The “exceptional” RAF Lossiemouth personnel who staved off Russian threats during peacekeeping mission in the Baltics have been awarded medals for their service.
Back on home soil, Group Captain Mark Chappell, Station Commander at the Moray base, presented operational keepsake medals to the airmen and engineers who were deployed to Amari airbase in Estonia this summer.
The personnel served as part of the UK’s commitment to the Baltic Air Policing Mission between May and August and focused much of their efforts on intercepting Russian aircraft.
As well as ground crew, air crew and support personnel from 6 squadron, servicemen from C4i squadron, Mechanical Engineering squadron and 1 (Fighter) squadron contributed to the Nato mission.
Group Captain Chappell said: “On any operational mission our airmen and women always give their best.
“I am delighted to be able to present medals to the personnel from RAF Lossiemouth who took part in the Baltic Air Policing Mission in Estonia this summer.
“As ever, RAF Lossiemouth personnel performed with exceptional professionalism and integrity in a challenging and demanding environment.”
Two members of 6 Squadron have also been recognised by the mission’s deployment commander for their exceptional contribution to the mission in Estonia and presented with individual commendations.
Defence secretary Michael Fallon said: “Once more the RAF and our state of the art Typhoon fighters have demonstrated our commitment to Nato’s collective defence.”
The keepsake Nato Baltic Air Policing Mission Medal is awarded to individuals for their successful participation in the Nato Baltic Air Policing mission.
It is awarded by the mutual decision of the commanders of the Estonian Defence Forces, the National Armed Forces of Latvia and the chief of defence of Lithuania.
In August, the returning airmen came back to a hero’s welcome at the Moray base and were greeted with cheers of applause and a bottle of champagne.
Those returning to take part in their second and subsequent Baltic Air Policing missions are awarded the appropriate numeral to be attached to their original medal.