The Company takes great pride in being able to support three military units, one from each of the three services, all of whom have strong survey and mapping backgrounds. We actively support these units – one Regular, two Reservist – through visits, presenting prizes and donations. In addition, we support a cadet unit based in inner London. We take an active interest in all our Affiliated units, and in the day to day issues which they are facing.

HMS Echo

	HMS Echo at anchor in Loch Scridain, Isle of Mull. Click to enlarge

HMS Echo was launched on 2 March 2002, and is one of two Multi-role Survey Vessels (Hydrographic/Oceanographic). The ship is 90.6m long with a displacement of 3,470 tonnes and is capable of 15 knots. HMS Echo frequently undertakes long deployments around the globe undertaking oceanographic surveys and joint training exercises with local Navys, and in doing this vital work represents British interests and maintains the national profile.

The Company was originally affiliated to a former Royal Navy Survey Ship HMS Herald in 1990, but following her decommissioning in 2003, formed an affiliation with her replacement HMS Echo. HMS Echo is the twelfth ship to bear this name, and its primary role is the collection of environmental and bathymetric data for use in both military and civilian tasks.

http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/the-fleet/ships/patrol-and-minehunters/ice-patrol-and-survey-ships/hms-echo

135 Geographical Squadron Royal Engineers (V)

135 Independent Geographical Squadron, Royal Engineers (Volunteer) are the only Territorial Army support for 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic). 135 are based at Mercator House in Ewell, Surrey. They are responsible for providing personnel capable of producing, supplying and distributing mapping and associated geographic products in support of their regular Army counterparts, anywhere in the world. In recent years members on the Squadron have deployed to Former Yugoslavia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and have been on exercise to Germany and USA. 135 have also regularly taken the lead role in the bi-annual Sovereign Base Area Boundary Survey in Cyprus.

http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/units/854.aspx


7010 Photographic Interpretation Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force

	7010's TIW Flight with the Sqn’s Honorary Air Cdre, Air Cdre Patman. Click to enlarge

7010 (Volunteer Reserve) Photographic Interpretation Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, is based at RAF Waddington, with detachments at RAF Marham and RAF Brampton. It recruits and trains nationally to provide Intelligence Analysts (Imagery) to augment the RAF’s reconnaissance units at home and on operations. Their role is to analyse aerial imagery taken by reconnaissance aircraft and other sensors, and to produce intelligence reports on what they find. In recent years members on the Squadron have deployed to Former Yugoslavia, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as being mobilised within the United Kingdom, and have been on exercises and courses in Germany, Cyprus and USA.

The Squadron was formed in October 1999 and The Company established their link to 7010 at this time. In 2003 Past Master Delva Patman was invited to represent 7010 Squadron as their Honorary Air Commodore, an appointment which the Company as a whole takes great pride in.

www.7010sqn.co.uk