Page 37 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

REME Light Aid Detachment
EME Capt Jess Marengo ASM WO1 Chris Waddington AQMS WO2 Sarah Paton
2021 has been an operationally demanding, yet extremely rewarding year and whilst continuously battling against the odds,
the 1 MERCIAN ‘Expeditionary’ LAD have continued to achieve outstanding results. For most, Ex TALLINN DAWN followed by Op CABRIT 8 amounted to the longest period spent away from home so far, but
for all it was an excellent opportunity to excel in their development as a REME soldier. In the UK, the LAD ROG did a formidable job maintaining the LATF fleet at over85% availability alongside supporting the Battlegroup and a multitude of other competing priorities.
Re-deploying to Germany amidst Brexit and another COVID-19 lockdown on
an experimental Mission Ready Training pathway brought many a logistical challenge. Yet the aged fleet, made up of vehicles from LTF(Sennelager), BATUS, SEF(G) and various UK units, was maintained at an availability of around 85% throughout, showing the dedication and technical ability of our tradespeople. The cohesion between various stakeholders was a crucial force multiplier. The team from LTF(S) were ever supportive and
9 Armd Company from 4 Bn REME conducted an efficient rehab concurrent
to the pre-Christmas range package, which enabled a smooth handover for
the wider Battlegroup on arrival. The formidable German winter provided a great challenge and experience for our younger tradespeople as they learnt vital lessons on operating, maintaining and repairing the fleet in cold weather.
Well-trained for remaining versatile to changing situations, the LAD then deployed to Estonia on Op CABRIT 8. The BG LAD gelled as a brilliant team and provided extensive ES to the vast Battlegroup
fleet throughout. Unfortunately, COVID managed to wipe out 80% of the BG LAD upon arrival, but this provided a fantastic opportunity for the juniors to step-up. With the B Fitter Section hierarchy managing
to miss a second exercise due to COVID, Cpl Wilson stepped up to lead his Fitter Section on the first Estonian integration exercise. After keeping the Armoured Infantry Company operationally effective throughout, his contribution to operational success was recognised with a Colonel of the Mercian Regiment Coin. Despite being another contender for having the most time in isolation, SSgt Empsall redeemed himself with his well-executed ES plan which saw Dragon Company complete a successful 150km armoured road move across Estonia towards the Russian Border, raising some useful lessons identified on Warrior over- heating issues.
LCpl Formoso finished 3rd in the Narva Ultra Marathon in Estonia
There was also some great interoperability training with the French Company, much
to the joy of Cfn ‘Le Bob’ Hoskins who
got to show off his French linguist skills. Despite the ES demand remaining high throughout the deployment, the junior soldiers collaborated to enhance the LAD’s morale by organising events including a Battlegroup LAD Volleyball tournament and various socials. There was also a strong REME representation on the BG Rugby and Cricket teams and most of the LAD also
got to enjoy some well-deserved adventure training in Parnu.
The LAD is now finally back together in the UK after the ROG did a fantastic effort holding the fort. The post-tour churn has meant we have said goodbye to a fair proportion of the LAD and welcomed in a new cohort of Artificers, SNCOs and junior tradespeople who are more than ready to take on the challenges that 2022 brings.
HQ Fitters diagnosing a generator fault in Estonia
LAD ROG football team
BG LAD, Op CABRIT 8
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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