Surrey pilot becomes first female commanding officer of Red Arrows
Wing Commander Sasha Nash is taking on the historic leadership role.
The Red Arrows has appointed its first-ever female commanding officer, with Wing Commander Sasha Nash taking on the historic leadership role.
Originally from Surrey, Wg Cdr Nash is now the most senior officer of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, overseeing the 150-strong unit.
The experienced fast-jet pilot, who joined the RAF in 2005, will lead all operations for the celebrated display team, renowned for its precision and global reach.
Speaking about her appointment, Wg Cdr Nash described it as "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," she said.
"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."
Wg Cdr Nash succeeds Wing Commander Adam Collins, who has held the position since early 2023.
Reflecting on his tenure, she praised his "utter dedication" to the team’s success, saying: "I know we all would like to congratulate him on such a successful time with the Red Arrows, an exemplary RAF career and wish him the very best for the future."
Her appointment comes during preparations for the team’s busy display season, with public events set to begin late-May or early-June.
Wg Cdr Nash expressed her commitment to inspiring the next generation of aviators, saying: "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.
"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 meet people at airshows and events this year."
Her leadership follows ongoing efforts to address past criticisms of a "hostile, degrading and humiliating" environment within the Red Arrows, as detailed in a 2023 report.
Wg Cdr Nash’s appointment signals a positive shift for the display team as it continues to uphold standards of excellence both in the UK and internationally.
Outgoing Officer Commanding Wg Cdr Collins said: "As I hand over command to Sasha, I would like to wish her all the very best for the future and am confident that under her leadership, the Red Arrows will continue to demonstrate our recipe of precision, excellence and teamwork across the globe."