Largest number of RAF recruits in years graduate from Halton
9 Apr 09
RAF Halton's Recruit Training Parade Ground was awash with light blue last week as 159 new members of the RAF undertook one of the largest graduation parades in many years.
159 new members of the Royal Air Force parade on RAF Halton's Recruit Training Parade Ground
[Picture: RAF]
Proud families watched as a Hercules aircraft flypast started the proceedings of what was a very special moment for all.
RAF Halton is a training station located in Buckinghamshire where the Recruit Training Squadron provides initial training for all non-commissioned entrants to the RAF. The nine-week course covers areas including Kit preparation, Team Building and core values, Ground Defence Training and Rifle training.
Amongst the graduates on parade last week was Paul Arkless from Middlesbrough who was awarded The Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Trophy for the best overall performance in all aspects of training on No 10 Flight.
His father commented on how he had changed over the past nine weeks and that Paul had kept the award a secret from him until the day. He said it was:
Wing Commander Wayne Loxton (seated centre), who acted as the Reviewing Officer on what was his last parade at Halton, with the trophy winners of the passing out Thompson Flight graduation parade
[Picture: RAF]
"A proud moment for any parent seeing their son or daughter not only becoming a member of a professional organisation, but being rewarded so early in their career."
This Graduation Parade was also special to Wing Commander Wayne Loxton who acted as the Reviewing Officer on what was his last parade at Halton. As Officer Commanding Training Wing for two years he had experienced 40 such Parades, and so this was not only a sad occasion, but also a very proud moment for him to review the graduation of such a large number of new entrants.
Not a stranger to RAF Halton, Mr Roger Babij was there proudly watching his son, Daniel, follow his brother's footsteps into the RAF. Daniel said:
"It was seeing how grown up and confident Leon had become when he joined the RAF, I could not resist taking up the challenge.
Graduating Aircrewman Daniel Babij
[Picture: RAF]
"Now that I have completed the initial part of training and just about to start my trade training, I know Leon made the right choice and so have I."
Aircrewman Christopher Cornwall won the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Trophy, and his mother said:
"I was initially apprehensive about him joining the Royal Air Force but seeing him today looking so handsome, tall and grown up makes me very proud."
Wing Commander Loxton, Parade Reviewing Officer, said:
"There is always a great sense of pride at Graduation Parades and this particular parade has been very special. Not only the largest number of recruits graduating for some years but, also to act as the Reviewing Officer is a major highlight in what has been an exciting and rewarding career. These youngsters have that to look forward to and I wish them well in their chosen profession."