There will be increased flying activity over the next 2 days in the vicinity of RAF Marham during the time periods of 10am – 12pm and 2-3pm. Apologies in advance.
Hello All,
Please find the latest RAF Marham Community Update below (and previous months for recipients receiving this for the first time). I am the Station Engagements Officer at RAF Marham and the aim of the update is to improve communication and information sharing with our valued local community. RAF Marham does already do this through social media, but we are aware that this is not the preferred medium for many local residents and hope that this update will reach places that other communication lines are missing. Hopefully this insight into our unique community, and details of the UK Defence output that the base is delivering at this time of global political unrest, will strengthen existing positive relationships between the Royal Air Force and the Norfolk community.
RAF MARHAM UPDATE – SUMMER 2024
The Marham Families Day 2024 took place at RAF Marham on Saturday 27th July. This event is an opportunity to thank families for supporting the important UK Defence mission that RAF Marham delivers, and to acknowledge the many sacrifices that military life demands. Local parish councils, residents and community groups such as RAFA were also invited to share in the day and we were delighted to welcome just over 9000 people onto the base. It was a sunny, action- packed day which included flying displays from the Raf Falcons, Globalstars, Typhoon, Spitfire and a fantastic role demonstration from the F-35B Lightning based at Marham flown by a pilot from 617 Sqn. On the ground there were static aircraft displays, classic cars, fairground rides and food stalls. Celebrations continued into the evening with a Caribbean themed festival of colour and music.
Over the Summer the construction project at RAF Marham to replace and improve the single living accommodation has accelerated. Several old barrack blocks have been completely demolished and personnel who were previously living in them have moved into temporary accommodation units on the base so that the new ensuite accommodation build can progress. Improvements have also been made at the all ranks bar on base with the creation of a new games area which opened in July. Patrons can now enjoy pool, darts, table football, shuffleboard and other activities together during their relaxation time.
The Air Wing have been extremely busy. The F-35B role demonstration has been enjoyed at several events, including the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). 207 Sqn have continued training pilots to get them ready to join one of the 2 front line operational F-35B squadrons.
809 NAS (Naval Air Sqn) is still in a period of growth, but passed an exciting mile stone on the 4th July when their engineers, mission planners, line personnel and pilots generated the first aircraft for a completely independent flight with no support from 617 Sqn. 809 Sqn Commanding Officer said, “This marks an important step forward for 809 NAS…The team will now build on this foundation in preparation for our Autumn embarkation to HMS Prince of Wales where the Sqn will once again operate from a flight deck for the first time in nearly 42 years.” in support of Exercise Strike Warrior.
617 Sqn are currently deployed to Iceland conducting their first NATO air policing mission. The British F-35 B’s are defending NATO airspace in the Arctic Region and providing Airborne Surveillance and Interception Capabilities to meet Iceland’s Peacetime Preparedness Needs (ACIC IPPN). The Sqn will remain in Iceland delivering this task throughout August.
Upcoming Events – for more details email MRM-MCOGroup@mod.gov.uk
- 18 August – Sunday – West Raynham SHQ (NR21 7PL) is holding an American Air Power History Day Event 1000-1500.
- 7th September – Saturday – RAF Marham Heritage Centre is holding a Tornado GR Event 1000 – 1400 (open till 1600).
- 24th September – Tuesday – RAF Marham Heritage Centre. On the last Tuesday of the month 1000 – 1200, veterans are invited to come and enjoy a free Bacon / Sausage or Egg Butty and have a good old natter with fellow Veterans.
Kind Regards,
Sandra
Flt Lt Sandra Butcher BSc (Hons) PGCE RAF
RAF Marham Engagements Officer | SHQ | RAF Marham | King’s Lynn | Norfolk | PE33 9NP