RAF Lossiemouth

Castleford Air Cadets recently visited RAF Lossiemouth at the northern end of Scotland. For many cadets it was the first time they had been on a fully operational RAF station. RAF Lossiemouth is famous for being the home of the legendary 617 'Dambusters Squadron'.

The week from August 26th to September 1st was jam packed with activities. All 26 cadets, 14 from 2388 (Castleford) squadron and 10 from 2357 (Goole) squadron shot either the No 8 or L98 rifles and had a go at the high-ropes course (which as the name suggest involves negotiating various obstacles suspended up in the air, used by the air force to promote teamwork and confidence). The cadets all aged between 13 and 18, fired on a electronic 'SAT' range and spent a morning at the infamous Dambuster squadron and after a talk by one of the team's Weapon's System's Operators on the history and modern role of the unit the cadet's got to look around the a Tornado GR4 aircraft.

A number of cadets did work experience at the squadron assisting the ground crew to put a tornado's engine in!

A exercise at the nearby RAF Kinloss, visits to the fire, Air Traffic control, Weapons Training Cell and Survival Equipment sections, as well as a shopping trip to Inverness, bowling and swimming were all on offer to the cadets during their visit.

The week finished off with a look around the station's friends and families day before the cadets and started their long journey back down to Yorkshire.

Flight Lieutenant Jamie Williamson, commanding officer of Castleford commented "The Station went all out for us and made us feel at home, the cadets had a wonderful time and some fantastic experiences."

The week was very team orientated with cadets from both Squadrons making life long friends. The Cadets all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and learnt a lot about aspects of the RAF. None of this would have possible if it wasn't for the ACLO team who arranged and ran the week!

The squadron is currently in the middle of a recruitment drive and would  welcome any young person aged 13 and over to come and see the exciting opportunities on offer. Castleford Air Cadets our located in the T.A compound opposite the Civic Centre, they meet 7:00pm – 9:15pm on a Monday and Friday.