Page 93 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

the exercise was invaluable experience for our IX(B) Squadron pilots, providing realistic training and an opportunity to develop a variety of tactics, techniques and procedures.
One of the highlights of the year for our pilots was a Missile Practice Camp, a much sought-after and rare opportunity and therefore we were particularly pleased to be the Lossiemouth lead squadron for the exercise. It was a live firing disposal of end-of- life Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missiles in the Hebrides Range, against airborne and simulated targets
We’ve also participated in some high-profile fly-pasts this year, one over Old Trafford Stadium marking the start of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Tournament, another at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and also over Vilnius, the capital of Lituania, to mark the country’s Restoration of Independence Day. However, perhaps most noteworthy, was our engineers taking the Lossiemouth lead for the Typhoon element of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Fly-past. It involved 15 Typhoon aircraft flying in a ‘70’ formation to mark Her late Majesty’s 70-year reign on the throne. Our Executive Officer and Officer Commanding A Flight flew in the fly-past – a real privilege and certainly one to tell the grandchildren!
It’s not all been work, work, work though! Our people and Whole Force team here on IX(B) Squadron are our most valued asset, and as such the Squadron Boss, Wing Commander Richard Leask, and his Executive Team are always keen to exploit oppor- tunities for some much-needed rest and relaxation away from the high-pressure work environment. One of our Junior Engineering Officers organised a successful friends and families day in August with jet tours, a BBQ, stands from the Station fire section and dog handlers and a full suite of inflatables with rodeo bull, bungee run and bouncy castle. The engineers also organised a very well attended all-ranks Squadron Christmas dinner and disco, plus an Officers vs non-commissioned ranks football match. The Officers inevitably got the run-around and our non-commissioned per- sonnel lifted the trophy!
As we look towards 2023, all focus is on a squadron deployment in February to Ämari Air Base in Estonia as part of Operation AZOTIZE, when we will take over the air-policing mission from the German Air Force for 4 months. This is a NATO Air Defence Quick Reaction Alert task guarding the airspace over the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. We will look for- ward to updating you in the 2023 KRH Regimental Journal, but until then, it’s goodbye from the Bats!
View from the Tanker – outbound to Lithuania Flypast
The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 91
Typhoon Element of the Platinum Jubilee Flypast