6 Squadron RAF celebrates 70th anniversary of Royal recognition by King of Jordan

AMMAN — The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) 6 Squadron on Thurs-day celebrated its long-standing ties with the King of Jordan by mark-ing the 70th anniversary of the squadron being presented with a Royal Standard by His Majesty King Abdullah I on October 15, 1950.  

It was in recognition of the squadron's services in the Middle East, dating from 1919, that officers were invited to the Royal Palace in Amman to receive a personal Royal Standard from King Abdullah I on October 15, 1950, according to a British embassy statement.

No. 6 Squadron is unique in the RAF in having two Royal Standards, including the one presented by King Abdullah I, as well as a Flag of Friendship presented in 1995.

The link continues to this day, including recent combat operations in the region as part of Operation Shader, working alongside the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) to confront extremism, the statement said.

Although COVID-related restrictions forced a scaling down of the planned celebrations, the squadron was determined to honour the anniversary, read the statement. 

In addition, the current Officer Commanding of 6 Squadron RAF, Wing Commander Matt D’Aubyn, has sent a goodwill letter to 6 Squadron in the RJAF.

“I am delighted that the association between our two squadrons and by extension, our respective air forces and nations, remains active as we both strive to contribute to peace and security and uphold common values. I sincerely hope that our lasting connections will en-dure and that 6 Squadron of the Royal Jordanian Air Force, continues to enjoy every success in its endeavours,” read the letter.

As part of the commemorations, Lieutenant Colonel Osama M. Ab-uhani, Commander of 6 Squadron in the Royal Jordanian Air Force sent best wishes to Wing Commander Matt D’Aubyn, saying: “We are also very proud of the friendship between our squadrons, which aims to solidify the professional and personal bonds among service members. This relationship will also increase trust, enhance interop-erability and strengthen our alliance so that together, we can deploy, fight and win over any potential threat.”

Wing Commander Andy Mitchell, the Air and Naval Attaché in Am-man said: “This is part of a close relationship that reflects our deter-mination to work together as allies and partners and a close relation-ship that has been proven in peace and operations over the last 70 years.”

He added: “I echo the message from my parent service, the RAF, in sending my best wishes and gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II, the people of Jordan and the RJAF to thank them for their hospitali-ty and enduring friendship.”