The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Air Crew | Ground Crew | Headquarters Staff

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT HEADQUARTERS STAFF

OFFICER COMMANDING

Squadron Leader Al Pinner MBE RAF took over as Officer Commanding BBMF in January 2006. As the OC he is responsible for overseeing the operations, administration and engineering on the Flight and, in particular, for the overall planning and management of the extensive display programme undertaken by the BBMF every year. Prior to joining BBMF, Al managed to stay in a cockpit for 5 consecutive tours flying Harriers of various marks and the CF18 Hornet on exchange in Quebec with the Canadian Forces. This is Al's third season as Officer Commanding.

OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

(Left To Right) Jim Stewart, Jeanette O'Connell, Flt Lt Jack Hawkins, Di Holland

Flight Lieutenant Jack Hawkins joined the RAF as an aircraft apprentice (100 th entry) in 1962. Selected in 1969 for aircrew training at RAF Topcliffe, his first posting was to 204 Sqn on Shackletons at RAF Honington. He subsequently served as an Air Electronics Officer on Nimrods with 51, 201 and 206 Squadrons and with 9 Squadron on Vulcans. After ground tours as an Initial Officer Training Flight Commander and at MOD(PE), he returned to flying on Victor Tankers at Marham with 55 Squadron. Following this tour he was posted to Waddington as the Short-term Planner for E3-D �Sentry' (AWACS) operations. In 1998 he joined the BBMF as the Operations Officer / Adjutant. Amongst his many duties he occasionally crews the Dakota and Chipmunk but primarily coordinates all the detailed planning for the many display events attended by the BBMF each year.

Jim Stewart joined the Flight in the new post of Operations Assistant in 2004. He previously served in the RAF for 37 years as an MT driver and transport manager, retiring as a Warrant Officer. He provides assistance to the Operations Officer and is specifically responsible for providing accurate and up-to-date flight planning information, and for the smooth running of the Flight's Operations Room. This is Jim's fifth season with BBMF.

Di Holland joined the Flight in May 2005, having previously worked in the Works Services and Catering Flights at RAF Coningsby. She provides invaluable �behind the scenes' administrative support to the Flight's public display activities. Amongst many responsibilities she arranges all the accommodation for BBMF crews when they deploy away from base during the display season. This is Di's fourth season with BBMF.

Jeanette O'Connell Joined the Flight in the new post of Publicity Relations Officer in May 2006. She has worked for MOD for over 20 years at a number of MOD establishments including the Defence Helicopter Support Authority, Defence Aviation Repair Agency and the Scottish NATO POL Organisation. She is responsible for the coordination of all PR activities through various media outlets, Flight visits, the BBMF website and is normally the first point of contact for telephone enquires. This is Jeanette's third season with the BBMF.