Tactical Communications Wing RAF
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| Tactical Communications Wing | |
|---|---|
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| Active | 1969 - Present |
| Role | Tactical Communications |
| Station | RAF Brize Norton |
| Motto | "Ubique Loquimur" - We Speak Everywhere |
| Insignia | |
| Identification symbol |
A rock dove in front of a lightning bolt |
Tactical Communications Wing (TCW) provides communications facilities to deployed units of the Royal Air Force.
Due to the deployable nature of TCW personnel and their 90 Signals Unit counterparts, they are within a discrete portion of the RAF that wears a DPM uniform full time.
Until the amalgamation with 90 Signals Unit in 2006, TCW personnel could be distinguished by both their rank slides, embroided with the letters 'TCW' and the Wing badge (the rock dove with lightning bolt). Upon amalgamation, the latter was replaced with that of 90 Signals Unit.
TCW is currently a lodger unit at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom.
TCW's motto is "Ubique Loquimur" which translates to "We Speak Everywhere".
Contents |
[edit] History
TCW's roots can be traced back to 1962, and the forming of 38 Group Support Unit. It was then quickly realised that communications played a large part in supporting operations. In 1965 No. 50 Tactical Signals Unit was formed and as it grew in size was renamed, in 1967 to Tactical Signals Wing then again in 1969 to its current name, Tactical Communications Wing.
TCW has played its part in many operational theatres world-wide, including providing communications and meteorological services in the Falklands War,[1] both Gulf Wars, Operation Granby, Operation Barras, Operation Phylis, Sarajevo, Nepal, Northern Ireland, Turkey, Angola, Rwanda, Operation Warden, Operation Jural, Operation Veritas and Operation Herrick.[2]
During Operation Telic TCW provided vital communications infrastructure in support of air operations.[3]
[edit] Wing Role
The Wing's role - to install, operate and maintain transportable tactical communications and information systems, in support of RAF Squadrons and Units, deployed world-wide in support of National interests - sees its personnel performing a high volume of operations. When not deployed the Wing carries out numerous training exercises(including Exercise Magic Carpet - hosted by Oman) in preparation for operations as well as visiting airshows around the UK.
[edit] Organisational Structure
Tactical Communications Wing is commanded by an RAF Wing Commander, with each of its five squadrons commanded by an RAF Squadron Leader.
[edit] The Squadrons
- No 1 Expeditionary Radar and Airfield (ERA) Squadron
Deploy, support and recover a wide range of airfield sensors, navigational aids and information infrastructure worldwide.
- No 2 Field Communications (FC) Squadron
- No 3 Field Communications (FC) Squadron
- No 4 Field Communications (FC) Squadron
The three Field Communications Squadrons are split into teams that can deploy at short notice to anywhere in the world with a wide variety of equipment.
- No 5 (Information Systems) (IS) Squadron
Provides Information System Support to UK and Overseas.
[edit] Personnel
TCW is manned by RAF Trade Group (TG4). TG4 consists of 2 individual trades; Communication and Information Systems Technicians (formerly TG3 Electronics Technicians) and Operater Maintainers - a combination of the old TG11 operators and newly recruited direct entrants.
[edit] Amalgamation and Relocation
In April 2006 Tactical Communications Wing was amalgamated into 90 Signals Unit. Along with elements from the 90 SU Operations Wing and elements from RAF High Wycombe and RAF Sealand it will relocate to RAF Leeming in Yorkshire between Summer 2007 and Summer 2009 as part of the creation of the A6 Communications hub.[4]
[edit] Rockstar Parody
In 2007 several members of No 4 Squadron created a parody of Nickelback's music video, Rockstar, whilst serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan.[5]
