Station Warrant Officer Handover Takes Place At RAF Akrotiri

The Station Warrant Officer at the RAF’s busiest operational air base has handed over the role to his successor.

COVID-19 restrictions meant the handover ceremony at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus from Warrant Officer Jim Dick to Warrant Officer Kerry Finlay was very low key.

"It actually feels quite emotional," said WO Dick.

"I didn’t think it would get to me, but I’ve had a really nice send-off this morning, lots of surprises that people across the station have put on for me. I’m very thankful to them for that.

"I’m just looking forward to now completing the handover and then getting back to the UK," he added.

Incoming Station Warrant Officer Kerry Finlay told Forces News: "It’s a very proud moment. I’m really pleased. Slightly daunting but looking forward to the challenge."

She explained that the role of a Station Warrant Officer "is to do with the standards and welfare across the camp".

"They act as a trusted adviser to the executive team on camp, so the idea is telling them the truth from the ground up so that info gets passed correctly," she said.

"The idea is people tell me stuff they might not tell the executive team and we can communicate a lot better."

RAF Akrotiri is a Permanent Joint Operating Base that supports operations in the region.

It is used as a forward mounting base for overseas operations in the Middle East and for fast jet training.

Cover image: WO Dick hands over the Station Warrant Officer role at Akrotiri to WO Finlay.