This week I had the opportunity to visit RAF Valley in Anglesey as part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme.
RAF Valley is the home of the RAF’s Fast Jet pilot training, first on the Texan and then on the Hawk T2 before those qualifying go on to fly Typhoon or the F35 along with Royal Navy pilots from the Fleet Air Arm.
As an Army veteran my exposure to the RAF was limited, less for being carried to/from operations and in-theatre helicopter flights for patrol or transfer between bases. Given the presence of three RAF bases in the constituency (two operated by the USAF) and a significant number of veterans, it is important to develop a deeper understanding of how the RAF operates and what makes it tick, as well as the challenges faced by its personnel.
Very much looking forward to the rest of the scheme over the next 12 months.
