The current Group Captain, ‘Jock’ Brown is leaving RAF Shawbury after 2 years to take up a vital and exciting role in Afghanistan. His replacement is Captain Paul Shawcross from the Royal Navy who arrives from the same role.

Jock will leave the School on Friday to begin the many courses he requires before taking up his new role as the Commander of Task Force Jaguar. The role is based at Camp Leatherneck, which is part of Camp Bastion in the Helmand District of Southern Afghanistan. His role will require him to oversee UK and US Military helicopter operations in Helmand for 6 months.

During his time at the school, Jock has overseen the training of over 1000 student pilots and crewman destined for operations with all 3 services. Some of his students will now be working for him on frontline operations in Afghanistan.

Jock said: “The helicopter has an essential role in delivering supplies and transporting personnel. This role is seen daily on news stories.

“Whilst at DHFS I have trained students over Shropshire for this vital role and I now look forward to working with them as fully qualified crews.”

Jock’s replacement at the Defence Helicopter Flying School is Captain Paul Shawcross. Paul is a Royal Navy Officer showing the tri-service nature of the school. Paul has recently returned from the same role in Afghanistan and has been able to give Jock some excellent tips. Paul joined the Royal Navy in 1981 and has served across the world including Lebanon, Northern Ireland, Kuwait and Iraq. He has previously operated as a pilot, instructor and as the Officer Commanding 848 Naval Air Squadron. He was awarded the OBE in 2010.