LaSER Media

615 Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) rises above the competition

615 VGS (RAF Kenley) has been awarded the Sir Arthur Marshall Trophy and is officially the Best Winch launched Gliding Squadron.

Squadron Leader Keith Chandler, Officer Commanding 615 VGS, was presented the trophy on behalf of the Squadron by Mr Bill Walker Honorary President of Air Cadet Gliding at the annual Gliding Squadron Commanding Officers Conference, held at RAF Cranwell.

To win this prestigious award 615 VGS exceeded its tasking in all areas over the past 12 months, by providing 650 Gliding Induction Courses (GIC’s), 70 Gliding Scholarships and 11 Advanced Gliding Scholarships to cadets whilst completing all the necessary staff continuation training flights required to maintain flying instructional standards and develop new staff. 615 VGS completed all this whilst achieving and exceeding the exacting standards required during numerous inspections carried out throughout the year by RAF Central Flying School, Central Gliding School, HQAC Flight Safety and Engineering Flight, to name a few.

On receiving the trophy, Squadron Leader Chandler said:

“It’s was a very proud moment for me, I have served 615 VGS continuously for 35 years, having started as Flight Staff Cadet in 1974, Since I took command in 2005, I believe I have enabled the Squadron to develop into the very strong unit it now is. This award is a fantastic achievement for the Squadron and a reflection of the whole team effort needed to produce such a high standard, on what must be one of the most challenging airfields the Air Cadet Organisation operates”.

Wing Commander Mike Douglass, Wing Commander Flying HQAC, said:

"Under very difficult and trying circumstances 615 proved that they were more than capable"