A member of the royal family has commemorated three decades of the unit’s life-saving operations.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal toured the Tactical Medical Wing located at the Brize Norton air base during an event honoring the unit’s 30th anniversary.
The Princess Royal holds the position of Honorary Air Commodore at RAF Brize Norton and attended alongside senior defence leadership as well as serving and retired personnel.
She examined the operational facilities and viewed demonstrations of the wing’s primary capabilities, which involve providing medical treatment and transport in difficult conditions worldwide.
Wing Commander Rosie, commanding officer of Tactical Medical Wing, stated: “Throughout three decades, Tactical Medical Wing has established an impressive legacy of rescue capability, built on years of dedication, innovation and bravery.
That legacy now rests with outstanding individuals – our full-time, part-time and civilian staff – collaborating as a unified team.
Prepared to act at any moment and location with worldwide capability – they function in the most challenging settings, merging expert medical skills with care and decisive leadership under pressure to provide assistance when essential.
They represent the finest qualities of military service, and I take great pride – and feel deeply honored – to lead them.”
The Princess Royal engaged with both active and former personnel before delivering an address discussing the wing’s heritage and continued significance to defence efforts.
The occasion carried additional meaning because the wing was unable to commemorate its 25th anniversary during the coronavirus outbreak.
Her trip aligned with two other significant achievements for Defence Medical Services.
The Critical Care Air Support Team is recognizing 25 years of operation, while the Medical Emergency Response Team celebrates its 20th year. Both teams have been instrumental in developing rapid-treatment capabilities for medical situations in dangerous locations.
Air Commodore Hamilton, leading RAF Global Enablement, commented: “As we observe Tactical Medical Wing’s 30th anniversary, we recognize three decades of steadfast dedication to rescuing lives under the most demanding circumstances.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Critical Care Air Support Team and the 20th anniversary of the Medical Emergency Response Team, two innovative capabilities that have transformed emergency medical treatment in conflict zones.
Together, these achievements demonstrate the exceptional commitment, creativity and skill of our RAF Medical Personnel, both serving and reserve, who maintain superior standards for international medical support.
I offer sincere gratitude to all former and current members for their dedication and sacrifice.”
The Princess Royal concluded her visit by observing a flypast featuring an RAF Atlas aircraft, marking three decades of distinguished service.