MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

New UK Chief of Joint Operations visits Falklands

The United Kingdom newly appointed Chief of Joint Operations (UK) Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach KCB CBE has enjoyed a busy, week long visit to the Falkland Islands.

After being delayed for 24 hours at Ascension Island, Air Marshal Peach wasted little time upon his arrival, heading straight out to HMS Manchester via Lynx helicopter.

Commander Paul Beattie RN welcomed the Air Marshal onboard before a naval capability presentation was given by Lt Commander Higham.

Lunch was held in the Captain’s cabin prior to a short and medium range gunnery demonstration.

905 EAW then provided an air capability demonstration with a C130 Hercules followed by an F3 Tornado running an attack profile as part of an air defence exercise.

A Search and Rescue Sea King then simulated casualty rescue before CJO departed by air once again for meetings with the His Excellency the Governor and Members of the Legislative Assembly. While in Stanley, CJO also briefly visited the FIDF Hall.

On Saturday, the packed schedule continued in what could only be described as terrible weather. However, both the Ground Defence Force and Roulement Infantry Company gave excellent demonstrations in arduous conditions before Air Marshal Peach was invited to open the newly refurbished NAAFI all ranks bar, the Gull and Penguin. Penguin News