RAF Leeming communication specialists given medals (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

RAF Leeming communication specialists given medals

2:20pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in News

COMMUNICATIONS specialists in the RAF were presented with medals for their work on tours in Afghanistan and in support of operations in Libya.

Air Vice-Marshall Peter Ewen and Air Commodore Simon Richardson presented the Operational Service Medals to members of 3 (Field Communications) Squadron, Tactical Communications Wing, 90 Signals Unit, based at RAF Leeming after a four-month tour of Afghanistan.

They received their medals along with 40 personnel from across 90 Signals Unit who served at various locations including Germany and Italy as part of Libya operations – Operation Ellamy – during the summer of 2011.

Group Captain John Wariner, Officer Commanding 90 Signals Unit, said: “Both operations were very different but show the diversity of what Air Power can do in support of current operations.

“We need to ensure that the right information gets to the right commander at the right time so that they can make the right decision.

“I’m immensely proud to see so many personnel receive their medals and wear them with such pride and enjoy what they do. It’s a very exciting time for the RAF with all the capabilities that are being developed. We are at the sharp edge of technology.”

Receiving his medal for Op Ellamy was Flight Sergeant Steve Popple, accompanied by his wife Jackie and children Emily, 15 and Ewan, 12.

He was based in Naples for the duration of the operation. “I provided secure communications for the Deputy Commander of the British element,” he said.

“I went at short notice and it did mean working very long hours, but it was good to be working so closely with the local commander and see how things worked.”