The High Sheriff of Shropshire, Mr Robert Bland, the High Sheriff of Cheshire Mrs Susan Sellars and the Mayor of Shrewsbury Cllr Beverley Baker visited the base last Thursday.
The purpose of the visit was to enhance community relations and promote an understanding and appreciation of the role of RAF Shawbury, Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) and the Central Air Traffic Control School.
The visitors were taken on a tour of the Aircraft Maintenance and Storage Unit, the largest storage unit of military aircraft in the UK and were fascinated to hear about the engineering and servicing work that goes on in support of the Red Arrows Aerobatic Team.
Next stop was a flight around Shropshire- in a Bell 412 Simulator- which is used to instruct the students in all aspects of flying. The virtual reality simulator replicates the terrain of Shropshire and is a cost effective way of delivering training, allowing crews to practice emergency procedures that could not be replicated safely in a live flying environment.
Sqn Ldr Martin Larwood-Hughes from the Central Air Traffic Control School demonstrated the Visual Simulator and Radar Simulators and showed the visitors how training is undertaken for the future Air Traffic Controllers of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
The visit also included a cup of tea and a chat with service spouses in the Cookson Community Centre. This facility is at the heart of the community at RAF Shawbury and is a one stop shop for welfare, housing or any issue where a family may need support.
The Station Commander Group Capt Alastair Smith said: “It was a privilege to welcome our visitors today and to show them the world class training that RAF Shawbury delivers. We are particularly grateful for the support of the High Sheriffs, Mayor and the Shropshire Community in supporting the Armed Forces in delivering our training tasks.”
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