‘Ramp-tramps’ keep operation on the move...

As the British airbridge to the Gulf continue apace, UK Mobile Air Movements Squadron has been providing the essential expertise in moving hundreds of troops and tons of kit and equipment.

The Lyneham based squadron, commanded by Wg Cdr John Bessell, is also maintaining a number of UK commitments supporting the operation, including teams working at the main air mounting centre at South Cerney.

Personnel are working with J and K model Hercules, Tristars, C-17s, as well as a number of civilian passengers and freight aircraft.

Assisted by auxiliary movers of 4624 Squadron, MAMS personnel have moved more than 1,000,000kg of freight, 51,551kgs of bags and around 690 passengers through Lyneham since February 1.

Due to the versatility of the Hercules, more than 70 vehicles, from Land Rovers to quad bikes have been flown to the Gulf.

First in

A squadron spokesman said: "As one of the RAF's air combat units, UKMAMS will invariable by one of the first airfield enablers into any theatre.

Speaking of the operation in the Gulf, he added: “While the common or garden ‘ramp tramp’ is a noble profession, squadron personnel pride themselves on their excellent all-round specialist

knowledge of all things ‘air transport’ and, as such, this expertise has been much sought after." In addition to airfield duties, movers have found themselves firmly ensconced with multi-national and tri-service headquarters, providing valuable support and advice, thus ensuring the smooth flow of aircraft, personnel and equipment into theatre.

Squadron personnel have been working closely with the American forces and soldiers from 29 Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps.

“UKMAMS have around 75 per cent of its deployable personnel liberally scattered worldwide. They will no doubt be there to greet personnel as they scurry off a Hercules ramp or down the aircraft steps into the dizzying lights and arid atmosphere of the Middle East.”

Text reproduced by permission of the Editor, RAF News.

Memories, Recollections and Thoughts

E-Mail sent by Rip Kirby just a week after Op Telic started