In the second feature from inside RAF Odiham, The Gazette witnesses the calculated importance of training ‘sorties’, what key preparations must be carried out to ensure the safety of its recruits and the public is maintained and how important this base is to the borough’s way of life.

THERE’S a common misconception about all aspects of the military - not least the Royal Air Force.

Often the profession evokes connotations of warfare, guns, protection and Brylcreem, white males, exchanging typical laddish banter.

Diversity within side the RAF has changed, but it’s core ideal remains astute.

And this is a part of what RAF Odiham has done throughout its 80-year tenure within the village.

From distinguished service in the Second World War, the Cold Wars years, and more latterly, separate stints in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as stretches in Libya and Bosnia, this air base has guarded the interests of the United Kingdom with pride and honour.

But its significance working within the borders of our country is so often overlooked.

Especially in Basingstoke. For example, rewind 10 years and it was Chinooks from RAF Odiham which retrieved two injured personnel from the borough back from Afghanistan.

It also sadly recovered the body of a Hook man back from the battlefront.

In 2015, it was members of RAF Odiham who carried out flood support after the north of England was ravaged with heavy rainfall.

And it has been members of RAF Odiham who have assisted in the local community after heavy snowfall in recent years.

My reason for visiting the base was purely to deal with noise complaints. Chinooks are noisy. Yes.

But in order to deal with the types of situations it faces, training has to be carried out.

Another misinterpretation carefully plotted so as not to be below 1,000ft over urban areas.

During the flight, different heights will be experienced, which in some situations will replicate the various levels required during different sorties.

After my flight, the crew flew on to Leicestershire to carry out further training.

Forced within my newly assigned helmet, I join the rest of 27 Squadron in taking the long steps out towards the machine.

This 30m-long vessel will be my home for the next 40 minutes. Unsurprising the speed of the rotors overhead nearly sweeps me off my feet.

It’s one of more than 30 Chinooks currently on this base, yet its size evaporates under the vast runway ground that is before us.

After being given the all-clear from take off, I sit ensconced between the Chinook’s two pilots.

With the nose of the chopper heading down, we’re off.

It’s intoxicating. Like the opening credits of Emmerdale, we sweep across rolling fields and villages.

The radio crackles in my headphones to point out Basingstoke hospital and The Vyne.

It was breathtaking but it serves its purpose.

When terror strikes, the RAF will be there.

When nature turns its back on the UK, the RAF will be there.

Chinook helicopters are loud, but proud.

As a borough we should be thankful to host this great service in our home.