Page 54 - Mind, Body & Spirit Number 104 2020/21

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7 AVIATION (CLOSE SUPPORT) BATTALION REME
Due to the CV-19 Pandemic 2020/21 has been a year of significant challenges, with many key events cancelled or postponed, however 7 Avn (Close Sp) Bn REME have still
had a busy year with supporting Attack Helicopter Force (AHF), in particular receiving, and configuring the tidal wave of vital tooling and equipment that will be used to maintain the new Apache E Model helicopters. The Battalion have deployed on numerous exercises in the UK and abroad.
Cold weather training has been conducted on Ex CLOCKWORK, with a team from 71 Aviation Company and 132 Sqn RLC sent to Bardufoss, in Norway, to support 4 Regt AAC cold weather Apache flying with equipment and logistic support.
72 Aviation Company deployed to Otterburn to help deliver Ex LIGHTNING FORCE with 653 Squadron AAC.
The global pandemic has not managed to stem the flow of charity work across the Battalion either, albeit events have been modified
Ex Clockwork
Ex Clockwork
SSgt (SSI) J Bowater RAPTC
to achieve Social Distancing requirements. Recent events have included a charity Tyre Flip across Wattisham Station, also completing a 24-hour WattBike ride with 10 bikes achieving a total of 3528 miles, for which a combined sum of more than £1500 was raised for the Royal British Legion.
The Operational commitments and Exercises have still not deterred the Battalion to commit to various AT and Sporting activities throughout the year. A team entered the 1 (UK) Division Nordic Skiing Championships in which they gave an impressive account of themselves. The Battalion also managed to fit in some adventurous training into this period with some excellent multi- activity weeks being run in the Lake District and South Wales.
The Battalion are eager for sport and competitions to return, in order to defend the coveted title of REME Boxing Champions, and the famous Brickwoods Trophy still resides in the Battalion, awaiting the next famous Royal Navy Field Gun Competition.
Nordic Ski Championships