As the winter months come to a close, I am delighted to be writing my first foreword as Station Commander of RAF Waddington. It is a genuine privilege to take up this appointment, and I am immensely proud to join a Station with such a distinguished operational heritage and an outstanding reputation across Defence. From my earliest days in post, I have been struck by the professionalism, warmth, and determination of the people who make this Station what it is. I am very happy to be here and honoured to serve alongside you all. RAF Waddington continues to deliver exceptional operational output in support of the UK and interests worldwide. Whether generating intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effects, enabling reach-back support, or sustaining those deployed at short notice, the Station remains at the forefront of operational excellence. The commitment shown across all squadrons, units, and supporting functions ensures that we provide Defence with credible, responsive capability whenever and wherever it is required. This edition of Insight highlights not only our operational successes but also the strength of our community. I particularly enjoyed the Christmas Dinner hosted on Station for the families of those deployed over the festive period. While operations do not pause for the holidays, it was heartening to see our community come together to support families and ensure they felt valued and connected during what can be a challenging time. That spirit of care and cohesion is one of RAF Waddington’s greatest strengths.

As we welcome the spring edition of the Apprentice Magazine, I am pleased to reflect on a period of progress, celebration and shared success across RAF Cosford. This edition showcases the energy, professionalism and commitment that continue to define our apprentice community and the wider Station. I hope you enjoy this edition and share my pride in the talent, passion and professionalism displayed throughout. My thanks go to everyone who contributed, participated and continues to represent RAF Cosford with such dedication.

RAF Coningsby is renowned for its professionalism, commitment and pursuit for greatness, and to have the opportunity to lead you is a greatly thrilling prospect. I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible and making new connections whilst reconnecting with past friends. Over the past few months, I know there has been lots of activity, both here at home and in the global landscape, and that you have all been extremely busy supporting and delivering operational output to the highest standards. I am extremely proud of your efforts and to that end, please accept my sincere thanks and gratitude for your unfaltering commitment and dedication. The last three months has seen a wide range of activities taking place, both at home and abroad, to continue delivering Air Power and assuring our National Interests. 3(Fighter) Squadron continued their role as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry air defence mission, conducting sorties over Eastern Europe to combat Russian drone incursions and provocations. This underscores our strong commitment to National and Global security through offensive and defensive air operations alongside our allies. 3(Fighter) Squadron also engaged in Exercise RED FLAG 26-1 through January - February, one of the world’s most demanding multinational air combat training events. Together with allied forces including the US and Royal Australian Air Force, we tested and honed our modern combat skills in high-intensity simulated conditions while broadening our level of expertise. Back at home, RAF Coningsby had the privilege to host Swedish Air Force personnel and two Saab JAS 39D Gripens at the end of November. The visit was focused around enhancing NATO’s Electronic warfare capabilities and highlighted the RAF’s commitment to increased cooperation with our NATO partners. We have also recently started undergoing essential airfield infrastructure upgrades to strengthen our taxiways and aprons areas, a key measure in maintaining our vital station capabilities.