In an exclusive interview in Monday’s Courier, RAF Leuchars Station Commander Air Commodore Gerry Mayhew discusses preparations for the army’s arrival at the Fife base.
Gerry Mayhew knew from the age of four that he wanted to be in the RAF, and with the support of family, friends and teachers, feels “very lucky” that he’s been able to follow the career path he always wanted to.
As a pilot with 25 years RAF experience and nearly 3,000 flying hours under his belt, he is also no stranger to history having flown the final operational RAF fast jet sortie over Iraq in May 2009, drawing nearly 20 years of Tornado operations in the region to a close.
Arguably one of the most poignant moments in RAF history was played out in February when Air Cdre Mayhew, who is Air Officer Scotland, took command as the final station commander at RAF Leuchars.
He now has the task of positively managing the transition of the base from RAF to army over the next 18 months to two years.
Air Cdre Mayhew is conscious there is a certain weight of history now resting on his shoulders, with emotions sure to be running high when more than a century of flying activity at Leuchars formally ends in next year or in 2015.
He told The Courier: “History is a very important part of our community here, and I don’t just mean in the light blue uniform that sits within the fence. Having done nearly 100 years here as an RAF station, it’s not something that we treat lightly, and not something that I will treat lightly.
“I’m very much a traditionalist who gives due reference to our history as a service. That will weigh heavily on all of our hearts as we depart Leuchars. I know that.”
Air Cdre Mayhew revealed plans are at an early stage probably for some time in early to mid 2014 but it is hoped a celebration of the RAF’s century at Leuchars could be held as a thank-you to the community’s support over the years.
He said: “We’ve just started to scope that out. And kindly our neighbours in the towns and villages locally have actually come to us and said ‘will you do something?’ and that’s really quite nice. I don’t want to go quietly out the back door. “I want to allow a celebration of our time here as a service and also a celebration of the support that we’ve had from the community in that time.
“It would be wrong for us to sneak out quietly at the last minute. We have a very positive attitude to see out the ‘final push’ at RAF Leuchars.
“We want to do it right. We want to end up giving a good legacy for Leuchars and the local community.”
For the full interview, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.