Moray air base set for normal duties as international cast depart

A group of aircraft enthusiasts have been treated to a close-up view of the international cast of aircraft hosted by RAF Lossiemouth over the last two weeks.

The latest Exercise Joint Warrior wraps up today with the Moray base being returned to normal service – but before their departure the ‘enthusiasts day’ that has become almost a routine part of the twice-yearly exercise was held.

One of the largest military training events in Europe, Joint Warrior has seen aircraft from France and Canada join those from other UK bases working alongside naval forces from around the world.

Enthusiasts had a close up view of the P3 Orion and DA20 Falcon’s at the base, some flown by air crews among the 58 Canadian servicemen who have been accommodated at in various parts of Moray for the duration.

Major Eric Johnsrude is the Canadian detachment commander for the exercise. He said: “It has been great, we came over hear with a number of training objectives but mainly to get crew qualifications.

“Environmentally it is very challenging both in terms of weather and terrain – and the underwater terrain is challenging as well, it is shallow, there is lots of rocks – lots of things that could be submarines.

“And that is really what we have been practicing here – anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare.”

Joint Warrior is set to return to RAF Lossiemouth in the spring of 2014.

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