David Ruffley MP visited Wattisham Base on Friday 23 February, at the invitation of Lt Col C J Claydon MBE, to show his support for the Army Air Corps servicemen and women who are based there.

A number of the Army Air Corps personnel based at Wattisham have served in the Middle East and Bosnia. Many have also served and will be serving in Afghanistan later this year.

David was given a tour of the base and a detailed look at the WAH-64 Apache helicopter.

David was then taken on a flight over the Bury St Edmunds constituency in a Westland Lynx.

David also received a confidential briefing on the Army Air Corps and their involvement in conflicts in the Middle East.

David said:

'We are privileged to have the Army Air Corps in our part of Suffolk. I greatly enjoyed my visit to Wattisham and discussing the vital role of the Army Air Corps.

'It was an honour to visit Wattisham and have a detailed look at the WAH-64 Apache helicopter. This is a remarkable machine and flying one commands a great deal of skill- something the pilots at Wattisham have in abundance.

'Many of these serving men, women and their families, who live within the heart of our community, face special challenges in times of war.

'These brave men and women from Suffolk have served with distinction in the Middle East and Bosnia. Many have also served and will be serving in Afghanistan later this year.

'They put themselves in harms way on behalf of us all. No praise is high enough for what they do in our name.

'My flight over Suffolk in a Westland Lynx was an amazing experience. It gave me a real insight into the difficulties and challenges that Army Air Corps pilots face when flying at low levels.

'While on the flight I was able to look down on inspiring scenes such as the new tower on Bury St Edmunds Cathedral. I was also able to have a fantastic view of the new Cattle Market development in Bury St Edmunds and the proposed SnOasis site.'