New squadron to be created at RAF Cosford
A new squadron is to be be created at RAF Cosford, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard revealed the MoD will create a new Royal Auxillary Air Force Squadron at RAF Cosford, which will be named 605 Squadron. He said the news was confirmed to him by Minister for Reserves Julian Brazier.
The squadron will have a maximum trained strength of up to 120 part-time volunteer reserve posts and 14 full-time equivalent posts, and will be a general service support squadron offering a variety of branches and trades opportunities in support of the RAF around the region.
It is due to start recruiting during the remainder of this year and next and will take up to four years to become fully operational.
Mr Pritchard said RAF Cosford had been chosen "to right a wrong" in light of a shortage of Royal Auxillary Air Force presence in the West Midlands. He said: "This is excellent news for the RAF and for Shropshire and is another vote of confidence in RAF Cosford, which continues to thrive and prosper."
It comes four years after doubt was cast over the future of RAF Cosford as a military base when the previous Government announced it wanted to construct a defence super-centre at an air force base in St Athan in South Wales. The plans were eventually scrapped.
Mr Pritchard said: "From the threat of being mothballed just four short years ago, RAF Cosford is now expanding and thriving. The basing of this new but historic squadron at RAF Cosford is a huge vote of confidence in Shropshire and the base itself. I am working hard to get even more defence business for Shropshire and this is is more good news."
The Royal Auxillary Air Force is the RAF's voluntary reserve section which provides mainly reinforcements for the regular service. It consists of paid volunteers who train on weekends, evenings and holidays.
