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Waddington: Sentinel of the Skies

Exploring the rich history and operational significance of a pivotal Royal Air Force station.

History 👇 Operations ⚙️

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A Century of Service: Station History

World War I Origins (1916-1920)

Established in 1916 as a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) training aerodrome, RAF Waddington played a crucial role in pilot training during World War I. It hosted numerous RFC squadrons and trained pilots, including those from the US Army. After the war, the station entered a period of care and maintenance.

During its initial operational period, Waddington hosted squadrons such as:

  • No. 82 Squadron RFC
  • No. 97 Squadron RFC
  • No. 105 Squadron RFC
  • No. 117 Squadron RFC
  • No. 123 Squadron RFC
  • No. 23 Squadron RAF
  • No. 203 Squadron RAF
  • No. 204 Squadron RAF

Interwar and WWII Operations

Reopened in 1937 as a heavy bomber station, Waddington was re-equipped with aircraft like the Hawker Hind, Handley Page Hampden, and Bristol Blenheim. During World War II, it became a key base for bomber operations, notably hosting Avro Lancasters and participating in critical raids, including those targeting German U-boat facilities and industrial sites. Australian and Canadian squadrons also served here.

Key aircraft and squadrons during this era included:

  • Aircraft: Avro Manchester, Avro Lancaster, Vickers Wellington, Handley Page Hampden, Bristol Blenheim, Fairey Battle.
  • Squadrons: No. 50, 110, 88, 44, 97, 9, 142, 207, 420 (RCAF), 463 (RAAF), 467 (RAAF), 617.

During the Cold War, RAF Waddington was a vital station for the RAF's V-bomber force, primarily operating the Avro Vulcan. It played a role in the UK's nuclear deterrent strategy. The station also hosted USAF deployments and saw its Vulcans famously deployed during the Falklands War for long-range bombing missions (Operation Black Buck).

  • Home to Avro Vulcan squadrons (e.g., No. 83, 50, 44).
  • Development of rapid foam landing techniques ('sudsmobile').
  • USAF Coronet deployments with A-7D Corsair IIs.
  • Operation Black Buck: Vulcans from Waddington conducted long-range raids on the Falklands.

Modern Era and Transformation

The station continued to evolve, receiving E-3D Sentry aircraft in the 1990s. The 21st century saw significant upgrades, including a major runway reconstruction. RAF Waddington became the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) hub, hosting aircraft like the Sentinel R1, RC-135W Rivet Joint, and MQ-9 Reaper. It is also the current home of the Red Arrows.

  • E-3D Sentry operations (No. 8 Squadron).
  • Runway reconstruction (2014-2016).
  • Sentinel R1 operations (No. 5 Squadron).
  • MQ-9 Reaper and Protector RG1 operations (No. 13, 31 Squadrons).
  • Boeing RC-135W Rivet Joint operations (No. 51 Squadron).
  • Home to the Red Arrows since October 2022.
  • Development of drone swarm technology (No. 216 Squadron).

Operational Focus: ISTAR Hub

Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)

RAF Waddington serves as the primary hub for the Royal Air Force's ISTAR capabilities. This critical role involves gathering intelligence, monitoring situations, and providing situational awareness through advanced aircraft and systems. The station houses specialized wings and squadrons dedicated to these vital functions.

Global Reach and Deployments

The aircraft based at Waddington, such as the RC-135W Rivet Joint and MQ-9 Reaper, are capable of long-duration missions and operate globally. The station supports expeditionary air operations, providing essential intelligence and surveillance support for UK defence and international operations.

Training and Development

Beyond operational flying, Waddington is a center for training and development. It hosts the ISTAR Force Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) and the Air Battlespace Training Centre, facilitating advanced training scenarios and the testing of new technologies, including drone swarm capabilities.

Garrisoned Units

Royal Air Force Units

RAF Waddington hosts several key RAF formations and squadrons, forming the core of its ISTAR and operational capabilities.

No. 1 Group (Air Combat) RAF

  • ISTAR Force
    • ISTAR Air Wing Headquarters
    • ISTAR Engineering Wing
    • ISTAR Support Wing
    • No. 13 Squadron – MQ-9A Reaper
    • No. 14 Squadron – Shadow R1
    • No. 31 Squadron – Protector RG1
    • No. 51 Squadron – RC-135W Rivet Joint
    • No. 54 Squadron – ISTAR Force Operational Conversion Unit (OCU)
  • No. 1 Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing
  • No. 616 Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force)
  • RAF Aerobatic Team (The Red Arrows) – BAE Hawk T1A

No. 2 Group (Air Combat Support) RAF

  • Air Security Force
    • No. 2 RAF Police & Security Wing
    • No. 2503 Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) Regiment
  • Intelligence Reserve Wing
    • No. 7006 (VR) Intelligence Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force)
    • No. 7010 (VR) Photographic Interpretation Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force)
    • No. 7630 (VR) Intelligence Squadron (Royal Auxiliary Air Force)

RAF Air and Space Warfare Centre

  • No. 56 Squadron – ISTAR Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU)
  • No. 92 Tactics and Training Squadron
  • No. 216 Squadron – Drone swarm technology testing
  • Air Battlespace Training Centre (ABTC)

RAF Music Services

  • RAF Waddington Voluntary Band

Other Units

In addition to flying squadrons, Waddington hosts support units from the British Army and civilian organizations.

British Army

  • Royal Engineers
    • 8 Engineer Brigade
      • 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group
        • 531 Specialist Team Royal Engineers (Airfields) (STRE)

Civilian

  • RAF Waddington Flying Club – Cessna 152, Cessna 172, PA-28 Cherokee

Station Heritage

Station Badge and Motto

The official station badge features Lincoln Cathedral rising through the clouds, symbolizing its location and the station's enduring presence. The motto, "For Faith and Freedom," reflects the historical and ongoing commitment of the Royal Air Force.

Gate Guardians

RAF Waddington proudly displays significant aircraft as gate guardians, commemorating its rich history. Avro Vulcan XM607, a veteran of the Falklands War's Operation Black Buck, stands as a testament to the station's strategic bomber era. Additionally, a Hawker Hunter F.6A, styled in No. 8 Squadron markings, honors the station's aviation heritage.

Commanding Officers

List of Station Commanders

The leadership of RAF Waddington has evolved over its long history. Here is a list of notable Station Commanders:

  • July 1955: Group Captain Hugh P Connolly
  • 14 September 1973: Group Captain Sir Richard C F Peirse
  • 6 November 1981: Group Captain John Laycock
  • 20 October 1989: Group Captain Pat N O Plunkett
  • January 1992: Group Captain Jim L Uprichard
  • December 1993: Group Captain Geoff Simpson
  • 19 December 1995: Group Captain Mike J Remlinger
  • 22 December 1997: Group Captain Ray J Horwood
  • 30 June 2000: Group Captain D L Whittingham
  • 12 August 2004: Group Captain Chris J Coulls
  • January 2012: Group Captain Alan Gillespie
  • 2016 – 2018: Group Captain Allan Marshall
  • 2017 – 2019: Group Captain Tom Burke
  • 2020 – 2022: Group Captain Steve Kilvington
  • January 2022 – December 2023: Group Captain Mark Lorriman-Hughes
  • Since December 2023: Group Captain Dominic 'Dutch' Holland

Past Occupants

Historical Units

Throughout its extensive history, RAF Waddington has hosted a diverse array of units, reflecting its changing roles and the evolution of air power.

The following units have been stationed at Waddington at various points:

  • No. 23 Squadron RAF
  • 11th Aero Squadron
  • 135th Aero Squadron
  • No. 26 Squadron RAF Regiment
  • No. 2956 Squadron RAF Regiment
  • No. 1 Aircraft Storage Unit RAF
  • No. 3 Group Practice Flight RAF
  • No. 6 Blind Approach Training Flight RAF / No. 1506 (Beam Approach Training) Flight RAF
  • No. 9 Conversion Flight RAF
  • No. 27th (Training) Wing RAF
  • No. 44 Conversion Flight RAF
  • No. 53 Base RAF
  • No. 230 Operational Conversion Unit RAF
  • No. 420 Conversion Flight RAF
  • No. 651 Squadron Army Air Corps
  • No. 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF
  • Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refuelling Operational Evaluation Unit RAF
  • DB-7 Flight
  • Electronic Warfare Detachment
  • Electronic Warfare Operational Support Establishment
  • Ferrying Flight
  • Lincoln Conversion Flight RAF
  • Lincoln Reserve Holding Unit RAF
  • Nimrod AEW Joint Trials Unit RAF
  • Sentry Maintenance Squadron
  • Sentry Operational Evaluation Unit RAF
  • Sentry Standards Unit RAF
  • Sentry Training Squadron RAF
  • Vulcan Display Flight
  • Defence Electronic Warfare Centre (DEWC)
  • Electronic Reconnaissance Operations Support Squadron (EROSS)
  • Operational Intelligence Support Centre (OSC)
  • Air Intelligence Centre (AIC)

Airshow Legacy

From Inauguration to Cancellation

The RAF Waddington International Airshow, established in 1995, became one of the largest airshows in the UK, attracting over 140,000 visitors and raising significant funds for charity. However, due to security and operational risks associated with the station's role, particularly concerning Reaper drone operations, the airshow was cancelled after 2015.

Transition and Future

Following the cancellation at Waddington, efforts were made to move the airshow to RAF Scampton, with hopes of its revival. However, the event has not been continued. The station's focus has since returned to its core operational and training mission.

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References

References

A full list of references for this article are available at the RAF Waddington Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not official military advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for official Royal Air Force documentation or consultation with qualified defence professionals. Always refer to official sources for the most current and accurate information regarding RAF operations and history.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.