RAF Akrotiri strategically vital to global stability, says new station commander

The new leader at Royal Air Force Akrotiri has highlighted the importance of the airbase during a welcome message to the station.

Group Captain Adam Smolak prioritised personnel and their families in delivering operational success in the region.

In a video shared publicly on the base's Facebook page, the new Station Commander told forces in Cyprus: "My ethos is simple. Mission first, people always."

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Gp Capt Smolak said: "The mission here is critical. RAF Akrotiri is strategically vital to UK national interests and global stability."

Akrotiri is Britain's biggest overseas airbase, marking its 70th anniversary this year.

As well as assisting in humanitarian missions in the region and aerial firefighting, the base is essential for Britain's contribution to the fight against the Islamic State, Operation Shader.

"It's an honour and a privilege for me to take on this role and to join you here on the island," said Gp Capt Smolak.

He succeeded Group Captain Simon Cloke as Officer Commanding RAF Akrotiri and as Commanding Officer Cyprus Operations Support Unit at the beginning of August.

In the address shared online, the Station Commander praised all who live and work at the station, including drivers, PTIs, ops personnel and families.

"Our people are always at the heart of everything we do," he said, adding: "Without the people and support of their families the mission fails."

More than 4,000 serving personnel and their families live at RAF Akrotiri in Britain's Western Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus.

The new commander previously led 201 Squadron based at RAF Lossiemouth after its reformation in 2021.

Former Station Commander Gp Capt Cloke is due to be promoted to air commodore and serve as Chief of Staff Air at HQ Air Command RAF High Wycombe from September.

On leaving, he told BFBS Cyprus it had been an "utter privilege to command the station".

The former commander led for a busy three years, including during the evacuation of civilians from Sudan, plus the war in Gaza.

He thanked personnel in his final goodbye to the station, saying: "Without the people, this place would not happen."