Wing Cmdr Kennett hands over to Wing Cmdr Challen.; RAF Marham, 24/01/11

New commanding officer for RAF Marham Ops Wing

Thursday, February 3, 2011
1:02 PM

Wing Cmdr ‘Chaz’ Kennett has handed over command of RAF Marham’s Operations Wing to Wing Cmdr Andy Challen, after two years in the job.

Wing Cmdr Kennett said: “Commanding Operations Wing at one of the RAF’s busiest fast jet air stations has been both a challenge and an enormous pleasure. “Over the past two years I have had the honour to work with the talented and dedicated people at Marham to support Tornado GR4 operations worldwide.

“It is with a touch of sadness that I hand over Operations Wing, but I can at least take a sense of pride in having been part of a tremendous organisation.”

Wing Cmdr Challen is no stranger to RAF Marham having completed frontline tours with II (AC) and IX (B) sqns during which time he was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service. On promotion to Squadron Leader he held the posts of officer commanding, weapons and tactics training and executive officer on XIII Sqn.

Wing Cmdr Challen said: “It is a huge privilege to be given the opportunity to command Operations Wing at RAF Marham. The Operations Wing has an important role in enabling, supporting, and refining air power for employment on current operations over Afghanistan, as well as wider air power roles.”