RAF Valley celebrates its 80th anniversary

RAF Valley, which is responsible for training the UK's next generation of fighter pilots, celebrates 80 years this spring.

This year marks eight decades since the formation of RAF Valley, which is situated on the island of Anglesey in Wales. The station was first opened in February 1941 as RAF Rhosneigr before being renamed two months later, and since then it has been the home of many different aircraft in a variety of roles.

During the Second World War RAF Valley operated as a fighter station to defend Merseyside and the Irish Sea. From 1943, it became a major staging post for USAAF aircraft arriving from the United States to help the war effort.

After the Second World War, RAF Valley became a flying training station for the RAF and Royal Navy. Today, it is the home of No 4 Flying Training School, operating the BAE Hawk TMk2. This advanced jet trainer provides the ideal trainer for pilots graduating on to front line aircraft such as the Typhoon and F-35.

Group Captain Andrew Turk, Station Commander at RAF Valley, said: "It's a pleasure to be leading the station through its 80th anniversary this year. Since RAF Valley's formation in 1941, the RAF Benevolent Fund has played a crucial role in the welfare and wellbeing of everyone at the station by providing practical, financial and emotional assistance. Knowing that this support is available for all current and former members of the RAF is reassuring especially in the toughest of times."

In late 2019, RAF Valley became the home of Basic Flying Training, the second phase of Fast Jet training for the RAF and Royal Navy. Following on from Elementary Flying Training, Basic Flying Training using the Texan T1 prepares students for Advanced Flying Training on the Hawk T2 jet trainer. In addition to this, RAF Valley is also home to the Mountain Rescue Service.

The RAF Benevolent Fund spent more than £6,000 at RAF Valley last year alone, supporting the station's 1,500 service personnel, civil servants and contractors. From the creation of a co-working hub to Covid-19 welfare packs, the Fund is proud to assist the station as it celebrates such a significant anniversary.