As one of the 3 Service staffs within the British Defence Staff-US, the RAF Staff has a key role in fostering close engagement with all of the US Forces, in particular their flying, space and cyberspace related elements

A Tornado GR4 from IX Squadron, RAF Marham

We do this to ensure that we have maximum interoperability between our countries’ Armed Forces, so that when we undertake any form of military operation or exercise we can operate together seamlessly. Such transparency between key coalition allies is essential if we are to continue to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of our respective military organisations.

The RAF Staff is currently headed by Air Commodore Phil Goodman MBE BSc FRAeS RAF, who is both the Air Attaché and the Assistant Defence Attaché in Washington. As such, he provides Her Majesty’s Ambassador and the Head of the British Defence Staff (Washington) with specialist advice on all air, space and cyberspace power matters. In addition, Air Commodore Goodman is also the Chief of the Air Staff’s personal representative in the USA.

 The Air Attaché is supported in these tasks by his Assistant Attaché, Group Captain Carl Scott, and a small Embassy-based staff consisting of Air 1 (Squadron Leader Nic Hindley),and Air 2 (Wing Commander Mike Lavender) .  In addition, a productive and highly effective Personnel Exchange Programme and Liaison Officer footprint is maintained across the whole of continental USA with our US Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard colleagues.

Although the RAF is significantly smaller than the USAF, it remains a highly professional force. This continues to be demonstrated in our continuing Operations - ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and IRAQI FREEDOM in Iraq.