Several people who work at Cumbria’s  active RAF base have been named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

RAF Spadeadam, the only active RAF base in the county, has issued a statement congratulating the deserved recipients, recognised for their services to the military.

These members of the RAF Spadeadam personnel are Mr Talvis (George) Burlson, a recipient of the deputy commander operations commendation, as well as Flt Lt James Fairman, FS Jim Blenkinsop, Cppl Mike Aitken, and AS1 Josh Clegg, who have all been awarded the air officer commanding No 1 group commendation.

RAF Spadeadam’s station commander, Wing Commander Tidmarsh, said: “The past few years have placed extraordinary expectations on defence, which has risen to meet the various security challenges faced by the nation.

“From supporting the government's response to the Coronavirus pandemic; conducting the evacuation of non-combatants from Afghanistan; to facing the reality of a resurgent and aggressive Russia, highlighted by its illegal invasion of Ukraine; defence has been at the forefront of keeping our country and our people safe.

“At the heart of defence are its incredible people, who are always prepared to step up whenever they are required.

“RAF Spadeadam plays a vital role in supporting the entire military's preparedness to face adversary air defence systems.

“I am extremely pleased that the efforts of those serving at RAF Spadeadam have been recognised in this year's New Year's Honours.

“They are wholly deserving and are a shining example of those who serve.

“I am deeply honoured to have served alongside those individuals, as well as all the others at this incredible station."

RAF Spadeadam is the only Electronic Warfare Tactics facility in Europe where aircrews can practise manoeuvres and tactics against a variety of threats and targets that they face in contemporary warfare. 

The facility attracts aircraft from the RAF, Royal Navy, British Army and NATO Forces.

The survival of aircrews over Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere, and the soldiers on the ground who depend on air support, are affected by the training provided by RAF Spadeadam.

RAF Spadeadam is the largest RAF Station by land area, covering 9600 acres, and is run by a small team of RAF personnel, civil servants and contractors working in partnership.

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