Page 20 - Cadet Review Summer 2021

CEY Wing ATC
Flt Lt Adam Waudby, centre, pictured with
CCF cadets in training in early March 2020
ADAM GAINS A GONG!
By Sqn Ldr Wayne Yeadon
Hearty congratulations go to the Wing’s Music and Aviation Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adam Waudby who was presented with a prestigious award from the head of the Combined Cadet Force (Royal
Air Force) (CCF(RAF)) Section, during the Wing Conference on Saturday 27th March.
The CCF (RAF) Medal of Excellence, introduced into service in 2019 to recognise the embodiment of our Core Values, Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence, has only been presented a few times and it is believed this is the first time it has been awarded outside of the Combined Cadet Force.
Fittingly, the award has been presented, partly for his efforts as the Wing’s Music Officer, in integrating cadets from the CCF (RAF) section and Air Training Corps (ATC) as one set of RAFAC cadets for many
of the Wing’s musical projects. Head of CCF(RAF), based at RAF Cranwell, Wing Commander Martin Larwood–Hughes, who personally made the presentation said; “He is a shining light of what can be achieved with us working together. The way he treats them all as one set of RAF Air Cadets is just fantastic.”
Wg Cdr Larwood-Hughes, who is also the head of the RAFAC’s Immersive Technology Training Team, has also witnessed Flt Lt Waudby’s work on a long term project that will hopefully see cadets across the organisation access Virtual Reality Technology as part of the RAFAC’s Aviation Progressive Training Syllabus, bringing with it, for the Wing, a new Aviation Centre.
Of his work on the Immersive Technology Training Team the Wing Commander said; “I think you’re all quite lucky to have Adam as your newly appointed Aviation Officer. He’s been working incredibly hard in
He works incredibly hard in every area he is tasked with and on behalf of the Wing I offer him our fullest congratulations on a highly deserved award
the background to assist the Immersive Technolo- gies Team in getting our project off the ground.”
In order to make the presentation, Wg Cdr Larwood-Hughes jumped onto the online conference during Flt Lt Waudby’s demonstration of immersive technology as part of his Wing Aviation update. He added; “I’m really looking forward to the opening of your Aviation Centre which will house all the latest tech available. Watching the demonstration on a
flat screen really doesn’t do it justice when you get
a VR headset on and start flying with the level of technology we’re working with. It really is going to be a step change for our cadets. They’re going to love it.” Even with both his bosses in the room Flt
Lt Waudby managed to keep his cool and land the virtual aircraft successfully before he was presented with the award.
On making the presentation WG Cdr Larwood- Hughes said; “Thank you Adam for all you have done in integrating the CCF(RAF) cadets into your band, I know the cadets really appreciate it and so do I, but also for the work over the last year, putting us in a really good place to be able to release this immersive technology to the cadets as we return to face to face training.
In recognition for the work you have carried out I would like to award you with the CCF (RAF) Medal of Excellence to acknowledge your excellent support of the CCF (RAF). Thank you.”
Wing Commander Aaron Waters, OC Wing commented; “It really is no surprise that Adam has picked up this award. He works incredibly hard in every area he is tasked with and on behalf of the Wing I offer him our fullest congratulations on a highly deserved award.”
20 CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2021