13 meets 13 on the 13th

13 SQN ATC had the wonderful opertunity to mee the 13 SQN RAF at Exeter Airport. Although the weather was not at its best a number of cadets had the chance to get close to the hardware.

As featured on the thisisexeter.co.uk website, on the aircadet website: http://www.aircadet.info/newsDetail4.asp?newsID=576 and the RAF web site http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafmarham/newsweather/13sqnatc.cfm

Cadets and staff from 13 City of Exeter Squadron have been visited by their affiliated unit, 13 Squadron RAF.

The Devon Squadron went to Exeter Airport where they were able to view a Tornado strike aircraft which flew in specially to meet them after completing a routine training sortie.

During the 2 hour visit 20 cadets were given a guided tour around the Tornado GR4 by its pilot Phil Jones and weapons systems operator Martyn Finch, who took time to describe the workings of the two-seat, swing wing, all-weather attack & reconnaissance aircraft.

13 Squadron RAF is one of 7 Tornado Squadrons and is based at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

The cadets were able to speak to the crew about what it is like to fly one of the worlds most effective attack aircraft.

"We are very fortunate to share our number with one of the RAF's frontline Squadrons," said spokesman Flying Officer Chris Power.

"We have been affiliated to 13 Squadron RAF since we reformed in 1992, however outfit they are a very busy operational unit and there is a 300 mile drive from Devon to Norfolk, we have only managed 2 visits to RAF Marham to meet the Squadron. When they offered to bring a jet to us, we jumped at the chance."

"13 Squadron ATC would like to thank 13 Squadron RAF and Exeter Airport for allowing us this unique opportunity."