What a moment in history! Sgt Jon Ryder captured the final GR4 flypast as it passed over the iconic Peppercorn Class A1 60163 Tornado steam locomotive. A sight which will sadly never been repeated
@RoyalAirForce
@RAFMarhamMedia
A flypast salute by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and black jets emblazoned with skull and crossbones was fitting farewell as RAF Leeming marked the closing of illustrious 100 Squadron.
The station won’t be the same without you.
Fond farewells this week to RAF legend, Flt Lt Nige Wharmby who flew with brother Paul for the last time for one of 100 Sqn’s final aggressor sorties. The brothers both flew Harriers and – incredibly – ejected within months of each other.
Proud & sad to unveil the last new 100 Sqn tail art.😢 It depicts the ‘blood and brains’ flag acquired during WWI, which became the skull & crossbones crest. Red represents 100’s Red Air role. Blue and yellow are the Sqn colours. Post closure, XX221 is designated to
@rafredarrows
It may not have been the Armed Forces Day we were hoping for in 2020, but the display over North Yorks this morning was spectacular. Thank you
@rafredarrows
for a great show, and to Cpl Alex Scott and SAC Harry Roberts for superb imagery.
A glorious day, tinged with sadness as 100 Sqn completes its final sortie in the aggressor role. Wg Cdr Ted Taylor-Head, OC 100 Sqn, said: “It was beautiful - you could see for miles. It’s great to have all the guys here. As I’ve said before, they ARE the Squadron.”
Never let it be said that environmental concerns are not taken seriously at RAF Leeming. Spotted this morning - the Station Commander has adopted to a greener mode of transport around station.
Genuinely excited to publish these absolutely stunning images this evening. Hawks from 100 Sqn took to the skies alongside a Spitfire Mark V just as the sun was setting. SAC Hazel Reader was there to capture the occasion.
#breathtaking
#cantstoplooking
It was a proud – and poignant – moment when the final students to pass their AFJT on the Hawk T1 graduated from 100 Sqn. Flt Lts Tom Bolland & Darren Shield start their Operational Conversion to the Typhoon GFR4 next month.
We know lots of you were out there this afternoon - our photographers were too. Some great shots of the GR4 final flypast from Cpl Alex Scott
@RAFMarhamMedia
Wow! Flt Lt James Harris celebrated clocking up 4000 hours on Hawk T1 with 100 Squadron with a bit of well-earned fizz! James said: “I still get a kick out of it – it’s a privilege to go flying.” Now that’s commitment to the job!
Roaring into Friday - it’s that time of year!🇨🇭✈️ The Swiss Air Force will be night flying for 4 weeks from 14/11. Waves will begin mid afternoon, and finish by 2200. We recognise that the popular detachment does cause some disruption, and will keep this to a minimum.
It feels too close but we’ll say farewell in style. Awesome work by 100 Sqn pilots who have been practising for their disbandment parade on Thursday. We’ve even booked a bit of blue sky 🤞🏻.
Images by SAC Britney Leather.
There will be increased air movement for an exercise taking place 24 Nov to 18 December 2020. The Station will be hosting a detachment of Swiss aircraft. Low flying for short periods may be necessary, along with exercising at night. Please note the viewing area is closed.
It might not have been the celebration we had planned, but our 80th birthday was still an occasion to remember. Thank you to everyone who celebrated - both on Station and from afar - for wishing us well, serving with us through 80 years and making RAF Leeming.
Farewell to Wing Commander Nick Badel, who took his last Hawk flight as Officer Commanding of 100 Squadron today. Although sad to say goodbye to Nick, we’re delighted to welcome Wing Commander James Taylor-Head, who takes over the reins of the UK’s only aggressor squadron.
The airfield is going to be a lot quieter over the next couple of weeks. 100 Sqn Hawks set off this morning for RAF Linton on Ouse, from which they will operate while runway works are carried out. Sgt Jon Ryder was there to capture their departures. We’ll miss you guys! ☠️😕🛫
Ex YORKNITE plays a key role in the Swiss AF calendar, enabling F-18 pilots to test advanced skills alongside the RAF & USAF. The det includes Cougar helicopters, who will train at the EW facility at RAF Spadeadam. Images by SACs Harry Roberts and Gaz McGarvie 📸🎞👏
Feeling envious of Cpl Alex Scott, who captured an F-35B from
@RAF_Marham
joining a USAF B-1B Lancer and pair of F-15 for multiple fly pasts to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Eighth Air Force.
Just another day in the office 🤩✈️📸
We could not be more proud to officially announce that our former SWO Paul Langley has started his new life as a Yeoman Warder 412
@toweroflondon
after a full career in the RAF Regt. We wish Paul all the luck and happiness in the world. You’ll always be Fraggle to us!
You’ll have seen these incredible images of Typhoon FGR4 escorting a USAF B52, possible thanks to the skill of a 100 Sqn pilot, and our own Cpl Alex Scott. The Hawk T1 is perfect for photochase as it’s agile and relatively cheap to fly whilst able to formate with most air systems
Welcome to the Wildcat crews, here as part of the ongoing UK Government response to
#Coronavirus
. They are part of a task force which has been set up to assist with medical transports across the UK. Personnel from all three services are coming together to support
#InThisTogether
It’s always a pleasure to welcome Typhoons to North Yorkshire. Cpl Alex Scott and SAC Blake Carruthers were ready to capture the action. Expect more over the next month 😍😍🛫
What a fabulous couple of days, hosting players and support staff from Middlesbrough Football Club. Aimed at honing teamwork and leadership skills, the visit included serials across Station, finishing at Leeming RAF Community Primary School. Huge thanks to everyone involved!
There will be additional noise from the airfield next week as the Station hosts visiting aircraft. Movements will be within the normal working day and every effort will be made to keep disturbance to a minimum. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.
Happy Birthday to us! Still stunning at 84 years young, RAF Leeming has a legacy to be proud of. A lot has changed in eight decades, but some of the views would be familiar to our first personnel. 🥳🎁🥂🎉🎈✈️
Happy Yorkshire Day! Whether it’s the scenery, the people or the pudding, there is certainly something incredibly special about England’s biggest county and we absolutely love where we live.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when members of 100 Squadron paid a unique birthday visit to a wartime hero celebrating his own centenary. Sqn Ldr Geoff Green was rear gunner on the iconic Phantom of the Ruhr Lancaster Bomber and a bona fide hero. Happy Birthday Sir!
Communications Infrastructure Technicians from 1 Sqn, Tactical Communications Wing, 90 SU have been constructing a radome to protect equipment at the Buchan Remote Radar Head. The site, which forms part of the RAF’s northern radar picture, has been undergoing a general upgrade.
Let’s give a warm welcome to Yorkshire Universities Air Squadron, which moves north to operate from RAF Leeming. The team joins Northumbrian Universities Air Squadron to provide a unique insight into RAF life and – of course – the incredible opportunity to learn how to fly.
Who doesn’t love a brand new shiny fire appliance? Capita Fire & Rescue crews have welcomed the first of 2 Oshkosh Striker Vehicles. Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Blythe Crawford the first to receive a demonstration from Justin Weston, Group Manager, Service Support Manager.
There will be increased aircraft movement from RAF Leeming from 7-11 February 2022. We will be hosting helicopters throughout the period. Low flying for short periods may be necessary, along with some exercising at night. Every effort will be made to minimise disturbance.
Stn photographers do an awesome job - it’s only right that the final pics from 2021 are chosen by them. Today’s were captured and selected by SAC Leah Jones - the newest and youngest member of the team, who arrived at Leeming straight out of photography training this year 👏📸🎞
Stunning views on the airfield this week. SAC Britney Leather has been out there to capture the Pumas of 230 Squadron - usually based at RAF Benson but up north to support routine multi terrain training.
Great to see you. 🚁
So excited to welcome Airmen & F-15C/D Eagles from RAF Lakenheath, here for Exercise Agile Liberty 21-2. The long-planned exercise is their Agile Combat Employment capstone, ensuring personnel are ready to protect and defend partners, allies & U.S. interests at a moment’s notice.
Delighted that members of Leeming’s
@raf_mrs
were able to meet up with
@Jacob_The_Pilot
as he completed a charity Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of his mum Andrea, who died two days after Christmas. An incredible little man, and a fantastic tribute👏👏👏
With difficult days ahead we’d like to share happy memories and community spirit. If you were based here, visited here or lived here we would like to share your favourite times. Please message us with photos (keep it decent please! 🙈), and we will post them them. Stay well!
We know how much you love aircraft so we’re rounding off the week with some smashing images of the Hawker Hunter, currently operating from the Station.
Have a fab weekend.
It’s disappointing to delete an inspirational, positive Tweet because of a deeply hurtful and negative personal comment. We are so proud of personnel who do an amazing job in the service of their country. Please think before you post.
It’s our birthday!!!! 🎉🎂🥳🍰 And it’s raining!! 😕☔️.
But it will take more than a few drops to dampen our spirits! Enjoy another batch of messages from well-wishers. Thank you SO much for taking the time celebrate with us in spirit.
A fitting farewell to Sqn Ldr Phil Stewart as he said goodbye to 100 Sqn at the end of his 20 year service with the RAF. Sqn Ldr Stewart’s family and colleagues welcomed his back from his final flight in the iconic Hawk jet with a bottle of bubbly.
Pers put a huge amount of work Ex ATLANTIC TRIDENT. VAS trained for hot pit refuelling, security stepped up. From engineering & ATC to logs & comms, effort was VAST. Phots Sgt Pete George, Cpl 'Fletch' Fletcher, & AS1s Ben Drake & Jamie Ledger covered it all. 🙌📸📹
LOVE this!! The Station cleaners have got into the spirit of the Blitz. It’s the perfect time to recognise the support these amazing key workers have provided to the Station during some very tough times. Thank you all so much!
#inittogether
#thatsteamwork
#COVID19
Northallerton, you were amazing! Huge well done to all those on parade as we exercised our Freedom of the County Town. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to Northallerton Town Council for hosting us in style. 🥁🎺🫡
To those on the front line; to NHS workers, delivery drivers, care home workers, supermarket workers & posties. To those who put themselves in harm’s way for others - RAF Leeming says THANK YOU!!!
#NHS
#keyworkers
#COVID19
Station photographers are having one of the best weeks ever - capturing the visiting F-15s from RAF Lakenheath. Enjoy some of the latest work by Sgt Jon Ryder and SACs Harry Roberts and Leah Jones.
Today we wish happy retirement to one of our finest. Flt Lt Al Dolding's final sortie with 11 Sqn QEAF marked the end of a 44 year career with 7000 hours of jet flying. Wg Cdr Mark Lawson, OC 11 Sqn, said: "Dolders is gentleman aviator and I've loved working with him.” 👏🥂🍾✈️
With many people doing incredible things during these difficult times, we wanted to thank our own RAF Leeming legends, who have been supporting COVID testing at various locations. More than 50 personnel, most of whom come from 90SU, have been assisting local authorities. 👏👏👏
And so the curtain falls on another YORKNITE. We wish the Swiss Air Force a safe journey home and look forward to welcoming them back in 2024. In the meantime, enjoy these fabulous images sent to us by Ian Loasby, Mike Olivant and Dave Thompson. 📸
What better way to end the week than a couple of F35 Lightnings over the North Yorkshire skies - captured by SAC Hazel Reader. Have a fabulous weekend.
It’s here! We were thrilled to welcome Air Marshal Edward Stringer to present the RAF George Stainforth Trophy. Leeming was pronounced 2019 winner in recognition of outstanding commitment to the RAF’s contribution to global operations & driving a culture of positive change.
Farewell to RAF Leeming legend, WO Graham Webster, who spent his last day in uniform after more than 39 years service.
Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Blythe Crawford said: “Graham and I have done multiple tours together over the past 25 years. He’ll be sadly missed”
👏👏👏
It was a privilege to stand alongside communities including those of Northallerton and Richmond - and even at the top of Great Gable - to honour all those who have served their countries and remember those who never returned to their loved ones.
Never forgotten.
Life is ever-changing. After two years during which we said farewell to 100 Sqn, mourned the passing of one monarch & witnessed the coronation of King Charles III, we say goodbye to Gp Capt Gareth Prendergast & warmly welcome our new Stn Cdr, Gp Capt Paul Hamilton.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen this tail art! The XXV(F) Sqn badge used to be a familiar sight on Leeming-based Tornado F3s until 2008. XXV(F) Squadron reformed at RAF Valley in 2018. It’s great to see the badge back over North Yorkshire skies. Images by SAC Harry Roberts.
Always a moving service, it felt particularly poignant to be together again for this year’s Station Service of Remembrance. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
Thanks for your patience during the current Swiss F-18. There will be more night flying over the next few weeks but we will keep disturbance to a minimum. The team were visited last week by Alexandre Fasel, Swiss Ambassador to the UK and Swiss Defence Attaché, Col GS Martin Lerch
We’re giddy with excitement - and SO humbled by the messages we’ve received for our big day. Have your glasses at the ready to toast us tomorrow! 🥳🎉🥂🍾🎂🎁
If you’ve been watching our airfield recently, you’ll know that the Swiss Air Force has been on the receiving end of some strong Yorkshire weather for Ex YORKNITE 💨☔️🌪️❄️☃️🌫️. Our photographers have been capturing training between wind, rain, fog and snow.
We can’t be together tomorrow, but please join us for a virtual Remembrance Service by the Revd Fiona Mayer-Jones, and our padre, Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Firth. You can find it from 1045 on the All Saints’ Church, Northallerton Facebook page, or at Yorkshire Padre on YouTube.
Day two of the countdown to the new decade. RAF Leeming photographers have set a high standard in the air, on Station and on training areas with the RAF Regiment. Enjoy!
There will be increased aircraft and ground movement for an exercise taking place here from 21 February to 8 March 2019. Low flying for short periods may be necessary, along with 24-hour operations. Every effort will be made to keep the disturbance to a minimum
Personnel gathered in honour of those who gave their lives in the service of their country at the Station Remembrance Service, which this year marked 100 years since the end of World War I. Personnel will be parading in Northallerton this Sunday. We hope to see you there.
What an incredible tenure! After three years of innovation, assessment, celebration and separation, we bid a very fond farewell to Station Commander, Group Captain Blythe Crawford, and give a warm Yorkshire welcome to his successor, Group Captain Gareth Prendergast. 👏👏
We felt truly privileged to be commemorating Remembrance Sunday with the Northallerton and Bedale communities this morning. Both services were truly moving and particularly poignant after the events of the past two years.
#WeWillRememberThem
#RemembranceSunday
The airfield will be open until around midnight until 26 May in order to provide operational training. The Station will be hosting a multi-engine aircraft for night-flying activities. Every effort will be made to keep the disturbance to a minimum.
During such unprecedented and troubled times, we were moved and honoured to receive these kind and encouraging words from our Honorary Air Commodore, HRH, The Duchess of Cornwall.
Today we bid a fond farewell to WO Beattie as he hands over the role of Station Warrant Officer to WO Langley. WO Langley said: “ I am thrilled to be back in North Yorkshire, this will be my third tour at RAF Leeming, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead of me.”
Welcomed by Gp Capt Paul Hamilton, visitors including
@HarvSmyth
, Gen Rataud of
@Armee_de_lair
& Gen Lamontagne of
@HQUSAFEAFAF
were impressed by the skills & initiative of our pers in the safe support of Ex ATLANTIC TRIDENT, replicating short notice deployment of assets.