Royal Air Force Honington

Royal Air Force Honington This is the official Royal Air Force Honington page.

Please find the Honington Herald Magazine available here:
https://www.rafmags.co.uk/

RAF Honington was opened on 3 May 1937 and was one of six operational airfields within No 3 Group Bomber Command. Today it is the Home of RAF Force Protection which is responsible for protecting the RAF at home and abroad. The Force Protection Force comprises the RAF Police and the RAF Regiment - the Force Headqu

arters is based at RAF Honington under a 1 Star Commander. The RAF Police is a multi faceted profession with the Specialist Police Wing at RAF Honington alongside a Regular Tactical Police presence and the Reservists of 3 Tactical Police Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force. The Station hosts professional training for RAF Regiment Personnel through their careers as well as specialist training within the RAF Regiment Training Wing. Pre-selection courses for candidates looking to become RAF Regiment Junior Officers or Gunners are run by the RAF Regiment Recruitment and Selection Team. RAF Honington is currently home to No 1 Squadron RAF Regiment field squadron and No 2623 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force RAF Regiment. The RAF Force Protection Centre focuses on current and longer term requirements to deliver Force Protection from training to equipment, tactics and doctrine. It also provides specialist training across the RAF for individuals deploying into High Threat environments across the Globe. No 28 Regiment (Royal Engineers) provides defence with the specialist Counter-CBRN Capabilities headquartered from RAF Honington. Over 1,200 Service personnel, civil servants and contractors work at RAF Honington.

RAF Honington’s very own Deputy Station Commander crosses the English Channel in Historic Centenary Solo Swim 🌊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿▶️...
29/07/2026

RAF Honington’s very own Deputy Station Commander crosses the English Channel in Historic Centenary Solo Swim 🌊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿▶️🇫🇷

RAF Honington is incredibly proud to announce that on 24 July 2026, our Deputy Station Commander, Sqn Ldr Mackay officially completed a solo swim across the English Channel, landing on Cap Gris-Nez, France, in 10 hours and 18 minutes.

Nic’s crossing took place 100 years after Gertrude Ederle became the first woman to swim the Channel in 1926. To follow in those historic footsteps a century later is an honour that cements Sqn Ldr Mackay’s place in open-water swimming history, joining a rare group of fewer than 2,800 individuals who have ever achieved a certified all-time historical solo completion.

Behind the official finish time lies a gruelling test of mental and physical resilience - traits that epitomise the core values of our personnel. Her journey involved:

🔴 1 of just under 60 solo swimmers to successfully cross the Channel so far during the 2026 season.

⚪️ 10 hours, 18 minutes battling choppy open-ocean conditions and heavy tides.

🔵 34 kilometres (21 miles) of official straight-line distance, which increased significantly due to powerful currents pushing her into an "S" shape.

🔴 Navigating the busiest shipping lane in the world, alongside massive container, naval, and Russian vessels.

⚪️ Enduring jellyfish stings, severe saltwater chafing, and profound muscle fatigue.

Pushing past extreme physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion to reach the French coast has redefined what is possible, and we are incredibly proud of Sqn Ldr Mackay’s incredible achievement.

RAF Honington was delighted to host Commander Airbases for a short visit on Friday 10 July. The visit, which coincided w...
24/07/2026

RAF Honington was delighted to host Commander Airbases for a short visit on Friday 10 July.

The visit, which coincided with the previous day’s 2Gp Commanders’ Conference, Dinner and Awards event, allowed the Air Commodore the chance to understand local issues, challenges and successes.

Commander Airbases also delivered a townhall to the Station’s MOD civilian staff and was able to present long service awards to a selection of our brilliant civilian community. Many Congratulations to all who received awards - your contribution is invaluable.

Earlier this month, RAF Honington proudly hosted the 2 Group Commanders' Conference and Dinner, culminating in a Sunset ...
22/07/2026

Earlier this month, RAF Honington proudly hosted the 2 Group Commanders' Conference and Dinner, culminating in a Sunset Parade reviewed by Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group and supported by the Band of the Royal Air Force College.

Certainly, from an RAF Honington perspective, the highlight of the occasion was the presentation of the Civil Servant of the Year Award, recognising an individual or team within the Civil Service cohort who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to serving the public interest and delivered a significant positive impact across 2 Group.

Congratulations to Mr Paul Jackson, RAF Honington Voluntary Band, recipient of the Civil Servant of the Year Award, presented by David Brandin-Lain (Esri).

Through exceptional leadership and dedication, Paul has transformed the Voluntary Band, more than doubling membership, expanding its reach, and supporting over 150 engagements across Defence, local communities and charitable events. His commitment to service, community engagement and esprit de corps has brought great credit to RAF Honington, 2 Group and the Royal Air Force.

The RAF Honington Conservation Group has recently taken over the former back-up station generator site located to the re...
22/07/2026

The RAF Honington Conservation Group has recently taken over the former back-up station generator site located to the rear of the Officers’ Mess. The area had become heavily overgrown with weeds and brambles making it largely unusable.

Since taking responsibility for the site the volunteer group has dedicated considerable time and effort to clearing and transforming the area. As part of the project a couple of summer houses and picnic tables that were no longer being used elsewhere on station were relocated to the site creating an attractive and welcoming outdoor space for personnel to enjoy.

One of the group's key ambitions was to establish a beekeeping project with the long-term aim of producing station honey. When approached with the proposal, ESS Group Manager and ESS as a company were fully supportive of the initiative and generously funded the purchase of a beehive and all the associated equipment required to make the project a reality.

The bees arrived in June and were successfully introduced to their new home. Once the hive was established and the bees had settled, the Station Commander officially opened the area.

The opening proved to be a very successful and well-attended event with ESS once again demonstrating its support by providing refreshments, cakes and drinks for everyone in attendance.

The Conservation Group is made up of volunteers from across the station community, Service Personnel, Civil Servants, and contractors from ESS and VIVO. The project has also received valuable support from Tivoli helping to make the transformation of the site and the beekeeping initiative a success.

This collaborative effort has not only enhanced an unused area of the station but has also created a valuable conservation project that promotes biodiversity, teamwork and community engagement across the RAF Honington.

Anyone interested in joining the conservation group please get in touch with the SHEF team.

This years’ Annual Formal Reception fell on a warm and bright evening where many of our neighbours and supporters were h...
01/07/2026

This years’ Annual Formal Reception fell on a warm and bright evening where many of our neighbours and supporters were hosted by a wide range of personnel from Station. The Annual Formal Reception provides the opportunity for meaningful engagement with RAF Honington’s neighbours and members of the local civic community. The Station relies on its community to support the people on the Station, enabling them to deliver Defence capabilities.

The Station Commander commented on the event: “It is with pride and delight that I reflect on a fantastic event hosted by a range of personnel from across the Station. My thanks to all who contributed to a memorable evening in the sunshine; notably, the organising team, the marching contingent, RAF Honington Voluntary Band, the catering team, photographer and everybody who gave their time to host our guests with warmth and professionalism.”
•
•
•

Annual Formal Visit 🪖✈️This week, RAF Honington, the home of RAF Force Protection, hosted the Annual Formal Visit by Air...
22/05/2026

Annual Formal Visit 🪖✈️

This week, RAF Honington, the home of RAF Force Protection, hosted the Annual Formal Visit by Air Officer Commanding No. 2 Group, Air Vice-Marshal Lyle.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase RAF Honington’s people, capabilities and operational output, highlighting the wide range of activity delivered by the Station, Global Enablement Force Elements including the RAF Police Force and the RAF Regiment Force and Air Force Protection staff, in support of UK Defence operations at home and overseas.

Throughout the visit, personnel delivered a series of briefs and engagements, focused on the role played by everyone at RAF Honington in supporting operational readiness, Transition to Conflict and the delivery of Force Protection. The programme placed heavy focus on the RAF Regiment Force and RAF Police Force, allowing personnel to discuss ongoing activities, challenges and future priorities directly with senior leadership.

The visit concluded with a Whole Force Town Hall - a chance for Air Vice-Marshal Lyle to inform and take questions from RAF Honington personnel.

The RAF Honington PEd Flight recently hosted a badminton competition for Station personnel, and it was a smashing succes...
27/04/2026

The RAF Honington PEd Flight recently hosted a badminton competition for Station personnel, and it was a smashing success! Great to see everyone getting involved and enjoying some friendly competition. Well played to all participants!

RAF Honington Station Commander has Officially reopened the RAF Honington Climbing Wall. It is open to Service Personnel...
20/04/2026

RAF Honington Station Commander has Officially reopened the RAF Honington Climbing Wall.

It is open to Service Personnel and over 18 dependants, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Beginners welcome!

Club Members Enjoy 24-hour access.

Please visit the RAF Honington PED Flt for further details.

RAF Central Fund

Address

Royal Air Force
Bury St. Edmunds
IP311EE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 3pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Royal Air Force Honington posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Royal Air Force Honington:

Shortcuts

Share

Category