Having taken over as RAF Honington’s Station Commander in July, I am delighted to be writing my first foreword for the Honington Herald.   This unique Station has a rich history, delivers so many vital outputs for Defence and has a great community – it is a real privilege to be your Station Commander and we are all so lucky to live and work in this beautiful corner of rural Suffolk.  I must start by paying tribute to Wg Cdr Max Hayward who, as the previous Station Commander, delivered a number of high-profile improvements to the Station, not least the upgraded gym and sports facilities, range building and main entrance point improvements. Whilst he has left big shoes to fill, I know that the excellent Station team will continue to support the vital outputs of our resident units and to keep our whole force functioning and safe!

September marks the beginning of a busy and exciting period in our Station calendar. I hope everyone has had the chance to rest and recharge over the summer, ready to meet the months ahead with energy and purpose. From commemorations to celebrations, there is much to look forward to — and yes, dare we mention the “C” word, the festive season is already on the horizon! This issue of the magazine captures some of the highlights from recent months, including the Annual Formal Reception, Armed Forces Day, and the poignant VJ Day service. We also had an incredible time at Wit Goes West — a fantastic event that brought us all together in true Wittering style. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

It was a genuine pleasure to open the gates for the Stations Families day and welcome those who support us so steadfastly behind the scenes—our partners, children, extended families, and close friends. The energy, joy, and shared pride on display served as a poignant reminder of the community that surrounds and strengthens us. Seeing families beam with pride was not only a celebration of what we do, but also of who we are. Similarly, our recent Station Health and Well-being Day provided a timely opportunity to focus inward. In the fast-paced world of modern Operations, taking a moment to reflect on our own mental and physical resilience is not a luxury—it is a necessity. The level of engagement across the station with the resources, activities, and discussions was incredibly encouraging. While our primary focus as a station should remain on delivering air power and supporting the front line, I continue to be impressed by the dedication shown across the station beyond our primary roles.