Garry ‘GBo’ Brown

Garry ‘GBo’ Brown was Flt Cdr Ops on LXX Squadron with Si Footer from 2000 – 02. During this time the Sqn deployed as a formed unit, unique to the Transport Force, to Thumrait in support of Operation VERITAS. 

Joining the RAF as an aircraft engineer in 1975, GBo spent the first 9 years of his career fixing aircraft with mobile repair units and front-line squadrons. A devoted sportsman to rugby and athletics, he represented both the RAF and Combined Services in both. 

In 1984 he took a commission as a Navigator, and on completion of basic flying training he graduated to the Hercules Fleet at RAF Lyneham. He joined 47 Sqn from 1986 – 89, and spent a short period on LXX Sqn before joining the exclusive 47 Sqn SF Flight before Gulf War 1. “It really was in at the deep end with some of the best aviators I’ve ever had the privilege to fly with. “

A tour on Support Training Flight (then 57(R) Sqn) followed in May 1993, the month that we lost STARTREK 3, XV193 and her crew. Lest we forget that fateful day. 

In 1997 he returned to 47 SF Flight before being promoted to Sqn Ldr and was posted to PJHQ as the Special Forces Liaison Officer to the COS (2*), working directly with DSF. On return to RAF Lyneham in 2000, he joined Si Footer on LXX Sqn for another incredible tour. 

“My memories of LXX Sqn Association in those days were of wonderful stories and camaraderie.”

After a short stint at RAF Fairford on Project Defence (RIAT) 2003, Gulf War 2 broke out and he was deployed as OC Ops, and a few other hats, to Basrah airfield for military and civilian operations. Many more operational deployments followed, which he loved and regularly volunteered for. A tour on the Herc OEU was followed by his last tour in the RAF, in the newly formed Air Mobility Force HQ before leaving the RAF in 2013. 

Civvy street followed with employment as the Facilities Director at Chepstow Racecourse and setting up his own Consulting Business. Various contracts in aviation and construction followed. In 2015 he was approached by 622(R) Sqn and re-joined as a Part Time Volunteer Reserve in the role of Airfield Project Manager at RAF Brize Norton. In 2018 he left the RAF for a second time and moved home to the Scottish Borders near Melrose.

When LXX Sqn stood down in 2010 he had the enormous privilege, along with MACR Mark ‘Skid’ Brown of maintaining a LXX Sqn Association presence through regular beer calls in the 5 Bells in RWB for 5 years. 

“I remain both honoured and privileged to support LXX Sqn and the Association in the years to come as your membership secretary, treasurer and loyal friend.”