Moray’s RAF reserve squadron received a VIP visit on Thursday when the man responsible for the service’s personnel and capability called in at RAF Lossiemouth.
Air Marshal Barry North included 2622(Highland) Squadron in his tour of the Moray base during which he took time to speak to station personnel in an ‘open forum’.
His visit also took in the Air Cadet’s Highland Wing HQ, speaking to young adults at the base as part of their annual summer camp.
Air Marshall North admired what he called the “consistently high standards and commitment” of both military and civilian staff at the base, saying: “I found the spirit and focus of Station personnel to be most impressive – the sense of purpose and pride was omnipresent.
“While there are indeed numerous change and transition challenges ahead, the Royal Air Force has in Lossiemouth a unit and the people to deliver a comprehensive and effective solution.”
[box type=”info”] Anyone wishing to learn more can visit RAF Reserves online or call 01343 810776 and speak to Flight Sergeant John Grant, who will be happy to provide further information.[/box] 2622(Highland) Squadron is currently recruiting new personnel with people who live within a 100-mile radius of the Moray base being invited to apply.
Monthly training weekends are held at the squadron headquarters at Lossiemouth while once each year the entire squadron deploys either overseas or in the UK for a two-week annual camp.
A spokesman for the squadron said: “Today’s Reserves show the cultural diversity of the Nation they defend and are drawn from all walks of civilian life. They are bus drivers, electricians, car mechanics, doctors, nurses, airline pilots and journalists.
“Just as we benefit from the skills these people bring to the Armed Forces, so the reservist employers also gain from this mutually beneficial arrangement for the greater good of the defence of the UK, with Reservists bringing back to their civilian companies the team-focused culture, self-confidence, leadership and communication skills.
“Such qualities and the personal development that experience in the service brings are vital for the RAF and would be expensive for employers to acquire elsewhere.”