RAF Lossiemouth station commander praises families for unstinting support of personnel at Moray base which welcomed Red Arrows
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THE boss of RAF Lossiemouth has praised friends and family for their support of service personnel who are keeping the nation safe and secure.
Group Captain Chris Layden was speaking after a drive-in friends and family event at the base yesterday.
The famous Red Arrows had flown into the Moray base ahead of a scheduled afternoon display, however, low cloud meant they could not safely carry out the performance.
However, an RAF Typhoon display aircraft was able to perform later in the day as the cloud lifted.
Flt Lt James Sainty, Typhoon display pilot, took to the skies to show off the capabilities and agility of the aircraft.
CXX Squadron flying in Poseidon ZP804 “The Spirit of Reykjavik” made their presence known with a series of low passes across the airfield.
The drive-in air display replaced the usual annual Friends and Family Day and provided all who work on the base with an opportunity to relax with their families whilst adhering to the Scottish Government’s Covid regulations on outdoor events.
Gp Cpt Layden, Station Commander, said: “I am delighted to be able to bring my team together to say thank you after a busy and demanding period.
"The role RAF Lossiemouth plays in securing and improving our national security and protecting our people and territories at home and overseas, would simply not be possible without the unstinting support of our families and I am deeply grateful to them.”
The event was subject to strict Covid-19 restrictions with those attending forming their own secure bubble by their cars on the airfield and attendance heavily restricted to comply with limits on numbers present.
Prior to arriving, the Red Arrows flew in formation for the very first time with a RAF Lossiemouth-based submarine-hunting Poseidon.
RAF Lossiemouth continues to benefit from massive growth in both personnel and equipment as part of a £400 million investment programme. It will also be home to the new fleet of E7 Wedgetail aircraft.
