RAF Boulmer tracks Russian aircraft carrier

RAF aerospace battle managers control aircraft in the CRC at RAF Boulmer. Picture by SAC Phil Dye

RAF Boulmer has taken part in one of the largest multi-national exercises hosted by the UK '“ Exercise JOINT WARRIOR '“ which allows land, maritime and air units from NATO and allied countries to conduct operational training together.

Its Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) took a leading role in the exercise. As well as coordinating aircraft and ships, the CRC was involved in exercises simulating the rescue of aircrew shot down in hostile territory.

It also provided a perfect warm-up for CRC Boulmer to work with a variety of NATO ships to track the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and other Russian ships as they crossed the North Sea and English Channel.

Wing Commander Matt Wood, Officer Commanding the CRC, said: “I could not be more proud of the role played by the men and women of CRC Boulmer. Exercise JOINT WARRIOR has provided high quality tactical training for the unit and controlling the air response to the transit of the Russian carrier group proved that the aerospace battle managers in the CRC can deliver operational capability wherever and whenever it is needed in support of UK interests.”