Gp Capt Edward Watkin joined the RAF as a direct entrant Non-Commissioned Aircrew Air Electronics Operator in 1990. Following training, where he specialised in radar, electronic warfare and communications, he joined No 201 (Guernsey’s Own) Sqn at RAF Kinloss completing 2 flying tours, until in 1999 he was commissioned into the Air Operations branch. The middle third of his career was centred on Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance at RAF Waddington in operational support roles for the assets based there including the E-3D Sentry and Reaper RPAS. The later part of his career focussed on Information Operations, Information Activities, Cyber and Space, finishing his regular service late last year at UK Space Command as the first Deputy Head Space Support before transferring to the RAF Reserve.