Thank you on behalf of a grateful nation, RAF chief says in Christmas message to personnel

With thousands on duty this Christmas, the Chief of the Air Staff has expressed his profound gratitude to all personnel in a special video message.

This Christmas Day, 6,300 sailors, marines, soldiers and aviators will be deployed around the world, serving on 33 operations in 28 countries.

So Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, the senior officer in the Royal Air Force, has put out a video message thanking all his service personnel who will continue to do their duty across the world on behalf of the nation.

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He thanked the personnel who would be forgoing the opportunity to be with their families this year and wished them a "swift return" to their families, friends and loved ones.

The head of the RAF also took the opportunity to wish them time to reflect on 2022 and all that has been and gone.

In his message, he said: "I know this is a time when most people have the opportunity to get together with family, friends and loved ones, but because you're on duty in the UK, or overseas, you won't have that opportunity.

"I just want to say a very profound thank you on behalf of all of us, on behalf of the service and behalf of the grateful nation for your service over this period.

"I hope you will have the opportunity while you're on duty over Christmas and the New Year to take the opportunity to pause and reflect on everything you've achieved this year.

"And even more importantly, I wish you a very swift return to your families, and friends, and loved ones so that you too can celebrate with them.

"Thank you from all of us."