CLA East: 2022 Norfolk Branch AGM and Summer Visit

A unique opportunity to join the CLA on a visit to RAF Marham which initially opened as a Royal Flying Corps Station in September 1916 (prior to the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918). Its initial role was as a Home Defence Aerodrome, as a counter to the German Strategic Bombing Campaigns carried out by the Zeppelin Airship raids which commenced in 1915. Since then the role of the Station, and the aircraft that it has been home to, has changed many times. RAF Marham has undergone a complete transformation since the arrival in June 2018 of the F-35B Lightning and the subsequent departure of the ageing GR4 Tornado aircraft in February 2019. The F-35B Lightning is described as a 5th Generation, Multi-Role, Low Observable Aircraft. This technologically advanced ‘flying computer’ is extremely accomplished and brings formidable carrier strike capability.

The Station is home to one operational squadron (617 (Dambusters) Sqn) and an Operational Conversion Unit for the F35 (207 Sqn). It is already beginning preparations to develop a further front line squadron by 2023 (809 Sqn), with expectations of more by 2030. The 2,200 personnel of RAF Marham are comprised of both RAF and Royal Navy Regular personnel as well as certain Reserve elements. It also includes industry partners such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney.

This visit is by kind permission of the Station Commander staff at RAF Marham. 

ITINERARY

10.30am Arrival at Black Top Car Park
10.45am Coaches depart to Officers’ Mess and refreshments served on arrival in the Ante Room
11.15am Norfolk Branch AGM followed by an introduction and overview of RAF Marham by the Station Commander
12.15pm Lunch served in the Officers’ Mess
1.30pm Coach tour of the base
2.30pm Return to Black Top Car Park and depart. 

Bookings for this event will open soon