The Royal Air Force's world-famous aerobatic display team, the Red Arrows, has appointed its first female commander in a historic move following a damaging series of sexual abuse and harassment scandals.
A Historic Appointment for the Red Arrows
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, a former Tornado pilot and England lacrosse international, has taken command of the squadron officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. She succeeds Wing Commander Adam Collins and now leads a unit of 150 air and ground crew, with full responsibility for all operations and, critically, staff welfare.
Wg Cdr Nash, who enlisted in the RAF in 2005 after deciding at age six she wanted to fly fast jets, expressed her pride at the new role. 'I am incredibly proud and excited to take charge,' she said. 'This is an excellent team of dedicated, diligent and enthusiastic people, exemplifying the ethos and values found in units right across the RAF.'
Legacy of Scandal and a Drive for Change
Her appointment marks a pivotal effort to overhaul the team's culture. Three years ago, an official investigation uncovered a toxic environment where pilots had assaulted and harassed female colleagues, bullied juniors, and covered up their misconduct.
The probe revealed shocking details, including:
- Sexual assaults and inappropriate touching during global tours.
- Pilots exposing their genitals.
- Systematic bullying of junior personnel.
- The then-leader, Wing Commander David Montenegro, conducting an affair with a subordinate that resulted in her pregnancy.
The RAF admitted that unacceptable behaviour had been normalised within the unit, and a report condemned senior officers for a 'lack of diligence and professional curiosity' in handling accusations. The scandals led to two male flight lieutenants being sacked and prompted serious calls for the Red Arrows to be disbanded entirely.
A New Chapter and a Focus on Welfare
Wg Cdr Nash, a veteran of operational tours in Afghanistan with previous roles at the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and as chief of staff at the RAF's Display Wing, now faces the task of steering the team towards a new era. She emphasised her commitment to the squadron's global reputation, stating, 'I am excited to work with them to continue to deliver the levels of excellence the Red Arrows are globally renowned for.'
Former military intelligence officer Philip Ingram, who counselled many of the victims from the past scandals, voiced cautious optimism about the leadership change. 'I hope Wg Cdr Nash can change the culture,' he said. Her direct responsibility for staff welfare is seen as a central pillar of this necessary cultural reform within the iconic team.
