Anne presents re-formed RAF squadron with new standard at RAF Brize Norton

Yesterday, Princess Anne witnessed the reformation of the 70th Sqaudron of the RAF, presenting them with a new standard at RAF Brize Norton.

Anne, Honorary Air Commodore of the RAF base, witnessed the official reformation at the Stand Up Ceremony, after the crew was disbanded in 2010. The crew will be the first to man the Airbus fleet, and are now based at Brize Norton, relocating from RAF Lyneham, their home for decades.

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Brize Norton is the largest RAF station in the country, and Anne has held the rank since 2012.

LXX (70th) Squadron received their third Standard from the Princess, who said it was a ‘pleasure’ to do so. The standard bears the insignia of the group, and any battle honours; it also marks the trust the monarch bestows on the squadron.

The squadron and its new fleet of aircraft will soon leave to assist in humanitarian aid, Anne mentioned in her speech. She further said: “This is a significant milestone as the unit reforms as the first dedicated frontline squadron to operate Atlas A400M.

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“It is always so encouraging to see many elements of the process turning out to support the squadron. Whether you serve in the RAF, civil service or in the industry, you should be very proud.”

The Atlas craft will replace the existing fleet of C-130 Hercules, which has been the workhorse of the RAF’s air transport fleet for decades. The fleet of 22 is almost twice as fast, and can travel twice as far, bearing almost twice as much weight than its predecessor.

Photos: Megan Archer at the Oxford Mail

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