Lossiemouth Squadron to be Disbanded

02 March 2011

Moray Task Force responded with disbelief to an announcement from the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday that two RAF Tornado squadrons are to be disbanded on June 1.

The MoD statement said that 13 Squadron, based at RAF Marham, and 14 Squadron, based at RAF Lossiemouth, had been  selected by the Air Force Board Standing Committee, taking into account operational commitments and the relative seniority of the squadrons at each base.

Local politicians and task force representatives expressed disappointed at the piecemeal approach which is being taken in informing the community about decisions.

It was also described as a 'slap in the face' for our servicemen who only the week before had been cheered by the Moray people at a homecoming parade in Elgin. This was held to mark their return from active service in Afghanistan.

There was an assurance that the disbandment of these squadrons did not mean that their personnel will automatically be made redundant.

They are to be found alternative employment in the short term, with a view to finding other permanent roles, although not necessarily in their current location.

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