RAF Boulmer

Commander Global Enablement, Air Commodore Hamilton, visited RAF Boulmer this week, meeting personnel from 19 Squadron, 20 Squadron, and 144 Signals Unit.

During the visit, he presented Civil Service Long Service awards and commendations, recognising the outstanding dedication and commitment of the Air Command and Control Force personnel.

A highlight of the visit was a demonstration of the world-class training delivered by 20 Squadron, with Commander Global Enablement taking the opportunity to experience it first-hand by taking part in one of the simulators.

Modern threats move fast, our decision-making has to move faster.

Last week at RAF Boulmer, allies and partners explored how we train Air C2 operators to integrate seamlessly across the alliance and perform under pressure.

Find out more: https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/stations/raf-boulmer/news/uk-and-nato-forces-unite-to-advance-air-defence-c2-training/

On Saturday 25 April, RAF Boulmer and Air Command and Control Force personnel joined the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA), veterans, dignitaries, and members of the local community to commemorate ANZAC Day at West Chevington Cemetery. The service was held to remember the airmen from Australia and New Zealand who died in the Second World War and are buried there.

During the ceremony, the national anthems of Australia and New Zealand were played and RAF Boulmer Padre, Reverend (Squadron Leader) Walker, led those present in prayer.

The Act of Remembrance concluded with a march-past of standard bearers, veterans, and air cadets during which the salute was taken by Air Commodore Richard Corney, OBE, the President of Newcastle & Gateshead Branch of RAFA.

Organised by the Newcastle & Gateshead Branch of the RAF Association, the event has been held for the past 15 years. Approximately 150 people attended the ceremony and music was kindly provided by the Backworth Colliery Band.

This week has seen the Combined Mess at RAF Boulmer reopen after significant upgrade behind the scenes to improve the kitchen.

The kitchen supports both the Junior Ranks and Warrant Officer & SNCO messes.

Upon completion of the work, Flight Lieutenant Dacey said:

‘It’s great to see the project complete, the combined mess is a focal point of RAF Boulmer Main Site. Work is still to be done however, as we intend to complete further works to improve all user’s experience. Stay tuned!’

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sergeant Timothy Claridge. The personnel of RAF Boulmer and the wider Air Command and Control Force extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Tim joined the RAF in August 1997 and served across the UK as an Air and Space Ops professional. He deployed on many occasions to places such as Cyprus, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was a specialist in Tactical Data Links and Radar Operations, and laterally served at RAF Waddington, RAF Portreath and RAF Staxton Wold.

The Station Commander of RAF Boulmer, Wing Commander Joe Redhead, said:

‘I first met Sergeant Tim Claridge over twenty five years ago when we were both deployed on operations in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus. From the outset, his professionalism and personable nature stood out, and those qualities helped see many of us through subsequent deployments with Number 1 Air Control Centre to Tallil Airbase in Iraq and later to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

When I last saw Tim a couple of months ago, whilst he was stationed at Royal Air Force Staxton Wold, even though he had decided to leave the Service, he was still passionate about passing on his deep knowledge of Tactical Data Links and Radar Operations to the next generation. Tim will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, both professionally and personally.’


The Air Command and Control Force Commander, Group Captain Lisa Foy, said:

‘Sergeant Tim Claridge served with distinction and unwavering commitment to ASACS and was held in the highest regard for his quiet professionalism and subject matter expertise. Many will remember him from his time on No 1 Air Control Centre, where he forged everlasting friendships across the ranks and once again demonstrating his unswerving commitment whilst deployed on operations. Sgt Claridge leaves behind a warm and lasting legacy among all who served with him.
Tim will be greatly missed. Our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and colleagues at this very difficult time.’

The Wing Commander Kev Wills, Officer Commanding 19 Squadron, said:

‘I had the privilege of knowing Sergeant Tim Claridge for almost twenty years, starting with our time on Number 1 Air Control Centre, when we deployed on multiple operations and exercises. We subsequently worked together at the Air & Space Warfare Centre, performing Test & Evaluation on new and updated Air Command and Control Systems. While most recently on XIX Squadron where Tim developed lessons for Tactical Radar Operators to maximise the performance of our latest Air Defence Sensor.

Tim was exceptionally knowledgeable, but more than that, he was a genuinely kind and supportive colleague who gave his time freely to others. He was widely respected for his professionalism and his willingness to share his expertise, and he made a lasting impact on me personally and all those he served with. He will be greatly and sadly missed by all who knew him.’

As Group Captain Lisa Foy says:

“Good battlespace management is what keeps crews protected and operations running smoothly.”

What happened at RAF Boulmer during Exercise Agile Warrior? Find out here: https://bit.ly/3P8QBIQ

Over the next 2 weeks you may notice RAF Boulmer’s working patterns change as we take part in Exercise Agile Warrior 26; the RAF’s long-planned major homeland defence training activity. The exercise is designed to rigorously test the RAF’s ability to protect the United Kingdom in an increasingly contested and volatile global security environment and forms a critical step to ensuring the RAF remains ready to “fight tonight” in defence of the nation.

If you see our personnel dressed slightly differently or increased traffic at unusual times, it is just our response to the exercise.

Recently, personnel from Station and the Air C2 Force took part in a Force Development activity in London.

Their visit began at the RAF Museum, where the team explored the history of the RAF and discussed its past, present, and future capabilities.

Personnel were also honoured to attend the historic Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, the traditional nightly locking-up ritual of the Tower's gates, conducted by the Yeoman Warders.