It was all change again at RAF Lossiemouth this week when after overseeing the move of 6 Squadron’s Typhoons to the Moray base Mike Baulkwill bade his farewells.
Mike has been moved upstairs from his post as commanding officer of the first of three Typhoon squadrons to arrive at Lossiemouth, having been promoted to Group Captain and now heading for a post in the Chief of the Air Staff’s office as a Permanent Staff Officer.
He has handed the squadron into the safe hands of Wing Commander Jim Walls, who returns to Typhoons having previously enjoyed five years experience flying the aircraft.
After being met from his final Typhoon sortie by Lossie’s station commander Group Captain Mark Chappell, Mike said: “It has been a great honour to command No 6 Squadron – The Flying Can-Openers’.
“For the last 100 years the Squadron has provided Air Power around the world and as we look forward to the next 100 years, I know that 6 Squadron will continue to provide the Royal Air Force with a capable, mobile and effective Combat Air Squadron for use anywhere in the world.
“The 6 Squadron engineers, support staff and pilots have all worked seamlessly together, providing serviceable aircraft, full mission support and operational capability for the Squadron, the support they have all given me has been tremendous and unwavering.
“Looking ahead, I wish the Squadron and its new boss Wing Commander Jim Walls all the best for the future.“
Wing Commander Walls, who most recently held a position on Air Capability Planning at the Ministry of Defence, said: “It is a true privilege to take command of 6 Squadron, especially during its Centenary Year. Wing Commander Mike Baulkwill has left the Squadron in outstanding form.
“I shall endeavour to continue his good work and to ensure that, as with the last 100 years, we are always able to say: We are ready.”