THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Friday renamed its Air Corps at Timehri, East Bank Demerara to Air Station London in honour of retired Lieutenant Colonel, Lawrence London.

The monument was unveiled at a ceremony on Friday afternoon attended by dozens of military officers, including former Chief of Staffs among other top brass of the GDF.
Also present was the decorated retired army officer, Lieutenant Colonel London, who currently resides overseas with his family. As expected, he was elated at the honor bestowed upon him. He noted that the gesture is indeed a pleasure, as he came from a humble background, and was among the second batch of pilots to be trained overseas.
He further reflected on his tenure in the Army at the then Air Corps, which has since been renamed in his honour, after enlisting in 1970. An avid sportsman, London led the GDF team in athletics back then, and described his years in the GDF as memorable.
He also spoke of some of his experiences, including opportunities to travel and study abroad. He studied in a number of countries including the US, France, United Kingdom, and the then Soviet Union. During this time he also met many different people, some of whom became his friends and mentors.
Many of those friends and mentors were present at the ceremony on Friday. He thanked them for their assistance during his working years in the army and said that he accepted the token on behalf of those he served with at Air Corp.
London urged the soldiers at Air Station London to remain professional, and said that they too can do well, even with the limited resources at the disposal.
He asked the serving members of the GDF Air Station London to be role models for young men and women who want to get into aviation. He further encouraged them to not only confine themselves to Air Station London, but to think outside the box and elevate themselves in other areas as well.
During his remarks Chief of Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips told the gathering that the dedication ceremony fell within the 48th anniversary celebrations month of the GDF. He thanked London, whom he called the “King of networking” for his exemplary behaviour as a soldier, and for bringing them together on Friday.
Phillips also thanked the former members of Air Station London for their service and noted the development of the army base housing the fleet of helicopters and aircraft.
Acting Chief Engineer, Captain Damon Joseph reflected on how Air Station London, starting with only two aircraft when the base was established in 1967, had grown over the years, now boasting a fleet of three helicopters – two Bell 206s and one Bell 214, as well as one sky van, one Rarbin Y-12 twin engine turbine aircraft, one Cessna 206 and one Cessna 310.
Major Anson Weeks, in giving a biography of Lieutenant Colonel London, stated his view that the former officer is very deserving of the honour bestowed on him.
London, who is from Berbice, has six sons and currently resides with his family in the United States. He spent more than 20 years in the army and was the commanding officer of the Air Corp, before retiring in 1990. But it is clear from the sentiments expressed by the speakers at the ceremony, that Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence London left an indelible mark Air Station London and those he worked with.

(By Michel outridge)