Group Captain Barrie Thomson officially handed over the reigns as station commander of RAF Akrotiri On January 25 and has now taken up a new post in defence equipment and support at Abbey Wood in the UK.
Group Captain Thomson was only half-way through his current posting but after receiving a promotion to take up his new role his time in Cyprus was cut short.
Reflecting on his time in Cyprus, which saw RAF Akrotiri at the centre of an enormous increase in work due its support to Operation Herrick in Afghanistan and Operation Ellamy in Libya, Group Captain Thomson explained the importance of the station’s work ethic.
He said: “The main challenge was to make sure that we continued to do what our core business was and that was to support Op Herrick and a time when there was a big relief in place going on and not miss a trick there but at the same time, stand people up who could provide support to force elements coming in.”
He went on to pay his respects to all those who had served under him during his time in Cyprus and highlighted the “love” which is felt for RAF Akrotiri.
“I hope when people arrive at the main gate and drive through the place they will see that it is a place that is loved, the way grounds are maintained and the way in which people carry themselves and contribute to life here on camp and the breadth of activity going on.

“I hope all of that will tell the story as to the sense of community here, the strength that people draw from that and the resilience that allows them to get on and deliver time and time again.”
And reflecting on his role as station commander, he went on: “Anyone would jump at the chance to come and serve in British Forces Cyprus, I loved the challenge of command but now it is time to go and concentrate on my next job, so I will leave those that are here to carry on the excellent work that the people here have done.”
Group Captain Thomson has now been replaced in his post as RAF Akrotiri Station Commander by Group Captain James Linter.