Prince William’s latest engagement is especially close to his heart.
Prince Williamkicked off his visit with a stop in the Air Traffic Control Centre, where he was briefed on “Project Marshall,” a multibillion-dollar equipment upgrade for air traffic control radars across Lincolnshire. There, he chatted with staff and checked out the new radar displays and control systems adopted to increase efficiency.
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The royal moved to the BAE Systems Typhoon Maintenance Facility (TMF), where powerful Typhoon jets receive long-term maintenance, ensuring planes are ready to fly on the front lines at any time.Prince Williamspoke with maintenance staff about the technological advancements that the RAF and BAE Systems are investigating for future use such as exoskeletons and VR headsets, among other updates.
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Prince Williamwrapped the solo visit with a walkabout, meeting and mingling with RAF families who live in the local area.
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The visit was poignant for the royal, who trained as a pilot at RAF Cranwell before learning to fly helicopters and serving as a pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force in Wales. He rose up to the rank of Flight Lieutenant and left military service in September 2013, not long after the birth ofPrince George.
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Rusty Waughman, 94, who was a Lancaster pilot from 1943 to 1944, said it was wonderful to meet William.
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“He was so easy to talk to, so pleasant,” Waughman said. “Being here brings back so many memories.”
source: people.com
