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Celebrating XXV
To help celebrate the squadrons history a 'Friends of XXV (Fighter) Squadron day' was arranged to take place on Saturday 29th March 2008 to allow aviation enthusiasts on the station for close looks at military hardware and a last chance for the public to see some of the squadrons Tornados before they leave service.
An encouraging line-up was promised, despite the inevitable cancellations. Leading up to the event there were fears to the extent that the high winds forecasted the day before might affect arrivals for the event the next day. Thankfully, however the majority of aircraft due arrived as expected including the participants from Mainland Europe, namely being two Danish F16s, two French Mirage F1', a single Tornado IDS and F4 Phantom both from the German Air Force and last but not least two Italian Air Force Tornado IDS'. Despite several cancellations, including the French Alpha Jets (the unexpected second Mirage F1 possibly being a substitute) the line still contained some gems for the enthusiasts. Visitors were also afforded a rare chance to see a XXV Tornado in what has become it's natural habitat in recent years, a Q(uick) R(eaction) A(lert) Hardened Aircraft Shelter (albeit with a non QRA fit). Another XXV F3 was also on display outside it's HAS together with a replica of a Hawker Fury. With the Fury being one of the squadrons earliest mounts, it was an interesting comparison that showed just how much times have changed. A surprising omission from the lines was the XXV special tail scheme F3, the black tailed F3 instead ready for attending the hangar party later that day. Hidden in the HAS behind the F3 and Fury was another F3 marked up in 1435 flight markings (Falkland Islands) which, unfortunately few got to see.
The positioning of air-stairs and allowing extra freedom for those attending the event mid - morning was refreshing to see. The attitude of the personnel gave XXV Squadron the credit it deserves and this should be congratulated, the food was also rather good and well priced! XXV deserve all congratulations for aiming to make something of a public event to celebrate their squadrons heritage before the axe falls on yet another standard, something that we are seeing less of in this day and age and making the effort to give those attending a varied line-up of aircraft that some airshows would have been quite pleased with. We would like to wish personnel from XXV, past and present all the best and, in the case of the present serving men and women wherever their careers take them next. |
In
recent years the Royal Air Force has lost numerous squadrons as the Air
Force continues to reshape itself. The latest squadron to face the end of
it's illustrious life is XXV Squadron, flying Tornado F3s out of RAF
Leeming. The final disbandment planned for 4th April 2008. Steven Hadlow
writes from North Yorkshire, all photos copyright as credited. 
Despite the troublesome weather with strong winds encountered on the Friday before the event, the Saturday itself thankfully was dry for several hours in the morning despite a rather strong wind battering those wandering the
static area before the rain finally arrived in the early afternoon. Slightly disappointing was the placement of tape 'barriers' around the aircraft at a small Photocall but it seems churlish to criticise something so minor at what was a charity event from the goodwill of a squadron. However, one major aspect of the event which must be singled out for praise was the willingness of those staffing the event to assist photographers and to accommodate reasonable requests when possible. 