Stourport flight lieutenant rewarded for RAF service (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Stourport flight lieutenant rewarded for RAF service

7:30am Tuesday 15th January 2013 in Local

A STOURPORT flight lieutenant has been rewarded for his dedicated service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Andrew Sturt, 34, received a commendation for the work he has done with the Youth Activities Working Group at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland.

Mr Sturt is an aerospace battle manager and in his spare time has helped to engage with schools in the Northumberland area.

He helped to organised a two-day residential youth leadership course which is aimed at delivering team building, problem solving and communication skills.

Mr Sturt attended the Kings School in Worcester and joined the Army in 1996.

He then transferred to the RAF in 2004 and has served throughout the UK and abroad including Brunei, Iraq, Bosnia and the Falkland Islands.

Mr Sturt said: “It is very humbling to be presented with this award. The aim of youth engagement is to improve young people’s understanding of the Royal Air Force by showing them the variety of roles that we perform and the career opportunities that the Service can offer.”

He received his award from RAF Boulmer’s station commander, group captain Paul Atkinson, at a ceremony at the centre.

Captain Atkinson said: “I really enjoy events such as this. It gives us the opportunity to acknowledge achievements across RAF Boulmer and the Air Surveillance and Control Systems Force, to celebrate the commitment, professionalism and dedication of our personnel.”

Aerospace battle managers use computers to track any aircraft, missiles and satellites that might pose a threat.

They specialise either in surveillance or in weapons control, directing RAF aircraft in both offensive and defensive roles.