CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Christmas Message from the Chief of the Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton A
s this year draws to a close I believe that we can look back at a remarkably successful year whilst
remembering that some of the people who helped deliver the success are now having to get ready for life outside the Service. A year marked out by two specific and historic events: Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympics.
These events have brought the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces to the fore and, as a result of the professionalism, commitment and can-do attitude of our airmen and airwomen, there has been an unprecedented groundswell of public appreciation of the qualities of Royal Air Force personnel. Whilst these events have displayed a public face to the Royal Air Force, our focus has necessarily remained on supporting current operations in Afghanistan and our many other ongoing commitments, such as the Air Security of the United Kingdom and Falkland Islands.
The Royal Air Force would not have been able to achieve any of these roles, without the loyal support of our families, partners and friends. I know that we have asked a very great deal of our people this year, but I recognise that we have asked just as much of our families. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your forbearance
and for offering unstinting support to all of us in Royal Air Force uniform throughout this busy year, especially over the summer period.
In recognition of the demands that 2012 placed on our airmen, airwomen, civil servants and contractors I have instructed commanders, at all levels, to maximise the leave opportunities over the Christmas and New Year period. Christmas is also a time for reflection and we should take time to remember those families whose loved ones have been tragically killed or injured over this past year; my thoughts and those of my Air Force Board colleagues are with them during this difficult time.
I know that this year has also been characterised by change and this will continue as we update our various aircraft fleets and re-structure the Royal Air Force and, indeed Defence, to meet the future challenges of an uncertain world. Whilst I will always try to reduce this uncertainty within the Royal Air Force, I am acutely aware that the current economic climate exacerbates the challenge faced our Service families.
This is just one of the many reasons that I value the contribution of the RAF Families Federation; this important organisation provides a ‘voice’ to raise issues both internal and external to the Royal Air Force, as well as acting directly, on behalf of our families,
to influence and bring about change for the better – and the staff of the RAF Families Federation do an excellent job of coordinating and raising the key issues. I remain determined to ensure that the career package for Royal Air Force personnel is as attractive as possible and provides a sound footing for our Service family.
As I look back over the considerable achievements of 2012, I believe that all those in the Royal Air Force and their families can take an enormous amount of pride, both in our operational performance and our contribution and participation in this year’s historic events and I wish you all, wherever you are, a very Happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2013!
6
Envoy Winter 2012
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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