RAF St Mawgan played an integral part of this year's Armed Forces Day national event.

Teams from across the base stepped up to play key ceremonial and supporting roles on the day in Falmouth, which attracted national and international accolades for the county as it hosted the UK’s world-class defence forces.  

Taking centre stage were 37 service RAF St Mawgan personnel, dressed in their distinctive blue uniforms for the military parade.

They were part of a 1,200-person strong contingent, drawn from across Cornwall’s armed forces, veterans, cadet forces and reserve units, who marched in spectacular formation from The Moor to Discovery Quay.

Others helped play a central role behind the scenes, extending a warm welcome to visitors and guests, ensuring the day ran smoothy and supporting with welfare and other facilities.  

The Red Arrows were among the military planes that took off from RAF Mawgan to take part in the Armed Forces Day. They were spotted flying in. formation across Newquay on their way to Falmouth.

A bird's eye view of the Red Arrows (RAF St Mawgan)

Clare Fearnley the station warrant officer at RAF St Mawgan, said: “As the only RAF Station in the South West, it’s a real honour for RAF St Mawgan to be such an integral part of this prestigious national event. 

“The personnel based at RAF St Mawgan work tirelessly throughout the year supporting the Armed Forces’ mission to keep the UK safe, so it’s great to see such a big turn out of public support from our community to recognise that.

“The parade has been a real highlight for us. It’s really important that we maintain that strong connection we have with the Cornish community and they are aware of the station’s 80-year history of contributing to defence.”

The Red Arrows fly past Pendennis Castle (RAF St Mawgan)

Councillor Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member of the economy, said: “In Cornwall, one in five people is either in service, or has a close family connection to the Armed Forces.

 “For many, there’s a strong link to RAF St Mawgan, so the Armed Forces Day national event provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the station and recognise the work of the personnel there on home soil.”