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7. An equally important Service consideration is the job satis- faction to be derived by Commanders in appointments suited to their rank, seniority and experience. Neither CAPIC nor CRAF is an entirely independent commander; each answers either to Commander British Forces or to C-in-C Fleet or C-in-C Strike Command on matters affecting the operational effectiveness of the one principal unit under their respective commands. Of the units under command, the Royal Air Force support helicopter squadron is exceptionally commanded by a Squadron Leader. Command of the Hong Kong Squadron has continued to be exercised by a Commander since the departure of the frigate HMS Chichester in March 1976 although the appointment is complemented for a Commander or a Lieutenant Commander. With the exception of one patrol craft commanded by a Lieutenant Commander the remaining ships in the Squadron are commanded at present by Lieutenants.
8.
Despite their changed status, the Services remain an integral and important aspect of Colony life although much less store is now attached to the representational aspect of their duties. No Royal Navy ships have visited Hong Kong since October 1975 and none is due to do so before December 1977, admittedly due to unusual circumstances. High Commissions and local Consulates, in particular that of the United States whose ships are the major visitors, are adequately staffed to handle the liaison and protocol aspects of national visits. There is a much diminished flow of Royal Air Force aircraft through Hong Kong other than scheduled trooping flights and all, in any case, are now handled largely under contract by the civil authorities at Kai Tak. There has been a noticeable reduction in the number of senior visiting officers.
RAF Organisation
9. Through CPL and with the agreement of MOD (Air), the one-star Commander Royal Air Force was replaced in March 1977 by a Group Captain whose principal task is to oversee the move of the Royal Air Force to Sek Kong and finalise the closure of Royal Air Force Kai Tak. It is estimated that the latter task will take up to 1 June 1978. It has also been agreed that his successor in the rank of Wing Commander would be appointed in time to assume effec- tive command of Royal Air Force helicopter operations in Sek Kong, ie, from mid-February 1978.
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10. No reasons have emerged to vary these proposals which are based on the case made in paragraphs 6 to 9 of Reference A. They are reinforced to some extent by the decision taken since they were made to close 444 Signals Unit Royal Air Force from 1 August this year and by the increased degree of administrative support which the Army in Sek Kong will be able to offer the Royal Air Force. These developments have enabled Royal Air Force uniforme d and civilian numbers to be reduced by some 20% on original estimates.
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