I joined the defence secretary at RAF Valley today to see fast jet training at the base first hand.
Grant Shapps and myself met with RAF top brass, trainee pilots, flying instructors and aircrew on the visit.
The base has seen an investment of £775 million to expand training for the next generation of pilots.
We also met flying instructors and engineers from BAE, BABCOCK and ASCENT who operate the training programme.
The minister - a keen pilot - flew the Hawk T Mk 2 simulator on a low-level flight.
Thank you to RAF Valley for hosting the secretary of state and myself on a fascinating visit to see our world-class pilot training based here on our island.
This investment and expansion of training at the base is a huge boost to Ynys Môn’s economy and our place as a vital part of our country’s military capability at an uncertain time for the world.
Anglesey is playing its part in keeping us safe and I am proud of that.
The Secretary of State said: “The sobering events taking place 1500 miles to the east of us, underscore the importance of RAF Valley’s work to both UK Defence and to our NATO Allies.
“There is a real sense of purpose about this place, it is buzzing with activity and one quickly gains a sense that RAF Valley is fully connected to the front-line and committed to meeting future operational needs, in the form of producing first class, front-line fighter pilots of the highest quality, in the required quantity, and getting them where they are needed in a timely manner.”
“The new investments at Valley totalling £775 million - that are being directed into engineering support for Hawk and the new Texan training facility, will strengthen this endeavour. They also underline MoD and Government commitment to jobs and skills in North Wales; guaranteeing existing jobs and nurturing the next generation of Engineering apprentices - of which a great many are locally recruited.”
