RAF Red Arrows welcome new Officer Commanding

Wing Commander Sasha Nash is starting her first full week as Officer Commanding (OC) of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) The Red Arrows this week after taking over the role.

Wg Cdr Nash takes over the role from Wg Cdr Adam Collins who has completed three years in charge of the team and will see her lead a 150 strong unit of air and ground crew.

The role will see Wg Cdr Nash oversee all aspects of the team from safety through to the displays themselves along with the engineering and public engagement.

Wg Cdr Nash joined the RAF in 2005 and is an experienced fast jet pilot having flown the Tornado GR4 on front line missions and exercises across the world and prior to becoming the OC of the Red Arrows her role was Chief of Staff in the Display Wing Headquarters, working alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.

Speaking about the new role Wg Cdr Nash said: “This is a career opportunity of a lifetime – if someone had told me, 20 years ago, that one day I’d be Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows, I don’t think I would have believed it.

“This is a team of dedicated, diligent and enthusiastic people – exemplifying the ethos and values found in units right across the RAF – and I’m excited to work with them to continue to deliver the levels of excellence the Red Arrows are globally renowned for.”

She described going to airshows as a child which sparked a very early interest in aviation and to pursue a flying career “I was a six-year-old little girl when I decided to join the Royal Air Force and to fly fast-jets –
inspired by airshows and seeing the speed and excitement of aircraft displaying at those events.

“That ambition stayed with me throughout school, where I achieved a sixth form scholarship and subsequent university bursary to join the RAF.

The Red Arrows are now based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire after the closure of their previous, and most well-known home air base of RAF Scampton which was home to the team for around 30 years.