Moray's Lord Lieutenant awards RAF Lossiemouth personnel for Operation SHADER fight against ISIS
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MORAY'S Lord Lieutenant has presented medals to personnel from RAF Lossiemouth-based 6 Squadron for outstanding service on Operation SHADER – the UK's contribution to the US-led mission against ISIS, or Daesh.
The socially distanced ceremony, held in the main 6 Sqn hangar at RAF Lossiemouth yesterday, was organised to recognise the commitment of both deployed squadron personnel and those supporting operations from the station.
6 Sqn are one of four Typhoon squadrons based at the station, who regularly deploy on global operations including Operation SHADER.
Operation Shader began in August 2014, when the RAF dropped humanitarian air over Northern Iraq. The operation quickly changed to become the UK element in the US-led campaign to destroy ISIS.
An RAF Lossiemouth spokesperson said 6 Sqn had made a valuable contribution in the fight and on wider operations in the Middle East.
Lord Lieutenant of Moray Major General Seymour Monro said: "It is always a genuine privilege to present operational medals.
"6 Squadron had an excellent tour on Operation SHADER, getting to grips with the complications of working in a coalition and of dealing with a multitude of adversaries in the air and on the ground.
"It was a successful endeavour for everyone involved and an anxious time for the families at home.
"I congratulate everyone. You have enhanced the reputation of RAF Lossiemouth. Moray is proud of you."
Wing Commander Matthew D'Aubyn, Officer Commanding 6 Squadron, said: "I’m very grateful to the Lord Lieutenant of Moray for giving up his time to present medals and awards at our presentation ceremony today.
"We adapted our format to cater for Covid-19 restrictions and I’m delighted that we were able to formally recognise the outstanding service and commitment of 6 Squadron personnel in support of Operation SHADER, as well as the fantastic achievements of other personnel around station.
"I also congratulate their amazing families who support us every step of the way and would normally share in these special occasions."
The ceremony marks the completion of another chapter in the long history of 6 Squadron, which dates back to 1914. It was the last RAF Hurricane squadron after World War Two and has completed more than 50 years of continuous overseas service.
