Page 24 - Linton Link

YUAS
It’s been a
tremendously busy
few months since
we last published in
the Linton Link – it’s
difficult to find a place
to start!
At the end of July, we said farewell to Sqn Ldr Parkinson and ‘Bonjour’ to Sqn Ldr ‘Frenchie’ Le Cornu. As the new Boss arrived, we gave our departing students a celebratory send-off at our graduation, held at the Hilton, York. This was a fantastic opportunity to applaud the achievements of the squadron over the year, as well as allowing us to say a big ‘thank you’ for all the hard work of the graduates. It was also our first opportunity to get to know our new boss...
Despite the student body shrinking following the graduation, we continued at full pace. Over August YUAS were busy stretching themselves well outside the usual comforts of their University cities with expeditions to Italy and Austria. Officer Cadets challenged themselves by scaling Via Ferrata routes throughout the Dolomites and developed their mountain biking skills in the Alps. I think it would be fair to say that
the students who previously had a fear of heights, certainly conquered them!
Before we knew it, September arrived. At the start of the month YUAS were extremely
“I think it would be fair to say that the students who previously had a fear of heights, certainly conquered them!”
grateful to be able to visit RAF Akrotiri. Some 12 Off Cdts departed from RAF Brize Norton for a whirlwind few days in Cyprus. This exercise was incredibly eye-opening, where
students were able to visit 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, ATC, 84 Squadron and RAF Troodos. As a UAS we were extremely fortunate to be offered the opportunity to see the more ‘punchy’ side of the RAF, and the variety of roles that are involved in front line operations. Of course, it was also lovely to see some sunshine, although, there is always one who forgets the sun-cream. (*cough* Off Cdt Ash *cough*).
Towards the end of the month, YUAS were incredibly honoured to be invited to march in the RAF100, Battle of Britain and Freedom of York parade. Despite the wind attempting to stop play at a few rehearsals, all turned out well on the day. Even Off Cdt Bird managed to stay in time! More importantly this allowed YUAS to commemorate these important occasions in the Royal Air Force’s History and pay our respects to those lost in conflict.
With the extensive university summer behind us, in October Yorkshire welcomed the Northern contingent of the UAS system to Linton-on-Ouse, where we hosted our annual sports competition. Teams competed in a range of sports, from dodgeball, netball to football. YUAS were delighted to take the victory on home turf and we’d like to thank the station and PTI staff for enabling us to hold this event.
Throughout September and October, we began our recruiting campaign around the
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LINTONLINK