Page 35 - The Constructor 2017

Our Military Affiliations

NEWS FROM 5001 SQUADRON (RAF)
The past 12 months have been amongst the busiest in recent history and have seen
teams from the Squadron deploy to all areas of the world in support of current British
Military Operations.
During the last year the Squadron has also continued to undertake its standing
commitments of providing specialist engineering support to the RAF’s logistics Air
Combat Service Support Units at RAF Wittering, maintaining all of the UK’s aircraft shelters deployed
on operations around the world and providing Environmental Conditioning support to both the UK’s
military Radar network and RAF overseas operations.
Early in the year, Squadron personnel deployed to Romania in support of the UK’s contribution to
NATO’s Southern Air Policing Mission. This tasking saw the Squadron construct aircraft shelters
which will be utilised by 3 (F) Sqn operating the Typhoon aircraft for a 4-month detachment.
The Easter period brought new challenges and opportunities as the entire RAF Wittering A4 Force
and 20 Works Group Royal Engineers deployed en masse to Kendrew barracks in Rutland to
undertake EX UNA TRIANGLE; a full Deployable Operating Base enablement exercise. This
deployment provided the opportunity to trial new equipment and concepts within an austere
environment and proved to be a huge success for both the Squadron and A4 Force.
Throughout 2017, 5001 Squadron has continued its commitment to Operation SHADER; the UK
contribution to the fight against Islamic State. The Squadron is currently providing maintenance
support and repairs to the deployed aircraft shelters and additional manpower to assist in the
maintenance of essential Aircraft Support Equipment required by both the Tornado and Typhoon
aircraft and air conditioning equipment utilised throughout the Main Operating Base in Cyprus.
5001 Squadron has told The Constructor “We are exceedingly proud of our continued affiliation with
the Company as it recognises the Squadron’s unique capabilities and continued contribution to UK
Defence. We hope to maintain this close relationship and aim to build further bridges and bonds for
the future”.

NEWS FROM 101 REGIMENT RE

Our affiliated Army unit, 101 Regiment RE, continues to be busy and has this year undergone many
changes in personnel, with the result that we have not received their normal piece for the Journal.

Autumn 2017 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 35