Royal Air Force members train on Spangdahlem's flightline

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Two Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 bombers taxi down Spangdahlem’s runway Oct. 22, 2008. The aircraft and support units from the 9th Bomber Squadron, RAF Marham, were taking place in a two-week excerise to provide integration between British air and land forces. (Courtesy Photo)

Royal Air Force members train on Spangdahlem's flightline

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- An American and British maintainer work together to prepare a Tornado GR4 Bomber Oct. 20, 2008. The Royal Air Force sent members of the 9th Bomber Squadron, RAF Marham , to Spangdahlem to participate in a two-week exercise to provide integration between British air and land forces. (Courtesy Photo)

Royal Air Force members train on Spangdahlem's flightline

Published Oct. 27, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Logan Tuttle
52nd Fighter Wing Publici Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- A portion of Spangdahlem's flightline was a temporary home for a group of British Tornado GR4 Bombers for a two-week exercise, continuing the bases tradition of cooperating with international allies.

The jets came from the 9th Bomber Squadron at Royal Air Force Marham in Norfolk , one of the RAF's oldest bomber squadrons. The purpose of participating in the training was to practice air and land integration. This will prepare them to assist the 20th Armoured Brigade of the British Army with close air support and target designation for future deployments. The 20th Brigade is stationed in Paderborn, Germany and the 9th selected Spangdahlem specifically to train in-country with their British Army comrades.

"We deploy all the time. This is a good short, punchy exercise," said Squadron Leader Tim Rand, a Senior Engineer Officer with the 9th BS.

The bomber squadron members say the training has been very useful, and they feel they have performed well preparing their aircraft, getting them into the air and performing their mission.

"We only have a short amount of time to takeoff, and this exercise has gone very well," said Cpl. Simon Hutchings, a weapons technician and flightline supervisor with the squadron.

Many of the RAF members participating in the exercise say they have worked with Americans before, and several have been to Germany. Corporal Hutchings says he enjoys being able to get out and try new things, and his previous experience working with Americans included a five-week exercise in Las Vegas.

"It's always nice to be able to interact with other good guys," said Rand.

Several of the squadron members said they were impressed with the facilities and assistance Spangdahlem was able to provide.

"It's a great base with great people. Everyone's been very helpful," said Senior Aircraftsman Mark Beyer.