Sasha is new Red Arrows’ boss
A NEW Officer Commanding of the Red Arrows has started her first week in charge of the world-famous display team.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash is the first woman to take up the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT) and said she is ‘incredibly proud and excited’ to take charge of the team.
She now commands the entire 150-strong unit, including air and ground crew, and succeeds Wg Cdr Adam Collins, who has just completed a successful three-year tour with the Arrows.
The Officer Commanding (OC) has responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the Red Arrows, from safety and displays to engineering and engagement.
Wg Cdr Nash, who joined the Royal Air Force in 2005, 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.”
Originally from Surrey, Wg Cdr Nash is an experienced fast-jet pilot and flew the RAF’s Tornado GR4 on the frontline and in exercises worldwide. She was previously Chief of Staff in the Display Wing Headquarters, working alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
Attending airshows had sparked an early interest in aviation and a flying career for the new Arrows’ boss: “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.
“Two decades later I am still thoroughly enjoying everything I do and seizing all of the opportunities and experiences a career in the Armed Forces provides.”
“I’m incredibly proud and excited to now, as OC RAFAT, be commanding a team whose aim is to represent the UK and help inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds.”
Wg Cdr Nash added: “This is a great time to be joining the Red Arrows, as we prepare for a busy season and plan for the future.
“I can’t wait to work alongside team members and have the opportunity to meet people at airshows and events this year.”
Training for the new season is already underway and is managed by Red 1 – the pilot who leads the team in the air and designs the aerobatic show. The first public events of the summer are usually staged in late-May or early-June.
Pictures: MOD
Former Red Arrows OC Wg Cdr Adam Collins hands over to his successor Wg Cdr Sasha Nash.
