‘RAF Honington’s Station Commander Visit 1109 Squadron’

1109 (Thetford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets were delighted to welcome Group Captain David Tait MBE MA RAF Station Commander at RAF Honington, accompanied by WO Sonya Derbyshire, Station Warrant Officer on their recent visit to the Headquarters at RAF Barnham. The visit was Group Captain Tait’s first since taking post as Station Commander in December 2016 and gave him the opportunity to speak to the Squadron staff, cadets which included a new intake of recruits as well as make some presentations at the end of the evening.
The Group Captain elaborated on his career in the Royal Air Force and outlined to the cadets that joining the military was heavily influenced by his time within the Air Training Corps. Cadets were encouraged to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities the Corps offers and has no doubt given the cadets an insight to where a career in the RAF can take you.
Group Captain Tait presented a number of awards during the evening which included Level 1 BTEC Certificates in Teamwork and Personal Skills to ten cadets, a Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development as well as Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Blues for representations in Football and Swimming.
The final presentation was a promotion to Flight Sergeant ATC to Matthew Drewry, representing his work at 1109 Squadron and at a Wing level, notably in sports. FS Drewry was also appointed to Deputy Wing Sports Officer for Norfolk and Suffolk Wing and will now work closely with the Wing Sports Officer, Squadron Leader Jason Allan.
Officer Commanding 1109 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Samuel Chapman-Allen said, ‘It was great for the Station Commander to come and spend the evening with the cadets and forge the close links between us and RAF Honington. With the Station Commander being an ex Air Cadet he reinforced to all what a very important role Corps played in his upbringing and career choice’.