Staff at RAF Tornado base honoured

RAF Lossiemouth, based in northern Scotland, is home to three operational squadrons of Tornado GR4s, the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit, a Sea King Search and Rescue Flight, an RAF Regiment Field Squadron and an RAF Regiment Auxiliary Squadron, as well as an extensive range of operational, logistic and administrative support functions.

A total of 14 personnel currently, or very recently, based at RAF Lossiemouth received honours from an OBE to Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group commendations.

Station Commander, Group Captain Al Monkman, said:

"I am extremely pleased to see RAF Lossiemouth personnel rewarded in this year's New Year's Honours List. It is a reflection of the sheer hard work and dedication of the personnel at RAF Lossiemouth that so many have been honoured this year.

"The past year has been a testing time for personnel at RAF Lossiemouth and next year will see new challenges; however I am confident that all personnel, both Service and civilian, at RAF Lossiemouth can rise to the occasion. Well done to all recipients!"

Among those honoured this year were Group Captain Peter 'Rocky' Rochelle who was awarded an OBE in recognition of his command of No 617 (Dambusters) Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth between 2006 and 2008.

He is recognised as a magnificently inspirational and ruthlessly innovative leader with a well-deserved reputation for both delivering exceptional results and looking after his team. He inspired an outstanding performance by his squadron when deployed on operations in Iraq.

Warrant Officer Stu Farmer was awarded the MBE in recognition of his achievements on No 12 Squadron between 2004 and 2008, firstly as a Flight Sergeant commanding an engineering shift and as the squadron Warrant Officer. Noted for his expert troubleshooting and planning abilities, he contributed greatly to the squadron's operational effectiveness, particularly on high-profile worldwide detachments.

Indeed, it was on operations that Warrant Officer Farmer truly shone, notably in support of Op Telic. Whilst on operations, he volunteered on six separate occasions to lead engineering recovery teams to recover diverted Tornado aircraft.

Warrant Officer John Johnson was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his excellence throughout 32 years of service; an outstanding career which is demonstrated by innumerable laudatory assessments.

Mrs Diane Brown, a member of the civilian support staff at RAF Lossiemouth, received a Commander-in-Chief commendation in recognition of her dedication to the Training and Development Flight from 2004 to the present. Mrs Brown is rewarded for her exceptional organisational skills, tremendous enthusiasm and good humour during a time of significant workload increases.

A further nine personnel from RAF Lossiemouth have received Air Officer Commanding Number 1 Group commendations: Flight Lieutenant (AvO2) S J Durban from Air Traffic Control; Flight Sergeant W O'Hare from Depth Engineering Flight; Chief Technician K S Jenkins from 617 Squadron; Sergeant S Jacobs, a chef in the Officers' Mess; Sergeant A J McKeating from XV (Reserve) Squadron; Sergeant J E Rawlinson from Central Line Training Cell; Corporal D O'Sullivan from the General Engineering Flight Training Cell; Mr J Crombie from the Officers' Mess; and Mr M P Johnson, Aircraft and Component Engineering Squadron.