A Talk by Wing Commander Steve Chaskin, OC 611 Sqn RAuxAF, RAF Woodvale.
This talk will cover, in approximately 60 minutes, the technological developments which transformed Coastal Commands ability to hunt submarines from the air in World War 2. The aim will be to examine the development which occurred from the first faltering steps to delivering the sophisticated and deadly submarine hunters which were operational at the end of World War 2. This development was the result of a massive concentration of scientific and physical resources which is rarely possible except in time of war. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy it is important to acknowledge success in the Battle of the Atlantic was critical to delivering Overlord
Wing Commander Steve Chaskin joined the RAF in 1980 and trained as a Navigator at RAF Finningley. Qualifying in 1983 he joined the Air Defence community flying F4 Phantom aircraft; following tours with 43(F) Sqn at RAF Leuchars, Fife and 23(F) Sqn in the Falkland Islands he was posted to 19(F) Sqn RAF Wildenrath. In 1989 he was posted as an instructor to the newly formed Tornado F3 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at RAF Coningsby.
Having completed his tour with the OCU he joined 25(F) Sqn, at RAF Leeming, as the Executive Officer in 1998. During his time with 25(F) Sqn he led the Sqn on a number of operational detachments to the Middle East in support of Op Southern Watch, policing the no fly zone over Iraq.
Post his flying career, he completed staff tours in the Air Warfare Centre (working as part of a team developing countermeasures to man-portable heat seeking missiles) and 2 Group as the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability manager (key responsibility to introduce the Sentinel reconnaissance aircraft into service as part of the ASTOR battlefield surveillance system).
Before leaving the RAF in 2016 his final project was to introduce the RC-135W Rivet Joint, associated ground systems and infrastructure into operational service. Upon retiring Chaskin was selected to transfer to the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and took up post as the Officer Commanding 611 (West Lancashire) Sqn RAuxAF on 4 Apr 16 at RAF Woodvale.
Ancient Worlds
The Ancient Worlds evening talks take place on the first Wednesday of every month and are a brilliant way to delve deeper into our exhibitions programme.
The talks are delivered by a wide range experts and offer insight into their field.
Evening talks are for members of The Atkinson Development Trust, however non-members are welcome for a fee of £5 (please pay cash on the door). Children under 16 go free (must be accompanied by and adult). Students go free (must show their student card).
The Atkinson Development Trust
The Atkinson Development Trust is a charity (no: 1161020) whose vision is to develop The Atkinson as a centre for communities to enjoy art and learn together.
There are many ways you can support, including becoming a member, sponsoring a seat and donating.
The support that we receive from a wide range of donations and grants plays a vital role in enabling The Atkinson to enhance our visitors experience and tell the story of Sefton.
