The Prince of Wales visits RAF Valley

The Prince of Wales, Honorary Air Commodore, RAF Valley, visited the airbase for the first time since taking on the role from His Majesty The King last year.

His Royal Highness previously spent three years stationed at RAF Valley whilst serving as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot between 2010 and 2013.

On the visit to the only Royal Air Force station in Wales, The Prince met with personnel and families stationed at the base - including those from No. 4 Flying Training School, which is responsible for training the UK’s next generation of world-class fighter pilots. 

During his tour of the airbase, His Royal Highness also visited the Air Traffic Control Tower to learn more about a £44 million project to refurbish RAF Valley’s second runway and took part in a simulated fire response exercise with the base’s Fire and Rescue Section. The Prince of Wales then joined engineers, Qualified Flying Instructors and trainers in their crew room to hear more about life on the airbase.

His Royal Highness also presented the Prince of Wales Award which recognises the best Qualified Flying Instructor within the No. 4 Flying Training School to Flight Lieutenant Jake Fleming.

RAF Valley is also home to the headquarters of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. This service is on-call to provide Search and Rescue support, Aircraft Post Crash and Incident Management, and medical aid in the mountains, 365 days a year. Before leaving the airbase, The Prince of Wales met with some of the response team to hear more about their experiences of providing vital, life-saving support to the local area.