63 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment have
been on active duty in Afghanistan since February. Their primary role
was to protect Kandahar Air Base in the south east of the country and
ensure its smooth operation for UK and coalition forces. Today, units stationed at Uxbridge include the Headquarters Music Services as well as 63 Squadron (Queen's Colour Squadron) of the RAF Regiment.
After so many years the town has taken the base to its heart but the reception afforded by the crowd clearly came as a shock to some of the returning airmen and women who had not expected such a rapturous homecoming.
For Senior Aircraftman Ed Tolsen, the reception was 'awesome'. He said:
"I never thought it would be on a scale like this. What we came back to today was just incredible."
His thoughts were echoed by the squadron's commander, Squadron Leader Phil Hateley:
"We were just bowled over by the reception. It was a truly exceptional welcome," he said.
Explaining the work undertaken by the squadron in Afghanistan, Sqn Ldr Hateley said much of the time had been spent patrolling the areas around the airfield with particular attention taken to interacting with the locals and counteracting the threat of any insurgents that may use the area for cover to attack the airport.
For Senior Aircraftman Andrew Stobbs of A Flight, who would spend two days out on patrol and two days back in the base, it was a successful tour but one that did have its challenges:
"At times the heat in Afghanistan can be incredible," said SAC Stobbs. "In recent weeks it has reached 50 degrees Celsius and so it's nice to be back where things are a bit cooler - though I'm glad the sun came out for our homecoming parade today!"
SAC Stobbs was also one of many who had left young children to serve in Afghanistan and for him returning to see the development of his one-year-old has been the highlight of his return from theatre.
Like many others he's now planning to go on holiday and spend time with his family before the squadron reforms.
Reflecting on the day and the squadron's tour in Afghanistan, Group Captain Guy van den Berg said:
"It has been a fantastic event and it is a real credit to 63 Squadron. Today has exceeded everyone's expectations.
"63 Squadron has done a fantastic job in Afghanistan in providing force protection for Kandahar, which they have done without any losses. But the real testament to their achievement is that they have not had to go into kinetic operations either.
"Through hearts and minds methods and counter-insurgency techniques they have managed to build strong relationships with the people of the surrounding area. They have done a sterling job and it is great to see them all return."
The squadron will now go on six weeks' leave before returning to public duties in its dual role as the custodian of the Queen's Colour for the RAF.
Source: MOD.co.uk
