On 2nd April, the World Traders were honoured to visit 28 (AC) Squadron at RAF Benson to present the prestigious Airman of the Year awards for both 2024 and 2025. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to visit with the Squadron, gain insight into its evolving operational role, and recognise the outstanding achievements of its personnel.
A Warm Welcome and Operational Insight
Our delegation of World Traders was warmly received by the Officer Commanding 28 (AC) Squadron, Wing Commander Ryan Beynon, whose hospitality and rapport with his Squadron set the tone for a fascinating visit. Over coffee with some of his senior aircrew, World Traders were able to discuss the Squadron’s current priorities before joining a detailed briefing on the history of the Squadron and developments since the Company’s previous visit.
28 (AC) Squadron continues to play a critical role within the RAF. Its primary mission is the safe delivery of exceptional training and education to aircrew, preparing them for front-line support helicopter operations. Graduates of the programme typically progress to RAF Odiham, joining 7, 18, or 27 Squadron, where their work ultimately ensures that ground forces are supported effectively – getting the right people to the right place at the right time.
A Squadron Adapting to Change
Currently around 150 personnel strong, 28 (AC) Squadron comprises approximately 50 aircrew, including around 10 pilots, supported by 80 engineers, 25 support staff, and 50 trainees.
In recent months, global demands have required a significant proportion of the Squadron’s resources to be redirected towards active warfighting roles. This shift has inevitably placed pressure on training capacity, resulting in delays to current programmes and reflecting the broader operational tempo faced by the RAF.
Despite these challenges, 28 (AC) Squadron continues to deliver comprehensive, multi-role Chinook training of the highest standard. In contrast to the United States Air Force, where squadrons often specialise in a single role, the RAF adopts a more versatile approach. Aircrew are trained across a wide spectrum of operations, including low flying by day and night, formation flying in both conditions, tactical and Army support missions, as well as specialist disciplines such as gunnery, mountain flying, and winching. This breadth of capability ensures that our RAF crews remain among the most adaptable and effective in the world.
Developments Since Our Last Visit
Since our previous visit, the Squadron has experienced a number of significant developments. The Puma helicopter fleet has been retired from service, marking the end of an era, while the training framework has evolved with the transition from delivering the ‘Limited Mission Qualification’ (LMQ) to the ‘Basic Mission Qualification’ (BMQ) which rather than being ‘limited’ is ensuring that aircrew reach a broad, standardised level of core mission competence across essential roles and are operationally ready for frontline operations upon completion. Last year, the Squadron was honoured to welcome a prestigious Royal Visit from HRH The Prince of Wales and the Crown Prince of Jordan, and they also took part in Exercise Kukri Dawn at RAF Leuchars.
Acting essentially as a front-line ‘reserve’ squadron, 28 (AC) Squadron continues to deploy globally, delivering elite training and engineering support in diverse and demanding environments, including San Diego, Norway, Estonia, and Jordan.
The World Traders Airman of the Year Awards
Past Master Baroness Garden of Frognal, who serves as The World Traders’ Liaison Officer to the Squadron, delivered a wonderfully entertaining speech. She spoke warmly of the Squadron’s distinctive culture, highlighting its “can-do atmosphere which is both friendly and extremely professional.” Her longstanding admiration for the Squadron’s vital contribution to national defence was clear and she concluded by presenting our Airman of the Year awards. In doing so, Baroness Garden of Frognal not only recognised the individual achievements of the recipients, who each received £500 from The World Traders’ Charitable Trust, but she also celebrated the collective strength, dedication, and professionalism that define 28 (AC) Squadron.
Airman of the Year Awards
2024: Air Specialist 1 Nick Simmons
Air Specialist 1 Nick Simmons was recognised for his exceptional dedication and professionalism. Quietly effective and never seeking recognition, he consistently delivers results that significantly enhance Squadron output.
For six months, AS1 Simmons held acting higher rank, performing at an elevated level while continuing to meet all his regular responsibilities to an exemplary standard. His contributions to training have been instrumental, ensuring continuity and stability within the Squadron despite personnel turnover. Balancing these responsibilities alongside preparations for deployment highlights his remarkable commitment. AS1 Simmons truly embodies the highest standards of service and is a highly deserving recipient of this honour.
2025: Air Specialist 1 (Technician) Mike Leek
Air Specialist 1 (Technician) Mike Leek has demonstrated outstanding performance since completing Phase 2 training, consistently operating beyond the expectations of his experience.
Selected ahead of his peers for key responsibilities during deployment to Cyprus, he played a vital role in supporting aerial firefighting operations during severe wildfires. Acting in a higher rank, he led a team of technicians to complete critical maintenance tasks, including a complex rotor head replacement under pressure and ahead of schedule, ensuring minimal disruption to operational capability.
His continued contributions extend beyond deployment. Supporting maintenance efforts in the USA and playing a key role in developing the Rotary Wing Support Hub at RAF Benson, his leadership and technical expertise have been instrumental in raising standards across the organisation. AS1(T) Leek exemplifies excellence in military service and is a worthy recipient of the highest recognition.
A Memorable Visit
Following the awards presentation, World Traders were generously hosted at lunch before being given a fascinating tour of the Squadron’s Chinook helicopters. This hands-on experience provided a rare and insightful glimpse into the engineering excellence and operational capability behind these remarkable aircraft.
Under the expert guidance of Wg Cdr Beynon and his expert squadron aircrew, guests had the opportunity to explore the helicopters up close – learning about their design, ongoing developments and the complex engineering that underpins their performance. World Traders were even invited to try on elements of their combat dress and operational kit before climbing aboard the aircraft themselves, gaining a true appreciation for the scale and versatility of the squadron’s impressive fleet of Chinooks.
Our visit was both engaging and educational, offering a deeper understanding of the skill, precision, and teamwork required to operate and maintain these enormous helicopters. It served as a fitting and memorable conclusion to an inspiring visit, further strengthening the relationship between World Traders and 28 (AC) Squadron.
