UK Military Aviation

Military Aviation: IV Squadron Reborn at RAF Valley Yesterday RAF Valley was the stage for an important moment in RAF history. 19(Reserve) Squadron, the unit formerly responsible for fast jet tactical weapons training, was disbanded and, in its place, IV(Reserve) Squadron reformed to become the Hawk T2 unit and take the UK’s fast jet training forward into the future. To add to this occasion, 208(Reserve) Squadron, the unit responsible for Hawk T1 fast jet flying training, received a new Royal Standard. All images - Corporal Mark Dixon - Royal Air Force.

The man behind the ceremonial aspect of the parade was Warrant Officer Dale Hegarty, the senior Warrant Officer on the unit. ‘Organising the military technicalities of such a large-scale parade is not easy and I am very lucky to have two outstanding RAF Regiment Non-Commissioned Officers on this station with Queen’s Colour Squadron backgrounds - much credit must go to them,’ said Warrant Officer Hegarty.

Wing Commander Kevin Marsh, the new Officer Commanding IV(R) Squadron said: ‘Today is a celebration of our history, our people and our future. The re-birth of IV Squadron heralds a new age for fast jet flying training in this country and we are all very proud to be leading that.’

RAF Valley is the global leader in the delivery of the combat fast jet training which directly supports our success on operations. ‘We have a strong alliance with industry here to deliver training that is second to none throughout the world, to our young pilots,’ said Wing Commander Eugene Moriarty, Officer Commanding 208(R) Squadron. ‘The operational capacity of pilots leaving RAF Valley from here on in will be immense. Moreover, they will feel ready to meet the challenges set before them better than ever before.’

Squadron Leader Robin Caine, Officer Commanding C Flight on IV(R) Squadron and responsible for training standards said: ‘From our ground-based immersive training, evolutionary simulation and moment-by-moment post-flight visual de-brief, all combined with amazing staff and instructors, our pilots will be ready to take on the challenges of Eurofighter Typhoon and Joint Strike Fighter and deliver air power effects whenever and wherever we are called upon.’

19 Squadron’s Dolphin-headed Standard, on which is emblazoned many great actions, including the Battle of Britain, was formally marched off parade in front of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Steven Dalton KCB ADC BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF and Air Officer Commanding No 22 (Training) Group, Air Vice-Marshal Michael G Lloyd RAF.

Air Vice-Marshal Lloyd said: ‘The stand-up of IV(R) Squadron signals the start of an exciting new era for UK military fast jet flying, under the newly developed Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS). I am proud to say that, through RAF Valley, the Royal Air Force is delivering world-leading training, that will produce a pilot that is now, more than ever before, able to master the platforms of the future and deliver air power effects for the RAF in support of the broader defence mission globally.’

Also present were Group Captains Bruce Hedley ADC MBE RAF and Adrian Hill RAF. Group Captain Hedley will shortly deploy to Afghanistan for 12 Months with the United States Marine Corps (USMC), leaving Group Captain Hill to take up the reins at RAF Valley. Group Captain Hedley took up the story: ‘I’m immensely proud of the Squadrons on parade here today. Having been the Station Commander for RAF Valley, I have fond memories and am sorry to see 19 Squadron disband. However, as a former Harrier pilot, I am equally thrilled to see IV Squadron re-born into this operationally facing role.’

Gareth Stringer would like to thank Flight Lieutenant Rob Pitt, Media Comms Officer at RAF Valley. The Station has a new Facebook page which can be found HERE and also a new blog where you can keep up to date with all the goings on at RAF Valley

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