Welcome to the Spring edition of The Mainpoint, we have an abundance of fantastic articles that I’m confident you will enjoy reading. We say a fond farewell to Padre Wg Cdr Ashley Mitchell, whilst we welcome our new Padre, Flt Lt Robert Hadfield getting to learn a little about them within the “meet the new” section! We also continue through the Halton Histories, now entering the 1720s. I wish to pass my thanks to Flt Lt Aimee Martin as the deputy editor for assisting in putting together this quarter’s edition. If anyone would be interested in becoming an editor, we would welcome volunteers, please contact myself or Flt Lt Aimee Martin. It is an extremely rewarding secondary duty that provides the opportunity to engage with a variety of personnel, giving a real finger on the pulse of RAF Halton.

It is with a great deal of pride and not a little sadness that I am penning my last Helicon submission as Chinook Force Commander, it has gone by too fast.  In April I will be handing over to Gp Capt Hannah Bishop, who is taking command following a tour in 11 Group at HQ Air Command. Prior to that, Hannah commanded 28 Sqn at RAF Benson and has completed multiple tours on the front line here at Odiham.

Welcome to the Spring edition of Excalibur! This is the first such foreword I have written since my appointment as Station Commander in December, and it is a great honour to do so. Since my arrival I have visited many sections across the Station and met many people in my quest to better understand what everyone does and how best I can support them. Wherever I have been and whoever I have spoken with, I have been made to feel most welcome and thank you all for that, even our diehard Newcastle United supporters.