Apache Squadrons on the move to Wattashambles
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Apache Squadrons on the move to Wattashambles
What is it with you wretched dung-eaters? The RAF handed over a fine fighter base in Constable Country to you dim-witted lot and your horrible, clattering devices....and all you do is moan about it?
Wattisham was a superb RAF base in the Lightning/Phantom era - can you really have made such a bolleaux of the place with nothing more than a few helicopters rattling about the countryside?
Wattisham was a superb RAF base in the Lightning/Phantom era - can you really have made such a bolleaux of the place with nothing more than a few helicopters rattling about the countryside?
.....but don't forget that in a small hangar, on the very site of the old Lightning/Phantom QRA sheds, Wattisham is home to a unit of the RAF's finest 'horrible clattering devices' 
What is it with you wretched dung-eaters? The RAF handed over a fine fighter base in Constable Country to you dim-witted lot and your horrible, clattering devices....and all you do is moan about it?
Wattisham was a superb RAF base in the Lightning/Phantom era - can you really have made such a bolleaux of the place with nothing more than a few helicopters rattling about the countryside?
Wattisham was a superb RAF base in the Lightning/Phantom era - can you really have made such a bolleaux of the place with nothing more than a few helicopters rattling about the countryside?
Promised stabilty at Dishforth, even though deployed heavilly on Ops.
Most guys have wives and families living in their own homes who will now have to move. (Probably whilst hubby is on a deployment!). Or stay and hubby commutes at w-ends...great way to spend the few free w-ends.
Kids in schools around the local area, major upheaval.
Also lets not forget quite a few AH drivers are now completing the return of service for the conversion course..............mmm and just how will this help retention?
I really hope your comments were in jest..................
So how is that worse than the upheaval faced by those who were posted to/from Wattisham to/from Leuchars, Wildenrath or Coningsby back when Wattisham was in RAF hands?
I've only ever heard moans about such a wonderful location from the Army - why?
I've only ever heard moans about such a wonderful location from the Army - why?
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From the article, it makes sense. Its like having all the Merlins at Culdrose. At the MERLIN DEPTH MAINTENANCE FACILITY.
So it'd be easier to get technical advice.
*cynic* or so you'd think, but its not*/cynic*
I can understand the whole "BUGGER, a move" mentality.
So it'd be easier to get technical advice.
*cynic* or so you'd think, but its not*/cynic*
I can understand the whole "BUGGER, a move" mentality.
It's like the Army keep telling us, " You're a part of the military and it comes with the job!"
I didn't see you moaning when approx 80 technicians at Lossie were told "you're posted to Marham."
Perhaps their families and houses count for less because they're in Scotland.
I didn't see you moaning when approx 80 technicians at Lossie were told "you're posted to Marham."
Perhaps their families and houses count for less because they're in Scotland.
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Beagle - you are talking about a long time ago when people 'followed the flag' far more and did not have stability as a promise. They did not own their own houses as much, they were not on ops and were not at the thin edge of the wedge.
You have rose-tinted on - I remember your 'this is terrible, I'm leaving and don't regret it' rants of old. You were a Cold War Warrior and I respect you for that, but people are different, families are different, society is different and the military is different. Some is better, much is not. We do far more than the military ever did with far less. I have sympathy. Can you imagine the volume of whining if BZZ were moved a few hundred miles? I can't.
You have rose-tinted on - I remember your 'this is terrible, I'm leaving and don't regret it' rants of old. You were a Cold War Warrior and I respect you for that, but people are different, families are different, society is different and the military is different. Some is better, much is not. We do far more than the military ever did with far less. I have sympathy. Can you imagine the volume of whining if BZZ were moved a few hundred miles? I can't.
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But the RAF will be in a worse position than the AAC when Brize moves to Lyneham and then, if the SH super base happens and Odiham and Benson move to Lyneham. Thats alot of people moving!!! Not so good for AAC or RAF stabilty i'm sure you agree. I'm also sure you will agree that the chaps and girls at all concerned bases are heavily deployed. I'm sure its a decision not taken lightly by those further up the pay scales. However, for those who are staying in the forces the resulting stability would be better. Well until someone else has a good idea of course!!
I didn't see you moaning when approx 80 technicians at Lossie were told "you're posted to Marham."
Perhaps their families and houses count for less because they're in Scotland
Perhaps their families and houses count for less because they're in Scotland
Why would you think that? I don't agree with anyone being faffed about. The same comments about the AH guys apply to anyone.
Dishforth was set up to be an AH base, expectations were that it would remain so.
Times have changed and all that will happen is people will walk...
Mr Ingram said: "The interest of our military personnel and their families are very important to us and as such, the moves will be managed to ensure minimal impact on them."
Hmmm.... If that's true, then the relocation packages will have to be spectacularly generous in order to retain people.
But the rewards of moving to such an excellent part of the world need to be factored in.
Hmmm.... If that's true, then the relocation packages will have to be spectacularly generous in order to retain people.
But the rewards of moving to such an excellent part of the world need to be factored in.
Why would you think that? I don't agree with anyone being faffed about. The same comments about the AH guys apply to anyone.
I'm inclined to agree about the faffing and stuff but................
I bet an awful lot more stay than go and that's the only measurement that will be noted.
I mentioned it because there were no threads started here on the subject and if one had been started the common style of reply would have been "Comes with the job" or suchlike.
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Whine whine whine...........you really do not see the big picture here do you? Had you done so then you would perhaps realise that crew stability is just not an issue at all. In fact it never has been it is just a notion that is bandied about to placate the workforce. It's all about cutting cost and everything else will take a lower peg of importance. After all, you have a choice - walk or shut up and accept it.
The only weapon you have against the people who want to mess up your life is to leave.
I left when, after promising another flying tour, I was posted to MOD in London from Lossiemouth so I elected to walk - best decision I ever made. Now senior Captain with CHC Scotia and enjoying stability and control over my life (still living in the same house we built in 1990).
CHC is crying out for experienced pilots so now is a very good time to transfer your skills to someone who only wants you for your flying ability - no secondary duties - come in - fly - go home.
HF
I left when, after promising another flying tour, I was posted to MOD in London from Lossiemouth so I elected to walk - best decision I ever made. Now senior Captain with CHC Scotia and enjoying stability and control over my life (still living in the same house we built in 1990).
CHC is crying out for experienced pilots so now is a very good time to transfer your skills to someone who only wants you for your flying ability - no secondary duties - come in - fly - go home.
HF
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Actually, the reason none of the Apache fraternity want to move to Wattisham is because the local area is full of flying complaints, and Dishforth isn’t.
Beagle, in the days of the Lightning and the Phantom, you made a lot of noise for a very short period, and then you were gone. The helicopter is very different. The noise loiters a whole lot longer. In Suffolk you can’t fly for any longer than a minute in any direction without having to turn to avoid over-flying some pointy-heads farm.
The Apache has done so well on operations, as a result of fantastic training, flown in the majority of cases in the north of England, flying from good old Dishforth.
Without saying too much, an average sortie would include low level to Spade, a few runs against a system or two, then low-level departure, climb for a IF recovery to Leeming, and all on one tank of gas. Outstanding value, day and night. Now, lets see how far can you go on a tank of gas from Wattisham. Marham, PAR overshoot to Coltishall, oh no that’s right, Coltishall has closed. Marham, PAR overshoot for further then back to Wattisham for PAR to overshoot for further and land. Outstanding. NOT!
I'm in the Army and I'll move where ever they tell me, and indeed I'll be off to Wattashambles with the Mrs, but not out of choice. The move of the Apache to Wattisham has been forced upon us, not for the right reasons; I disagree with it and can't see myself living with it for too long.
Beagle, in the days of the Lightning and the Phantom, you made a lot of noise for a very short period, and then you were gone. The helicopter is very different. The noise loiters a whole lot longer. In Suffolk you can’t fly for any longer than a minute in any direction without having to turn to avoid over-flying some pointy-heads farm.
The Apache has done so well on operations, as a result of fantastic training, flown in the majority of cases in the north of England, flying from good old Dishforth.
Without saying too much, an average sortie would include low level to Spade, a few runs against a system or two, then low-level departure, climb for a IF recovery to Leeming, and all on one tank of gas. Outstanding value, day and night. Now, lets see how far can you go on a tank of gas from Wattisham. Marham, PAR overshoot to Coltishall, oh no that’s right, Coltishall has closed. Marham, PAR overshoot for further then back to Wattisham for PAR to overshoot for further and land. Outstanding. NOT!
I'm in the Army and I'll move where ever they tell me, and indeed I'll be off to Wattashambles with the Mrs, but not out of choice. The move of the Apache to Wattisham has been forced upon us, not for the right reasons; I disagree with it and can't see myself living with it for too long.
AHQHI656SQN
"Now, lets see how far can you go on a tank of gas from Wattisham."
After you get bored of the QE2 Bridge tour, the Norfolk Broads and the Cambridge Fens, you could always buzz the pikie camp at Woodbridge.
Holbeach is always nice. Stow that TADS after though, lots of birds about on the coast!
"Now, lets see how far can you go on a tank of gas from Wattisham."
After you get bored of the QE2 Bridge tour, the Norfolk Broads and the Cambridge Fens, you could always buzz the pikie camp at Woodbridge.
Holbeach is always nice. Stow that TADS after though, lots of birds about on the coast!
Well OK, chaps, I can see your point about being reluctant to relocate - the turbulence of posting is a definite push force these days, it seems.
But I find it hard to believe that the 'pointy heads' of Suffolk consider the Apache more of an annoyance than 2 squadrons of F4s were. We also flew some low level trips around East Anglia - as did our Buccaneer and later, Tornado, colleagues at Honington and Marham. And the Colt Jags, Twinbase A-10s and Wyton Canberras.....
If the objection is on legitimate tactical training grounds, then you most certainly have a genuine complaint and need to make the point with the MoD-box dwellers. But if it's just that the Army doesn't like Suffolk (which I still don't understand...), then that's hardly a good reason to feel quite so aggrieved - apart from the general turbulence of relocation, that is.
But I find it hard to believe that the 'pointy heads' of Suffolk consider the Apache more of an annoyance than 2 squadrons of F4s were. We also flew some low level trips around East Anglia - as did our Buccaneer and later, Tornado, colleagues at Honington and Marham. And the Colt Jags, Twinbase A-10s and Wyton Canberras.....
If the objection is on legitimate tactical training grounds, then you most certainly have a genuine complaint and need to make the point with the MoD-box dwellers. But if it's just that the Army doesn't like Suffolk (which I still don't understand...), then that's hardly a good reason to feel quite so aggrieved - apart from the general turbulence of relocation, that is.
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AHQHI656SQN Said; "Actually, the reason none of the Apache fraternity want to move to Wattisham is because the local area is full of flying complaints, and Dishforth isn’t."
Do you mean to tell me that that is THE reason? Absolute rubbish and you know it. The reason there are very few complaints - if any - in the Dishforth area is quite simply because the cabs are hardly ever airborne in the area. To all intents and purposes the place is the quietest it has ever been. The blokes are always away places abroad and when they are not they are away on exercise miles from their base. I live within earshot of Dishforth and under a regularly used transit path and in the last 2 years I have only ever heard 2 rumble by. [They actually sound like a diesel train and are far quieter than the Lynx or Gazelle] That is why the complaint log is very low.
Since when have crews put the complaint log as the highest priority when determining their future desires? Never! Besides, whatashame and the surrounding area is from a flight point of view the most boring and useless part of the country to be in.
HAND
Do you mean to tell me that that is THE reason? Absolute rubbish and you know it. The reason there are very few complaints - if any - in the Dishforth area is quite simply because the cabs are hardly ever airborne in the area. To all intents and purposes the place is the quietest it has ever been. The blokes are always away places abroad and when they are not they are away on exercise miles from their base. I live within earshot of Dishforth and under a regularly used transit path and in the last 2 years I have only ever heard 2 rumble by. [They actually sound like a diesel train and are far quieter than the Lynx or Gazelle] That is why the complaint log is very low.
Since when have crews put the complaint log as the highest priority when determining their future desires? Never! Besides, whatashame and the surrounding area is from a flight point of view the most boring and useless part of the country to be in.
HAND