RAF Marham pays tribute to Sgt Arden
He passed away last month
Last updated 4th Feb 2021
RAF Marham is paying tribute to a colleague who's passed away.
Sergeant Al Arden of 93 (Expeditionary Armament) Squadron on 21st January 2021, at the age of 51 years.
Al first joined the Royal Air Force in August 1985, aged 16. He left in November 1985 spending over a year in Territorial Army Service before re-joining the Royal Air Force in March 1991 in the Supply Trade.
Over 35 years Sergeant Arden had a busy and productive career, serving at many locations in the UK and overseas. His postings included Germany, Italy, Bahrain, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands, as well as operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Following the completion of his Regular engagement in 2016, Al continued serving as a Reservist and was a Logistics trainer. Such was his commitment to the Royal Air Force, Sergeant Arden re-joined the Regular service in 2019.
Squadron Leader Hornsby, Officer Commanding 93 Squadron, said:
"Al was warm, compassionate and dependable, he always took time to show genuine interest in his colleagues and look out for their wellbeing. A true professional, he took on every task with enthusiasm and pride. Always at the heart of the Squadron, he’ll be remembered for his good humour, his love of Liverpool Football Club and for enjoying a sociable game of darts during coffee breaks. He was so much more than a Sergeant to us, he was our friend and we will miss him dearly."
Group Captain Jim Beck, the Royal Air Force Marham Station Commander, said:
"Al touched the lives of a lot of people during his career as a Supplier, many of whom have personally reached out to offer their condolences, as well as to recall their fond memories. He will be remembered for his desire for excellence, his commitment to his colleagues, and for his enthusiastic involvement in every aspect of Service life. Our thoughts are with Al’s family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time."
Group Captain Jo Lincoln is Commanding Officer of the RAF A4 Force Elements, of which 93 Squadron is a part.
She said:
"It is a testament to Al’s enduring commitment to the Service that he re-joined as a reservist, and then returned to full-time regular service. He was a model sergeant; dedicated, focussed, hardworking, and concerned for the wellbeing of his colleagues. Al will be sorely missed and we send our deepest sympathies to his family."