RAF Brize Norton is a particularly poignant place to visit not least for the part is played in bringing our personnel back from Iraq and Afghanistan between October 2001 and October 2014.  Recently Brize has had a change of command with a fond farewell to Group Captain Claire O’Grady and a warm welcome to Group Captain Louise Henton, OBE.

The station’s life began in 1937 under the name RAF Carterton, after the neighbouring town. The very first unit to operate from Brize was N°2 Flying Training School and in 1938 they were joined by N°6 Maintenance Unit. From humble beginnings, the station grew with 110 Squadron in June 1939 operating Bristol Blenheim Mk.1 & IV in the prelude to WW2. More units were to join in the build-up to the outbreak of war in September 1939. On 16th August 1940 the Luftwaffe attacked with the destruction of 35 Oxfords and 11 Hawker Hurricanes. In the summer of 1942 the station’s existing units were moved on to make way for a new Heavy Glider Conversion Unit (HGCU). The two squadrons, 296 Squadron and 297 Squadron, who were operating the Armstrong Whitworth Albemarle. Both squadrons were directly involved in Operation Overlord and Market Garden.  

With plenty of activity occurring during the Second World War, Brize was cementing it’s place in the strategical picture of the Royal Air Force. However in 1950 segments of the new USAF, Strategic Air Command were utilising the base and helped to extend the runway from 6,000ft to 9,000ft. The USAF were operational there until 1965, during that time they operated B-36 Peacemakers, B-29 Superfortress and KB-29 tankers from the station. With the advancement of technology and jet powered strategical bombers, B-47 Stratojets deployed there for 90-days. Also showing up KC-135s, B-58s and B-52s.

Fittingly, on 1st April 1965, Brize was handed back to the Royal Air Force. With its longer runway, Brize, was a prime spot for the relatively new VC-10 fleet. 10 Squadron operated the VC-10 whilst 53 Squadron operated the Belfast C.1. In May 1984 101 Squadron formed with the VC-10 in a tanker specific role. In the wake of the 1982 Falklands war, it was identified that the RAF was somewhat lacking in strategical transport options. With that 216 Squadron was formed in November 1984 with 6 TriStars.

Fast-forward to the 2000’s operations, in May 2001 the RAF received the first of the C-17A globemaster III which formed 99 Squadron. Also operating at Brize were the C-130, A400M and A330 Voyager. Brize has been at the forefront of every major operation in the last 50 years, Corporate (1982), Granby (1990), TELIC (2003-11), Herrick (2001-14), Shader (2014), Ruman (2017) and Pitting (2021). This illustrated Brize’s role in not just a combat theatre but also their role in global humanitarian efforts delivering medical and food supplies to those in greatest need.

“The Station is home to the RAF's Air Mobility Force, encompassing Strategic and Tactical Air Transport, and Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) forces, as well as being host to many lodger and reserve units.

With its mixed fleet of aircraft, RAF Brize Norton provides rapid global mobility in support of UK overseas operations and exercises, as well as AAR support for fast jet aircraft, both on operations and in support of UK Homeland Defence.”

Current air operations are maintained by:

10 Squadron   -           Voyager

24 Squadron    -          Atlas C.1 (A400M) & C-17

30 Squadron    -          Atlas C.1 (A400M)

70 Squadron   -           Atlas C.1 (A400M)

99 Squadron    -          C-17

101 Squadron  -          Voyager

206 Squadron  -          Atlas C.1 (A400M) Test and Evaluation Squadron

With seven flying squadrons at Brize, the station is a hub of activity which inevitably means that it’s a place that isn’t usually accessible to members of the public that often.

Before the day had even started when I turned up I heard that the two KC-130s from the USMC were still holding for take-off so I jumped onto the roof of my car and shot those. Love something a bit different.  

For the day’s shoot, 99 Squadron would be our hosts, a squadron that has been around since 1917. The squadron saw active service across the Western Front in WW1, Europe and Asia during WW2, Iraq and Libya. 99 Squadron were also instrumental in supporting humanitarian efforts in hurricane relief in Belize in 1961 and in the Caribbean in 2017.  

On the ramp we had C17s ZZ171 and ZZ173, we also had a single A400 ZM402. Across onto the active ramp in front of the main terminal buildings was a few Voyagers including ZZ336, the painted jet known by the aviation commuity as 'Vespina'.

ZZ171 was delivered to the RAF in May 2001 and currently operates in 99 Squadron delivering air mobility transport capabilities.

ZZ173 was delivered to the RAF shortly after 171 in July 2001 and also carries out the same operational functions.

ZM402, an A400M, was delivered to the RAF in February 2015 and currently is termed as a ‘pool’ aircraft between 24 and 70 Squadron. Whilst 24 Squadron is responsible for aircrew training 70 Squadron is an operational squadron with front line duties.

This photoshoot was organised by Threshold Aero in cooperation and indeed raising money for the Royal Air Force Association. For more information and how you can get involved in their important work please click on the below link.

We had an early afternoon and a late afternoon early evening session to get through. 99 Squadron were unbelievable hosts, providing not only squadron merch AKA ‘AV Swag’ but they also threw us a BBQ. Compliments to our temporary RAF Chef in his cowboy hat! Awesome skills!

This was my first time actually visiting Brize airside. It is by far the largest station I’ve been on and really does live up to its purpose of air mobility. I cannot thank 99 Squadron enough, I had a great time and it was great to talk to some of the squadron members in a relaxed setting and learn about their crucial work.

Suffice to say I would love to go back! But for now check out the video below for a little flavour.