MoD. Discussing the detailed points of operational roles on public fora (and that's what some here are asking for) possibly isn't... I'm just saying that it's wise to think before stating just exactly what your (or any) individual unit gets up to in detail.
It always has to come down to trade with some morons eh?
Edit: But seeing your posting history, with trolling posts only, and rolly eyes aplenty, I'm not that surprised.
It always has to come down to trade with some morons eh?
Edit: But seeing your posting history, with trolling posts only, and rolly eyes aplenty, I'm not that surprised.
Last edited by Laarbruch72; 20th Nov 2010 at 21:25.
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The operational updates are fine, they're cleared by the MoD. Discussing the detailed points of operational roles on public fora (and that's what some here are asking for) possibly isn't... I'm just saying that it's wise to think before stating just exactly what your (or any) individual unit gets up to in detail.
It always has to come down to trade with some morons eh?
Edit: But seeing your posting history, with trolling posts only, and rolly eyes aplenty, I'm not that surprised.
It always has to come down to trade with some morons eh?
Edit: But seeing your posting history, with trolling posts only, and rolly eyes aplenty, I'm not that surprised.
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All this info about 32 sqn and we still can't get Caz from under his stone to tell us if you are all right or wrong and telling the truth or not.
SFFP - I guess you were right Sir, we have weedled out a Walt!!
SFFP - I guess you were right Sir, we have weedled out a Walt!!
Winco,
Walt's tend to claim to be SF or Harrier pilots. 32 Sqn seems a little too specific; maybe Caz simply feels there is no point replying as you have already made up your mind. Post after post of provocation does seem to support his standpoint. Perhaps this has run it's course now?
That from another member.
There is always someone more front-line than you. That isn't a great argument against a squadron or unit. Otherwise the RAF would consist of Chinook and Merlin.
Walt's tend to claim to be SF or Harrier pilots. 32 Sqn seems a little too specific; maybe Caz simply feels there is no point replying as you have already made up your mind. Post after post of provocation does seem to support his standpoint. Perhaps this has run it's course now?
For the record.
32 Sqn were involved in Op Corporate.
32 Sqn were involved in Op Corporate.
I suppose my more recent gripe is the likes of Caz who feels that 'his' Sqn was/is the be-all and end-all of RAF operations since time began. To the likes of myself and the thousands of other front line aircrew, they were not and are not. They are widely regarded as a very posh taxi service for SO's and VIP's and I'm not sure that in this present economic climate they should be favoured over other front line assets. Nevertheless, it's good to hear that they are being employed on other more important duties.
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mgd
Thanks for your support and my apologies for a tardy reply. The French Health Service is the best in the world; which is why the World Health Organisation no longer bothers to publish its table of Health Service Rankings. IIRC the USA averaged 47th in the ratings table. The French Health Service will NOT however allow you to use a computer whilst in your hospital bed undergoing tests.
Our complainant does seem to have a phobia in respect of 32 Sqn which has a distinguished history dating back to the first day of the battle of the Somme when the Sqn Cdr won the VC for engaging a large formation of German bombers single handedly in his DH2. In WW2 the Sqn was the highest scoring Fighter Sqn in 11 Gp in the Summer of 1940 when it was relieved to be rested.
In my time on the Sqn we operated in the Gulf wars, Rhodesia, Yugoslavia (and its later internicine degenerations) as well as "unsettled" parts of Africa and the Middle East. The Sqn also provided casualty evacuation and compassionate flights at short notice 365 days a year.
When one is talking about the detection of submarines equipped with ICBM it has to be a 100% reliable system to be effective - that system does not exist because it is maintained and interpreted by Human Beings.
After many years of Government profligacy and mismanagement the coffers are empty and the Armed Forces are going to have to manage with what is currently available.
Finally, it does seem that winco has failed to notice that the Berlin Wall no longer exists, Poland is no longer under Soviet Occupation and, generally speaking, you don't get shot at if you go to Sarajevo.
Thanks for your support and my apologies for a tardy reply. The French Health Service is the best in the world; which is why the World Health Organisation no longer bothers to publish its table of Health Service Rankings. IIRC the USA averaged 47th in the ratings table. The French Health Service will NOT however allow you to use a computer whilst in your hospital bed undergoing tests.
Our complainant does seem to have a phobia in respect of 32 Sqn which has a distinguished history dating back to the first day of the battle of the Somme when the Sqn Cdr won the VC for engaging a large formation of German bombers single handedly in his DH2. In WW2 the Sqn was the highest scoring Fighter Sqn in 11 Gp in the Summer of 1940 when it was relieved to be rested.
In my time on the Sqn we operated in the Gulf wars, Rhodesia, Yugoslavia (and its later internicine degenerations) as well as "unsettled" parts of Africa and the Middle East. The Sqn also provided casualty evacuation and compassionate flights at short notice 365 days a year.
When one is talking about the detection of submarines equipped with ICBM it has to be a 100% reliable system to be effective - that system does not exist because it is maintained and interpreted by Human Beings.
After many years of Government profligacy and mismanagement the coffers are empty and the Armed Forces are going to have to manage with what is currently available.
Finally, it does seem that winco has failed to notice that the Berlin Wall no longer exists, Poland is no longer under Soviet Occupation and, generally speaking, you don't get shot at if you go to Sarajevo.
In light of the DRK shelling the RoK island, now, maybe 32 will have more of a role out east if god forbid it escalates and maybe the UN come in 
Something that hasn't been mentioned on this thread and that is the FAA pilots assigned to 32 Sqn ( or last I read in the RAF Yearbook 1995) to fly the First Sea Lord around the world as the FAA don't have an exotic VIP Flt with a/c such as our cousins across the pond (C-20/A/D/G at NAF Andrews or Sigonella C-20A).
Something that hasn't been mentioned on this thread and that is the FAA pilots assigned to 32 Sqn ( or last I read in the RAF Yearbook 1995) to fly the First Sea Lord around the world as the FAA don't have an exotic VIP Flt with a/c such as our cousins across the pond (C-20/A/D/G at NAF Andrews or Sigonella C-20A).
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My understanding of the RN pilots coming to be on 32 is that the RN "funded" 2 of the original 4 x HS125-400 series. The later 2 x 600 and 6 x 700 series were, I believe, all "RAF" buys and thus the preponderance of RAF aircrew on the Sqn. The RN chaps remained for some time after the 400 series were sold (in the early nineties), but in ever decreasing numbers. Sadly there is no longer any representation.
Real shame as they were a great bunch of guys who added yet another string of diversity to the Sqn (not to mention some new vocabulary).
Real shame as they were a great bunch of guys who added yet another string of diversity to the Sqn (not to mention some new vocabulary).
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Excommunicator
Totally agree with your assessment of the RN Pilots on 32 C Flt in the 80's and 90's. A great bunch of guys - with a wealth of experience.
That was true of the other Flt's on the Sqn as well, whose Personnel had experience of the RAF when it was still a World Wide Air Force. That showed on the day of the Piper Alpha disaster which started out as a quiet day - but within 2 hours of the disaster every aircraft on the Sqn was airborne moving Specialist Medical Teams, Engineers and Disaster Management Teams to assist the Immediate Response Emergency Teams who were first on the scene.
The system worked because of the calibre of the Crews and the fact that they daily worked in a world where requirements changed without notice because of developing situations - be they Military or Political.
PS
Edited to reply to the scurrilous jibes of SFFP and Winco:-
I have checked my 5 Log Books and my total Hours flying VIP Andovers amount to 4222hrs, BAe 125 total 788 hrs and BAe 146 584 hrs. There are of course many other hours accumulated as a QFI on Jet Provosts and on 2 Tactical Transport Sqns which were based in UK and the Middle East.
Totally agree with your assessment of the RN Pilots on 32 C Flt in the 80's and 90's. A great bunch of guys - with a wealth of experience.
That was true of the other Flt's on the Sqn as well, whose Personnel had experience of the RAF when it was still a World Wide Air Force. That showed on the day of the Piper Alpha disaster which started out as a quiet day - but within 2 hours of the disaster every aircraft on the Sqn was airborne moving Specialist Medical Teams, Engineers and Disaster Management Teams to assist the Immediate Response Emergency Teams who were first on the scene.
The system worked because of the calibre of the Crews and the fact that they daily worked in a world where requirements changed without notice because of developing situations - be they Military or Political.
PS
Edited to reply to the scurrilous jibes of SFFP and Winco:-
I have checked my 5 Log Books and my total Hours flying VIP Andovers amount to 4222hrs, BAe 125 total 788 hrs and BAe 146 584 hrs. There are of course many other hours accumulated as a QFI on Jet Provosts and on 2 Tactical Transport Sqns which were based in UK and the Middle East.
Last edited by cazatou; 24th Nov 2010 at 08:25.