RAF prepare for Queen's Diamond Jubilee parade
Drill instructor Sergeant Jono Atherton, charged with putting the troops through their paces ahead of the big day, said, “Bringing together staff from across the RAF it is our task to turn them into a smartly turned out, team ready, to join their sister Services on parade. We are striving for excellence, arm swings and steps all together.”
Crown Copyright/MoD 2012
Her Majesty’s 60 year reign is an historic milestone and it is a long established tradition for the Armed Forces to pay tribute to the monarch during a Jubilee year. RAF personnel rehearsing drill today will form part of a tri-service parade and muster in Windsor before Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh. The parade route will go through the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle, down through the town of Windsor along Castle Hill, Thames Street and Datchet Road and into Home Park (Private) via Town Gate.
RAF Personnel taking part in Queen's Diamond Jubilee events are representing their colleagues across the World including those currently serving in Afghanistan.
Last year pilot Flight Lieutenant Andy Armstrong flew the E-3D Sentry on Operations over Libya. "We provided command and control airborne service to coalition fast jets and humanitarian flights, passing information and assisting in targeting enemy forces."
Looking forward to the big day on Saturday he added, “I'm very proud and pleased to be there on the day, I'll be a bit nervous because there will be a lot of eyes on us; I've got my wife and parents coming to watch.”
New to the RAF, Aircraftsman Stefan Connor starts training as an aerospace systems operator at RAF Boulmer next week straight after the parade on Saturday. “I feel really privileged to be able to take part, it's a once in a life time opportunity. I am particularly excited about being in front of the Queen and am looking forward to the 'eyes right' as I march past."
Crown Copyright/MoD 2012
