A Suffolk-based army regiment’s new commanding officer is looking forward to connecting with old friends following his return to the county.

Lieutenant Colonel John Clark, who has taken command of 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault), is no stranger to Sutton Heath, near Woodbridge.

Lt Col Clark, who took over the role from Lt Col Jason Hones, returns to Rock Barracks after two years working for General Sir Peter Wall, the professional head of the British Army, at the MOD in London.

He has served with 23 Engr Regt (Air Asslt) several times, most recently between 2010 and 2012. In command of 9 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers, he deployed on a six month tour of Afghanistan and provided troops for the civilian-led security effort at the 2012 London Olympics.

As well as commanding 23 Engr Regt (Air Asslt), which provides close combat engineering to 16 Air Assault Brigade, Lt Col Clark is responsible for maintaining links with the local community in Woodbridge.

He said: “My family and I are delighted to be back in the Regiment and in Woodbridge. The town is such an important part of the Regiment’s life and the fantastic support we receive enables us to be ready to deploy, often at short notice, in the vanguard of the nation’s defences. We look forward to connecting with old friends and playing a full part in the community over the next few years.”

Since commissioning into the Royal Engineers in 1999, Lt Col Clark has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq Afghanistan and Cyprus, gaining experience of combat operations, military engineering, training and developing other countries armies and UN peacekeeping. He is married to Kate and they have twin 10-year-old daughters, Eve and Isabelle.