Apache's home station honoured by local town
30 Mar 10
Wattisham Flying Station, home of the Army's Apache attack helicopter which has seen continuous service in Afghanistan since the aircraft was first deployed in 2006, has been honoured by its local town.
Soldiers from Wattisham Flying Station parade through Stowmarket
[Picture: Cpl Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
On Friday, 26 March 2010, 150 soldiers from the station paraded through Stowmarket in their ceremonial uniforms and at the Market Place the town's Mayor bestowed the Honorary Freedom of Stowmarket to the station.
At any one time, more than 150 troops from Wattisham are stationed in Helmand Province operating the Apache in support of the NATO-led campaign.
These squadron sized groups, consisting of pilots, ground crew and technicians, deploy to Camp Bastion where they fulfil their role for a four-month tour.
Wattisham's primary responsibility is to maintain this essential military capability.
It is to honour this commitment that the town has bestowed its Freedom on Wattisham.
Soldiers from Wattisham Flying Station parade at the Market Place in Stowmarket
[Picture: Cpl Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Councillor Mrs Vera Waspe, Town Mayor of Stowmarket, said:
"This is a very special occasion. Stowmarket has had a close association with Wattisham for many years and this is such a fitting way of marking that special relationship.
"It's a great opportunity for people in Stowmarket to show their appreciation for the bravery of the personnel stationed at Wattisham."
Colonel David Turner, the Commander of Wattisham Flying Station, said:
"We are delighted to have been given this honour by the people of Stowmarket.
"Wattisham Flying Station enjoys very strong support across Suffolk but the formal recognition being offered by such a significant town as Stowmarket is hugely appreciated by all those who serve at the base.
"Stowmarket is now home to many service families and I expect more and more to settle in the town as time goes on.
Town Mayor, Councillor Mrs Vera Waspe, bestowed the Honorary Freedom of Stowmarket on Wattisham Flying Station
[Picture: Cpl Rupert Frere RLC, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"Wattisham Flying Station and the Apache Attack Helicopter Force are now firmly established within mid-Suffolk and I would like to thank everyone in Stowmarket and the surrounding area for everything they have done, and continue to do, to make us feel part of this thriving community. It is indeed an honour to serve in such a wonderful, welcoming and supportive county."
Approximately 2,000 servicemen and women are based at Wattisham. The majority, nearly 1,800, are from three Army units: 3 Regiment Army Air Corps and 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, which operate the Apache, and 7 Air Assault Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, which services the Apache.
Wattisham has already been recognised by Bonds of Friendship with the towns of Needham Market in 2004 and Hadleigh in 2009. In addition, 4 Regiment Army Air Corps was granted the Freedom of the Borough of Ipswich in 2002.