Britain’s most senior Royal Air Force officer has paid tribute to the role of Scottish-based airmen and women in defending the UK.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, made his comments during visits to RAF Lossiemouth in Moray and RAF Leuchars in Fife.
He met honoured veterans of the conflict in Afghanistan and some of the aircrew and support personnel who guard the UK’s airspace.
Sir Stephen said: “I have been genuinely humbled by the selfless dedication and commitment of our people, both Royal Air Force and civilian, some of whom have recently been honoured for their bravery and outstanding operational service in Afghanistan.
“I am proud of our personnel at both these stations and of the contribution that they have made and will continue to make on operations and to the security of British interests at home and abroad.”
During the visit to Leuchars, Sir Stephen visited 6 Squadron, who have been putting their state-of-the-art multi-role Typhoon jets through their paces by carrying out training sorties off the Scottish coast.
They also participated in Exercise Joint Warrior, the largest international tactical exercise held in Europe.
Air Officer Scotland and RAF Leuchars Station Commander, Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew, said: “Air Chief Marshal Dalton has also been able to witness the excellent work that we are doing in support of the growth of the Typhoon Force and RAF transition in Scotland.”
While at RAF Lossiemouth Sir Stephen met personnel who have recently returned from Operation Herrick, including members of 12 (B) Tornado GR4 squadron which recently completed a second tour of duty in south Afghanistan.
At the end of his tour, Sir Stephen said: “As it has been proved many times in the past, the RAF is agile, adaptable and capable.
“This is especially true of the Royal Air Force’s fast jet fleet, which will soon see the Lightning II join the now battle-proven Typhoon and the sterling Tornado GR4.
“This highly capable fast-jet force will enable the Royal Air Force to continue to fulfil its paramount duty, the control of the air over the whole of the UK and, when necessary, defend and promote our interests overseas in this uncertain world.”