Lyneham Welcomes New Base Commander
Group Captain Atherton took over as Station Commander RAF Lyneham on Friday 16th December 2005, replacing Group Captain Oborn, a highly respected and popular Officer, who was posted from the Station to attend the Royal College of Defence Studies.

The new Station Commander is already well aware that 2006 will be a demanding year for everyone at Lyneham, with continued support to operations both in Iraq and Afghanistan and no doubt other worldwide commitments.

Although he has never served here before, Group Captain Atherton is a transport aircraft pilot, previously serving with the VC10 fleet, but has operated alongside the Hercules C130s around the world.

Through this, and an Operational Tour in Iraq commanding the Basrah Air Station, he has a close insight into how the Station works, how professional everyone is, and their great contribution to the Hercules Force.

The sheer professionalism and dedication of Lyneham’s deployed personnel was recognised, admired and envied by the Multi-National Coalition Forces. Group Captain Atherton is fully aware of the complex and varied nature of the tasks performed by RAF Lyneham, both in peacetime and during operations.

The next 2 years will be difficult in the form of Operational commitments that the Hercules Force faces around the world, but also with the changes facing the wider defence community. However, Group Captain Atherton is confident that with continued support and working together as a team, Lyneham can meet all of its objectives.

Lyneham is very proud of its links with the local community and it is already apparent to Group Captain Atherton how closely integrated Lyneham actually is. He will endeavour to ensure that this relationship continues to flourish.

Clearly the future of the Station still remains uncertain, however, the Station Commander intends keep everyone fully informed of any developments regarding the planned closure of Lyneham and the move to RAF Brize Norton. He is fully aware of the impact it will have on the Stn, it’s personnel and the local community as a whole.

Group Captain Atherton, Station Commander of RAF Lyneham said,

“I am delighted to be taking over as Station Commander, RAF Lyneham. Coming from an Air Transport background, I am familiar with the challenges facing the Air Transport Force. It is a great honour to take command of any Station, but the honour is even greater when the Station has such a widely acknowledged, operationally focussed and historically proven reputation as that enjoyed by RAF Lyneham. My family and I look forward to our time here and the challenges it will bring.”

RAF Lyneham
www.raf.mod.uk/raflyneham
Royal Air Force Lyneham is home to the RAF’s Tactical Air Transport Force - the Hercules aircraft - and is one of the largest and busiest operational stations in the RAF. The Station badge consists of a comet spanning the globe and terminating in the Antipodes. RAF Lyneham’s motto, which reflects their raison d’être is: 'Support - Save - Supply'