RAF Akrotiri's Postal Troop Prepares For Christmas With Station Commander's Help

RAF Akrotiri’s Postal & Courier Troop has been preparing for Christmas – with the unexpected help of the base's Station Commander.

The troop is very busy, with about 1,000 parcels and letters coming into the Cyprus base this week, compared to the usual 600.

Group Captain Nikki Thomas, Station Commander at RAF Akrotiri, told Forces News the troop is "absolutely critical" in the lead-up to Christmas and couldn’t "thank them enough for everything they do".

"I just wanted to come and see what they did, say a few thank yous and also give them a hand, although I was probably more of a hindrance than a hand," she said.

"This, for me, is absolutely brilliant, I like organisation, I like getting things in the right place, so it suits me, definitely."

While Gp Capt Thomas was helping at the coal face, the Postal & Courier Troop cannot afford to get anything wrong during their busiest time of the year.

Lance Corporal Deo Masaba, Postal and Courier Troop, Joint Logistic Squadron, told Forces News Gp Capt Thomas was "doing well" and admitted "it's more fun… when it's busy".

"We like it, because, at the end of the day, we feel like we are Father Christmas and we try to make everybody happy during Christmas time," he said.

LCpl Masaba said that with a combination of both the incoming and outgoing post, the troop can "easily hit 4,000 to 5000 items".

The troop will continue to work around the clock to ensure everybody receives their post by Christmas Day.

"I think every single person here who's receiving a parcel should be pretty grateful for the efforts they make," Gp Capt Thomas said.

"I know it from personal experience, every time you get a bit of post in, it definitely is a bit of a bonus.

"It gives you a bit of a link back into home and it makes sure that you realise people are still thinking of you when you're out here."