Red Arrows get first woman leader

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Wing Cdr Sasha Nash says she hopes "to inspire future generations of aviators" during her time in the role

The Red Arrows will be led by a woman for the first time in its history.

Wing Cdr Sasha Nash, who has taken over from Wing Cdr Adam Collins as the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, described it as the "opportunity of a lifetime".

Nash said she was "incredibly proud", adding she hoped to "inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds".

In 2023, the team faced criticism after an inquiry found predatory behaviour towards women within the team was "widespread and normalised".

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The Red Arrows team has performed thousands of displays in more than 50 countries

Nash, a former Tornado pilot who has flown tours in Afghanistan, will command 150 RAF and civilian personnel at the team's headquarters at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, and have responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the operation.

"This is a career opportunity of a lifetime," she said. "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."

Talking about her passion for aviation, she said it had all started when she was a child. "I was a six-year-old little girl when I decided to join the Royal Air Force and to fly fast jets – inspired by air shows 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."

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Wing Cdr Sasha Nash has taken over from Wing Cdr Adam Collins

Nash, who has previously worked alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, and played lacrosse for England at junior and senior level, paid tribute to her predecessor. "I've worked alongside Adam over the last couple of years and witnessed, first hand, his utter dedication to both the team and the RAF."

Collins, whose career saw him lead the team during its 60th anniversary season, as well as a five-week tour of Canada, wished his successor well. "I am confident that, under her leadership, the Red Arrows will continue to demonstrate our recipe of precision, excellence and teamwork across the globe," he said.

Speaking in 2024, Collins said the team had moved on from the harassment claims, saying at the time it was his job to "make people feel included, valued and respected".