RAF LOSSIEMOUTH PERSONNEL were praised this week for their hard work and professionalism one year after the vital Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) role fell to the Moray base.
It was exactly one year ago this week that a new era in the history of the RAF in Moray was written when the base assumed control of the QRA Interceptor (North) role.
From September 1, 2014 it fell upon RAF Lossiemouth to switch to the role following the closure of RAF Leuchars and transfer of Typhoon aircraft to Moray. What followed has been one of the busiest periods in the air around the UK and overseas since the establishment of QRA during the Cold War.
Assuming the role underlined Lossiemouth’s importance in the defence of the UK, the base’s position on the northern coastline making it the perfect platform from which to intercept unidentified aircraft approaching UK airspace.
The role has meant a deal of understanding between the civilian population living around the base and the military personnel serving there, with the greater frequency of out-of-hours flying borough by the 24/7 nature of the QRA tasks.
Marking the first anniversary RAF Lossiemouth’s Station Commander, Group Captain Mark Chappell, said: “The past year has shown time and again that RAF Lossiemouth is in the best position to provide the service that the Royal Air Force was primarily created for – that is, the protection of UK airspace.
“Without the hard work of all station personnel, our continued success in this vitally important role would not be possible.
“I would like to thank everyone for their efforts over this past year and am sure that the professionalism shown so far will continue for years to come.”