Welcome to Inzpire Carl
13 Jun 23
New Joiners
We are delighted to welcome Carl Walton to the team as a subject matter expert in uncrewed aircraft systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). He joins us after more than 30 years in the Royal Air Force, where he amassed 4000+ hours as a weapons systems operator in electronic warfare.
During Carl’s RAF career he was primarily involved in the ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) domain, operating as aircrew on platforms such as Nimrod MR2, Nimrod R1, RC-135 Rivet Joint, Shadow R1 and MQ-9 Reaper.
Carl enlisted into the RAF as a TG11 telecommunications operator in January 1993, conducting his basic training at RAF Swinderby. This was followed by technical training at RAF Locking, with initial postings to Headquarters Strike Command (HQSTC) and 591 Signals Unit, where he was involved in communication security and defensive monitoring.
Selected as non-commissioned aircrew in 2000, Carl undertook air electronics operator training at RAF College Cranwell. He was subsequently posted to RAF Kinloss to operate on the Nimrod MR2, undertaking submarine hunting/overland activities and search and rescue duties on CXX Squadron, where he flew in support of both Op HERRICK/TELIC and Op HARMALA.
In 2005, Carl was selected to transfer to the Nimrod R1 surveillance aircraft as an electronic intelligence/special signals operator and Link 16 manager, flying in support of Op HERRICK on 51 Sqn.
In 2009 he volunteered for a six-month deployment on the newly acquired Shadow R1 urgent operational requirement (UOR) aircraft, operating in support of ground troops in Afghanistan. After the deployment, instead of returning to 51 Sqn, he was selected to remain on Shadow Flight where he facilitated the training of sensor operators on the platform.
Promoted to Flight Sergeant the following year, he also graduated from the 92 Sqn delivered QMETI (Qualified Multi Engine Tactics Instructor) course and used this qualification to develop operational tactics with other UOR platforms including the UK MQ-9 Reaper, in conjunction with Reaper Force SMEs.
In 2015, after accumulating 2000+ hours on the Shadow, Carl was selected to attend the QWI (Qualified Weapons Instructor) ISR course at 54(R) Sqn, RAF Waddington. Graduating in August 15, he remained on 54(R) Sqn as an instructor to teach the ISR courses provided by the ISR Warfare School.
Following a promotion to the rank of Master Aircrew, Carl was posted to ISTAR FHQ to carry out the role of SO3 Shadow and subsequently carried out the SO2 position. He was responsible for numerous defence lines of development, ensuring the operational optimisation of 14 Sqn and the continued momentum of an upgrade to the rapidly outdated legacy Shadow R1 platform.
Carl continued to broaden his operational and staff officer qualities by carrying out the role of SO2 A3 ISTAR in the Combined Air Operations Cell within 83 Expeditionary Air Group, Al Udeid, during the highest tempo operational period for ISTAR assets. He was awarded a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS) for his activities during this period. This was followed by a further demanding staff tour at MOD A Block, where he carried out the role of SO2 ISTAR within the A3/A5 team, providing guidance and suitably qualified and experienced personnel support in all matters ISTAR, including capability development for emerging technologies.
Carl’s sixth and final operational conversion unit commenced in 2019, where he operated as sensor operator at Sqn QWIISR on the MQ-9 Reaper, culminating in the opportunity to carry out Sqn Warrant Officer duties on XIII Sqn prior to his departure from the service in June 2023.
Carl is married to Sarah and is heavily occupied by a dancing and singing obsessed Constance, and a football obsessed Jack. When not driving the children to football or theatres, Carl enjoys attempting to play cricket and running, albeit significantly slower than in years gone by.
Welcome to the team Carl, thank you for choosing Inzpire!
Latest News
Congratulations to Inzpire's Philip Johnston-Davis who receives King’s Coronation Medal
29.04.24
Inzpire
Philip is recognised for five years of continuous service in the RAF Intelligence Reserves
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