39 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Change of command
at Creech Air Force Base Nevada
By Flight Lieutenant Dougal Gow
Officer Commanding, Administrative Support, 39 Squadron, Creech AFB, Nev.
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (Aug 17, 2009) -
As United Kingdom forces play a vital role in preparing a safe environment for free democratic elections in Afghanistan, it is also a proud week for what is arguably the Royal Air Force’s s most unique Squadron.
On Aug. 17, 2009, Wing Commander Andy “Fluff “ Jeffrey, Officer Commanding, 39 Squadron,, officially handed over the reins to his successor, Wing Commander Jules Ball. This was also the day that 39 Squadron stood up a second United Kingdom Reaper operational orbit providing near 24-hour coverage to the Coalition troops.At the handover ceremony, Wing Commander Ball articulated his pride at taking over command from Wing Commander Jeffrey saying “I am absolutely delighted to take command of 39 Squadron, today. The men and women of this unique unit play a pivotal role supporting operations in Afghanistan every single day.”
From the desert of Nevada, personnelof 39 Squadron, provide vital ISTAR and strike support to ground forces hunting out those who seek to destabilise Afghanistan. On July 27, 2009, 39 Squadron, and the Reaper, passed 5,000 hours of combat flying time since its first mission on Oct. 23, 2007. On taking command Wing Commander Ball said, “It is largely due to the drive and determination of my predecessor that this squadron has come such a long way in such a short period, and I consider it an honour to have been selected to lead it through the next stage of its development towards achieving FOC and beyond.”
The addition of a second operational MQ-9 orbit gives ground commanders vital intelligence support and firepower to undermine and target the Taliban. This technologically advanced capability, combined with the Joint Service nature of 39 Squadron, serves as a pointer to the future of the RAF. “The remarkable capabilities currently being delivered by the MQ-9 Reaper provide an insight into the role that unmanned air vehicles will have to play in the future of the RAF” commented Wing Commander Ball. The personnel of 39 Squadron, are drawn from all 3 services and include Royal Navy and RAF aircrews with Royal Navy, Royal Marine, Army and RAF intelligence support.
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.
- Wing Commander Andrew Jeffrey (left) hands over
command of 39 Squadron, Royal Air Force, to Wing
Commander Julian Ball. The hand-over took place
at Creech AFB, Nev., where the squadron is based
Aug. 17 at 00:39 Afghanistan time. The
39 Squadron is the RAF’s first and only UAV squadron
flying MQ-9 Reaper aircraft in Afghanistan in support
of Coalition troops. Wing Commander Jeffrey was
the first commanding officer of the Squadron. At the
same time Squadron Leader Archie Brown will hand
over the Chief of Staff position to Squadron Leader
Steven Lamping.
at Creech Air Force Base Nevada
By Flight Lieutenant Dougal Gow
Officer Commanding, Administrative Support, 39 Squadron, Creech AFB, Nev.
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (Aug 17, 2009) -
As United Kingdom forces play a vital role in preparing a safe environment for free democratic elections in Afghanistan, it is also a proud week for what is arguably the Royal Air Force’s s most unique Squadron.
On Aug. 17, 2009, Wing Commander Andy “Fluff “ Jeffrey, Officer Commanding, 39 Squadron,, officially handed over the reins to his successor, Wing Commander Jules Ball. This was also the day that 39 Squadron stood up a second United Kingdom Reaper operational orbit providing near 24-hour coverage to the Coalition troops.At the handover ceremony, Wing Commander Ball articulated his pride at taking over command from Wing Commander Jeffrey saying “I am absolutely delighted to take command of 39 Squadron, today. The men and women of this unique unit play a pivotal role supporting operations in Afghanistan every single day.”
From the desert of Nevada, personnelof 39 Squadron, provide vital ISTAR and strike support to ground forces hunting out those who seek to destabilise Afghanistan. On July 27, 2009, 39 Squadron, and the Reaper, passed 5,000 hours of combat flying time since its first mission on Oct. 23, 2007. On taking command Wing Commander Ball said, “It is largely due to the drive and determination of my predecessor that this squadron has come such a long way in such a short period, and I consider it an honour to have been selected to lead it through the next stage of its development towards achieving FOC and beyond.”
The addition of a second operational MQ-9 orbit gives ground commanders vital intelligence support and firepower to undermine and target the Taliban. This technologically advanced capability, combined with the Joint Service nature of 39 Squadron, serves as a pointer to the future of the RAF. “The remarkable capabilities currently being delivered by the MQ-9 Reaper provide an insight into the role that unmanned air vehicles will have to play in the future of the RAF” commented Wing Commander Ball. The personnel of 39 Squadron, are drawn from all 3 services and include Royal Navy and RAF aircrews with Royal Navy, Royal Marine, Army and RAF intelligence support.
CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.
- Wing Commander Andrew Jeffrey (left) hands over
command of 39 Squadron, Royal Air Force, to Wing
Commander Julian Ball. The hand-over took place
at Creech AFB, Nev., where the squadron is based
Aug. 17 at 00:39 Afghanistan time. The
39 Squadron is the RAF’s first and only UAV squadron
flying MQ-9 Reaper aircraft in Afghanistan in support
of Coalition troops. Wing Commander Jeffrey was
the first commanding officer of the Squadron. At the
same time Squadron Leader Archie Brown will hand
over the Chief of Staff position to Squadron Leader
Steven Lamping.
Registered Charity United Kingdom No 226682 Spain No G54288329
