Squadron Leader Adam Lawson has returned home from London, leaving a legacy of a stronger and more capable joint force.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) officer arrived in the United Kingdom three years ago as liaison officer at the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) 92 Tactics and Training Squadron based at the Air and Space Warfare Centre in Lincolnshire, Central England.
Squadron Leader Lawson described the role as having been a diverse one, focused on sharing knowledge between the RAAF and the RAF to enhance both organisations’ warfighting capability.
“In particular, I was able to share information focused on integrated tactics and training development including information on the RAAF weapons instructor course governance, standardisation and exercise delivery processes with the RAF,” Squadron Leader Lawson said.
“I’m bringing home knowledge on RAF tactics and processes that will assist with enhancing interoperability with the UK and improving our exercise delivery to make the Royal Australian Air Force a more lethal organisation.”
According to officer in charge of 92 Squadron, Wing Commander Phil Abbott, Squadron Leader Lawson was the driving force behind improving the RAF’s capstone live tactical exercise – Exercise Cobra Warrior – which involves up to 100 aircraft from the UK, the US and other European nations.
“He conceived, designed and produced a brand-new White Force training delivery system not seen in the UK live training system before – it incorporated multi-domain and 5th generation fighter capabilities, including non-kinetic effects and live suppression of enemy air defence tactics,” Wing Commander Abbott said.
He was also the catalyst for the delivery of a new exercise control facility at RAF Waddington.
“Lawson completely restructured the interior of the John Collier Facility, providing the RAF with an outstanding live collective training resource that will deliver a more realistic and immersive training environment,” Wing Commander Abbott said.
“This is Lawson’s legacy and something that the RAF is truly grateful for.”
The RAF acknowledged his efforts with an Air Officer Commanding 11 Group commendation in 2021.
The Head of Defence Force Staff in London, Brigadier Grant Mason, praised Squadron Leader Lawson’s significant contribution to improving the Australia-UK defence relationship.
“This relationship is longstanding and unique; Adam’s efforts have strengthened and deepened it further to ultimately enhance the combined interoperability and capability of our defence forces,” Brigadier Mason said.
Squadron Leader Lawson spoke positively about his three years in London.
“The opportunity to make new friends and connections and represent the RAAF at a range of commemorative events reflecting the long-standing relationship between the two Air Forces, was particularly rewarding,” Squadron Leader Lawson said.
Squadron Leader Lawson, who comes from the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, joined the RAAF in 2002, graduating from the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree before completing training as an air battle manager.
He completed multiple tours within 41 Wing units, the School of Air Warfare, and 88 Squadron prior to being selected for the Air Warfare Centre liaison officer role.
