UK AOC Newsletter - May 2007

Congratulations

We offer our warm congratulations to Jim MacCulloch, Brian Butters, Eric Annal and Ken Dix all of whom were recently awarded their 25-year lapel pins having completed twenty-five years of continuous membership of the AOC. Gentlemen, we thank you for your continued support of the UK Chapter, invite you to reminisce about the state of electronic warfare in this country in 1982 and consider what might be in store in 2032.

Visit to GCHQ 14 March 2007

Some 20 members of the UK Chapter enjoyed an absorbing and fascinating visit to GCHQ on 14 March. After a series of very interesting presentations in the morning and an excellent buffet lunch, we were given a tour of the ‘doughnut’ and a practical demonstration of some of their equipment during the afternoon. We very much appreciate the efforts of Neil McLellan and his colleagues in organising and hosting such a splendid visit.

The Falklands Remembered

A short but very moving memorial service was held at HMS Collingwood, Portsmouth, on 5 May 2007 when three trees near the EW school were dedicated to the memory of AB(EW) Stephen Hayes (HMS Ardent), AB(EW) Adrian Sutherland (HMS Coventry) and LRO(W) Bernard Still (HMS Coventry), three EW professionals who were killed in action at sea during the Falklands conflict in 1982. The service was conducted by the Rev Richard Ellingham RN and three red poppy wreaths, each bearing the original Association of Old Crows logo, were laid. Chris Howe, Vice President AOC UK Chapter and himself a survivor of the sinking of HMS Coventry, and David Kitching were in attendance.

Peaks and Troughs

The AOC was formed in 1964 by an amalgam of EW professionals from the armed services, industry and academia. One of the aims of the new organisation was to try and smooth out the peaks and troughs of interest in EW which, in the USA, had historically been generated by the sudden need to focus on the harsh realities and requirements of the latest conflict, only to be followed by a distinct lack of funding for known EW capability shortfalls during peace.

This cycle arrived in the UK in 1982 when we experienced a flurry of EW activity and equipment procurement in all the armed services during the Falklands conflict, followed by the inevitable trough of relative inactivity until the next peak of interest and spending during the First Gulf War in 1991. Today, we are again witnessing a surge in EW activity as we try to counter the terrorist threat, whether a radio controlled IED or MANPADS. Let us hope that we, in the UK, have at last learned the cruel lessons of 1982 and 1991 and now follow the example that was set by Boy Scouts generations ago: “Be Prepared”

Abacus IT Security: Industry Day 11 May 2007

Although not a dedicated UK Chapter event, several members attended a very informative industry open day at Abacus in Wellingore, Lincoln, on 11 May at the invitation of Paul Burrows, our new AOC board director representing land EW interests. Abacus has considerable experience in COMINT and ELINT training and consultancy services and Paul is himself accredited to the CESG Listed Adviser Scheme (CLAS). In furthering the cause of EW, we will be publicising future Abacus open days of a similar nature.

Visit to THALES 26 June 2007

We are delighted to announce that THALES has kindly offered to host a visit by the UK Chapter to their Electronic Combat Systems business unit in Leicester on Tuesday 26 June 2007. THALES plan to make Integrated Passive Land Systems the prime focus for the visit. Go to Events page for an application form to attend, which includes the programme and location map.

Visit to 100 Group Museum 18 July 2007

No. 100 Group RAF was a specialist organisation formed on 11 November 1943 to counter enemy defences against Bomber Command operations. The group controlled eight airfields with 260 aircraft, 140 of which were various marks of Mosquito night fighter intruders and the remainder being 80 Halifaxes, 20 Fortresses and 20 Liberators carrying electronic jamming equipment. The 100 Group Museum, which is supported by the AOC UK Chapter, contains a large quantity of memorabilia concerning the group, its equipment and its operations. It is also the depository of the numerous plaques and trophies won by the UK Chapter in the annual AOC awards scheme when we have been graded either ‘outstanding’ or ‘excellent’. The 100 Group museum forms part of the City of Norwich Aviation Museum.

We have arranged a visit for UK Chapter members on Wednesday 18 July 2007 when the museum will be providing additional guides for our benefit. The aircraft and artifacts of the aviation museum will also be open for viewing. Whilst there is no need to reserve a place for this visit, any member wishing to attend is kindly requested to advise David Kitching by e-mail or telephone so that we can alert the museum to the likely numbers attending. We intend meeting at the museum at 1000.

The Museum is situated just off the A140 Norwich to Cromer road, on the north side of Norwich airport. Follow the brown "Aviation Museum" tourist signs to Horsham St. Faith, turning right at the bus shelter, and right again into Old Norwich Road. The Museum is at the end of that road. Go to Events page for a map showing directions to the museum.

AOC UK WEB SITE: www.ukaoc.org

Please remember to press the refresh button on each page to get any updates to the site……and please keep the Membership Secretary up to date with any change to your e-mail address.