RAF fyller 100 år denne måneden - Betraktninger fra Air Attache i Washington, D.C - AW&ST

Egentlig en 100 år gammel nyhet; at RAF ville fylle 100 år i 2018. Det en ikke visste da er at 617 Sqdn. ¨"Dambusters" skulle fly Lancasters under en krig en ikke visste om, ei heller at samme avdeling skulle fly top-of-the-line jagerbombere i 2018. Antakelig det siste bemannede jagerfly. (Red.)

Opinion: Marking the Royal Air Force’s 100th Anniversary  James Linter One-hundred years ago this month, the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), the world’s first independent air force, was created. It was formed in the crucible of World War I to recognize that, while aviation was still in its infancy, airpower was different from other forms of warfare.   That is still the case this year, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the RAF which, since its formation, has continuously delivered decisive airpower at home and around the world.  Today, the RAF continues to serve. And while our journey has taken us from Sopwith Camels to Eurofighter Typhoons, F-35s and space, we have been accompanied throughout by our U.S. partners as our best friend and closest ally. I have served alongside U.S. colleagues on operations in every rank, from junior Tornado squadron aircrew to general officer in the Middle East. Our shared professionalism, camaraderie and trust have formed a strong and enduring bond.

The unit that once flew the Avro Lancaster heavy bombers, the RAF's Dambusters of 617 Sqdn., will soon receive the UK's first operational F-35s. Credit: RAF

The fighting spirit our countries share has been present since the RAF’s earliest days. Director Christopher Nolan’s portrayal of Spitfire fighter pilots in “Dunkirk” captures the bravery and determination of those in that air force. Early in our struggle, before the U.S. entered World War II, Americans risked their citizenship and their lives to fight for the RAF in Eagle Squadrons. In the wake of the war, Winston Churchill called the friendship between the U.S. and the UK “special,” giving name to a relationship that had served as  bedrock of freedom and prosperity throughout the world.  Our air forces continue to operate in the spirit of this close partnership—allies who support each other in peace and conflict around the world. In Iraq and Syria, we fly alongside each other, sharing everything from fuel to intelligence. Together, we have driven back Islamic State militants from more than 98% of the territory they once occupied. We support NATO as part of its Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. And in times of great need, such as after Hurricane Irma, together we provided humanitarian relief to communities in the Caribbean.

These airmen study maps next to an Armstrong Whitworth FK.8 in April 2018, the month the Royal Air Force was created 100 years ago. Credit: RAF Air Historical Branch

As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we expect even deeper integration and cooperation between our countries. We have developed new aircraft together for the next generation, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. We will continue to share technology, systems and intelligence, responding jointly to a growing range of threats. And we will train, serve and recuperate alongside each other. That will never change.  For a century, the Royal Air Force has inspired pride and admiration, not only in the UK, but around the world. Today’s RAF continues to exploit the most advanced air, space and cybertechnology available. The operational demand for our capabilities is consistently high, and our ability to deliver airpower on operations is world-leading.  This week in Washington, we will be marking the centennial with a full week of events, from displays of iconic aircraft to the official stand-up of the UK’s first F-35 operational squadron, the famous “Dambusters” of 617 Sqdn. These events provide a moment to reflect on the enduring relationship between our two nations, at a time when our bilateral friendship is more important than ever. Air Cdre. James Linter is the air attache of the British Embassy in Washington. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Aviation Week.