Throughout the past 12 months, Senior Aircraftsman Blakeman has performed to an exemplary standard; his loyalty and professionalism have been significant in the success of Tactical Supply Wing throughout this critical period.  His continual drive and determination to excel in all his undertakings has set a fine bench mark that others aspire to. 

This was aptly highlighted during Exercise PEGASUS GAUL when he delivered a meticulous, highly informative brief and an extensive practical demonstration to assembled high-ranking delegates from the US and French Airborne Forces.  Due to his encyclopaedic knowledge of the Joint Operational Fuel System Light Forces equipment, he was specifically selected ahead of more senior ranks to lead and deliver this capability demonstration.  He delivered a faultless presentation which accurately described the equipment capability and its unique function when operating in Forward locations and Austere conditions.

Whilst deployed to support Forward Refuel Point maritime trials with a specialist user unit, Blakeman’s organisational and managerial acumen were tested to their limits. Hampered with strict timescales to meet specific objectives he remained composed and able to deliver informative guidance whenever required culminating in successful serials which were subsequently used to develop operational plans.  An assured, intelligent and highly effective leader, Blakeman can always be relied upon to complete complex tasks while still maintaining the morale of his team mates; moreover; he has volunteered to take the lead on numerous essential engineering inspections of fuels equipment where he ensured his team remained mission focused through extremely arduous and prolonged activity.

Senior Aircraftsman Blakeman’s commitment to Tactical Supply Wing is second-to-none.  As well as performing exceptionally in his primary role he dedicates his time to the wider-Service community.  He volunteered to aid the RAF Cosford Air show and the laudatory letter of appreciation he received from the Chairman exemplifies the positive impression Blakeman makes in all that he does.  It extolled his work ethic, initiative and exemplary performance as well as his judgement to carry out multifaceted taskings without seeking higher direction. 

Blakeman’s desire to continually raise the profile of the RAF was also evident during both iterations of TSW’s support to the Staffordshire Air Training Core.  Here he delivered professional and informative field-craft lessons to over 120 cadets during the Easter and Summer camps.  His unwavering support of this great cause has a positive effect on the youngsters who attended and gave them the perfect insight to Service life.  In further addition to his extra-curricular activities he was an essential member of a TSW cycling team which rode a kilometre for every Service person who made the ultimate sacrifice during operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2001 to the present day.  He selflessly dedicated his own time to organising the event, arranging sponsorship and publicity which resulted in a considerable sum of money being raised for the Royal British Legion.

Blakeman’s remarkably consistent level of achievement, output and selfless desire to promote the RAF and Tactical Supply Wing in the wider-community have all been evident throughout the year.  He epitomises the ethos of the Service and is rightly recognised as the Tactical Supply Wing Airman of the Year.