Page 54 - MBS 2022/23

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
3Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC) prepares and generates Attack Aviation, held at Very High Readiness
(VHR), to support Defence wide activities. Optimised for warfighting, but scaled for demand, it also delivers deployed C2 at VHR for Aviation Task Force 4 on behalf of the Joint Helicopter Command.
3 Regiment AAC are based at Wattisham Flying Station with their main effort being to continue in the transition from the Apache Attack Helicopter (AH) AH-64 Mk1 to the new AH-64 E model. Unit Personnel have been involved in an array of exercises which included Ex TALON GUARDIAN; a 2-week exercise in February 2022, which saw the whole Regiment deploy to Woodbridge, where soldiers practiced their basic soldering skills. The Regiment continues to train at high readiness which is reflected by the unit’s Physical Training Programme where the Regiment’s Soldiers and Officers maintain an elevated level of operational fitness while working tirelessly on the AH-64 E.
On a sporting front, Squadrons have been competing against each other for the Commanding Officer’s Cup Competition title, over various sporting events; Swimming, British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF), Potted sports, Triathlon, Football, Cross country, as well as an endurance event which included various challenges that was part of OP TEAMWORK 3, which assessed the Regiment’s personnel’s physical and mental resilience, leadership and teamwork. 663 Sqn took the overall win for the 2022/23 year by winning four of the events and winning by 5 points clear of second place. Members of 3 AAC have represented in an array of sports at Regimental, Corps and Army level such as: Cycling, Enduro, Orienteering, Triathlon, Rugby, Cross Country and Athletics to name a few. Recently there has been a drive to invigorate sport in the Regiment to ensure 3 AAC get on the leader board of the Army Sports Trophy Competition.
3 REGIMENT ARMY AIR CORPS
A/SSgt (SSI) C McPartlin RAPTC
Sporting highlights for the Regiment are placing second overall major unit in the Inter-Unit X-Country Championships, winning the Army Aviation Orienteering Championships and Cpl Edwards being selected and competing for the Army team in Inter-Services Cross Country and Half Marathon Championships.
On 2 Feb 23, 8 personnel from 3AAC took part in a 70-Kilometre ultra-marathon organised by Sgt Hodges and LCpl McConnell. This was in light of the recent events surrounding the death of, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, hence one kilometre for each year of her remarkable 70 year reign. As a collective they managed to raise over £1,300 for the Army Benevolent Fund and surpass their initial target of £1,000. Following several months of training they managed to complete the event in around 9 hours, following a route from Windsor Castle into London via RAF Northolt and finishing at Buckingham Palace.
The Regiment has had a busy Ski season with personnel on Ex EAGLE SKI and
REME personnel on Ex NORDIC BLUEBELL
Ex DRAGON TYROLEAN, which turned many of the Regiment’s novices into accomplished skiers. 3 AAC REME personnel deployed on a 3-week Nordic camp, Ex NORDIC BLUEBELL, in Dec 22. 662 Sqn deployed on Ex OLETHIRON NIK AT in Jan 22 to the Alps, which saw all levels of ability take part in Alpine Skiing. 663 Sqn Deployed to Wales for Ex VOIJEK VENTURE in Mar 22 where Sqn personnel learned basic skills in Mountain Biking, Mountaineering and Kayaking.
3 AAC personnel that raised money for ABF by running a 70km Ultra Marathon
A/SSgt (SSI) C McPartlin with Regimental AAPTIs
662 Sqn on Ex TALON GUARDIAN 23