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Jim
prepares for retirement
Twenty-four-hours a day, seven days a week a Hercules from
RAF Lyneham will be on the move, either in the local skies
over Wiltshire or at some far away base, delivering a service
just what Fat Albert is best known for. On the Thursday 13th
April, as another C130K arrives at Lyneham, there was a mood
for celebration as members of 47 Squadron gathered together
to welcome Squadron Leader Jim Cunningham from his last flight
as a navigator in the Royal Air Force.
Squadron Leader Cunningham, who is serving his final tour
in the RAF on 47 Squadron, has been in the Air Force for 30
years and is due to retire in August after his future plans
are settled. During his career, he has amassed a staggering
10000 flying hours. He has been a great mentor for those young
and old and his selflessness and dedication to training young
navigators has been an inspiration to all. This was his last
flight and unbeknown to him, members of his Squadron had congregated
in the Air Terminal to celebrate the retirement of one of
the most experienced, dedicated and respected navigators on
the Hercules fleet.
Squadron Leader Cunningham joined the RAF in 1962 as an apprentice,
then as an aircraft technician, before getting his commission
in 1972. He has been involved in many operations across the
world during his three decades of service whilst managing
to keep up his interest in sports and represent the RAF in
squash, swimming and water polo, putting many of his younger
counter parts to shame. |
Squadron Leader Cunningham remarked: “This
has been very emotional for me. I felt very humble when I
saw all the guys I have been working with for the last 5 years
waiting to great me.”
On life after the Air Force, Squadron Leader Cunningham said:
“My wife will pleased my time with the RAF has come
to an end. I will finally be able to get on with the DIY jobs
I have been promising to do in the house.”
Wing Commander Brailsford, Acting Station Commander of RAF
Lyneham said: “Squadron Leader Cunningham has been a
pivotal figure in the success of Lyneham Operations over the
last 30 years. His dedication and loyalty to the Service has
been very inspiring to all those at Lyneham. We wish him all
the best on his retirement.” |
