07 Oct 05. RAF Squadrons: Reorganisation. 54 Squadron re-formed on 5 Sep 05 as 54(R) Squadron; the Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C2ISTAR) Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) based at Waddington. 10 Squadron, based at Brize Norton, is to be disbanded on 14 Oct 05, with aircraft and personnel transferring
to 101 Squadron. Comment: 54 Squadron, a former Jaguar unit based at Coltishall, disbanded on 11 Mar 05. The re-formed Squadron’s new role as an OCU emerged from a reorganisation of ISTAR flight training. The enlarged 101 Squadron, which will become the largest unit within the RAF, is also based at Brize Norton. However, aircraft are currently operating from Fairford since all flying ceased at Brize Norton on 19 Sep 05. Flights are due to resume at Brize Norton on 2 Jan 06, following repairs to the runway.(Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 05/38, 07 Oct 05)
22 Sep 05. University Air Squadrons (UAS): Training Programme. The MoD announced changes to UAS training: students will no longer have to undertake elementary RAF flying training as undergraduates. As a result, nine airfields will no longer be used for UAS elementary training while Church Fenton will see an increase in flying and Cranwell will see a slight reduction. Comment: The changes are being introduced in order to produce a “fairer system”, with UAS members undertaking elementary flying training on the Grob Tutor after graduation, along with other pilot entrants to the RAF. The reduction in UAS flying should also allow for an increase in Air Cadet air experience flying. There are currently 14 UAS squadrons, with some 1,000 students, based at 12 airfields.(Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 05/38, 07 Oct 05)
30 Sep 05. Welbeck College: Royal Opening. HRH The Duchess of Gloucester formally opened Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College, which provides co-educational boarding facilities for 16 to 18 year olds. The Defence Sixth Form College replaces the former Army Sixth Form College which was based at Welbeck Abbey. Comment: Welbeck provides a technical education for male and female students seeking a career in either the Armed Forces or the MoD Civil Service. The College has the capacity to accommodate up to 380 students who are then destined to attend one of five selected universities before joining the Service of their choice. The Minerva Consortium was selected in January 2003, under a £300m Private Finance Initiative (PFI) arrangement, to build and then manage the College over a 30-year period. (Source: DNA DEFENCE NEWS ANALYSIS, Issue 05/38, 07 Oct 05)
06 Oct 05. The Department of Defense announced today the decision to appoint
Donald M. Kerr, director of the National Reconnaissance Office, as the assistant to the secretary of the Air Force (intelligence space technology) effective Oct. 3. Kerr, in addition to serving as NRO’s director, will now support the
secretary of the Air Force in carrying out his DoD executive agent for space
responsibilities and ensure DoD and NRO programs, activities, and operations are
properly aligned.
06 Oct 05. SELEX Communications announced its new organisational structure. The following operations and functions report to Phil Robinson as the Senior Vice President, SELEX Communications UK:
Market-focused are now operational as follows:
* Military Specialised Communications, led by David McDonald
* Military Networks, led by John Rosie
* Avionics CNI, led by Phil Robinson, ad interim
* Professional Communications, led by Dave Evans. Special responsibility for securing new Business will be led by Richard Thurston
03 Oct 05. Rear Adm. (lower half) (selectee) Tony L. Cothron is being assigned as chief of staff, National Security Agency, Washington, D.C. Cothron is currently serving as commander, Office of Naval Intelligence, Washington, D.C.
04 Oct 05. Rear Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III is being assigned as director,