Group Captain Harper hands over command of RAF Halton
In his departing message to Station personnel, Officer Commanding RAF Halton, Group Captain Simon Harper praised his staff, calling them ‘exceptionally talented, enthusiastic and committed individuals.’ Group Captain Harper and his wife, Carolyn and sons are leaving RAF Halton for him to take up a post in
Group Captain Harper said: “As I handover command of RAF Halton to Group Captain Adrian Burns, I do so with a genuine sense of sadness and a huge sense of pride. Sadness at the prospect of leaving such a remarkable RAF Station that unquestionably has a reputation across the RAF and Defence for delivering world-class training. And pride at the opportunity I have had to work with such exceptionally talented, enthusiastic and committed individuals. It is clear to me that you are the critical element that makes RAF Halton special.
It has been a great privilege to be your Station Commander and a great honour to command RAF Halton. You have welcomed me and Carolyn with open arms and provided me with exceptional support over the last 21 months. Simply put, you have made my role as Station Commander very easy and for that I will always be grateful.
Escorted by his senior officers, Group Captain Harper left his office to the sound of bagpipes and a large crowd of personnel, military and civilian, who followed him to his waiting car where the Station Warrant Officer, George Mifsud bade him goodbye
New Station Commander, Group Captain Adrian Burns, took over command mid-August. He is married to Carol and they have two daughters.