In a landmark moment for the Royal Air Force, the iconic Red Arrows aerobatic team has appointed its first female commanding officer in history.
A Historic Appointment for the Red Arrows
Wing Commander Sasha Nash has taken over as Officer Commanding (OC) of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team (RAFAT), succeeding Wing Commander Adam Collins. This week marks her first full week in the role, leading the 150-strong team of RAF and civilian personnel based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
Expressing her pride and excitement, Nash described the position as the "opportunity of a lifetime." She reflected on her journey, stating, "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."
Inspiring Future Generations
Nash, an experienced fast-jet pilot who flew the Tornado GR4 on frontlines including in Afghanistan, hopes her leadership will have a wider impact. She emphasised her goal to "inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds."
Her passion for aviation was ignited in childhood. "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," she recalled. That ambition led her to secure a sixth form scholarship and a university bursary to join the RAF.
The appointment comes after a challenging period for the team. In 2023, an inquiry found a culture where predatory behaviour towards women was "widespread and normalised," with female personnel subjected to unwanted contact. The RAF has since acknowledged these serious failings.
Looking Ahead to a Busy Display Season
Wg Cdr Nash now commands the team as it prepares for its upcoming display season, which typically begins in late May. She paid tribute to her predecessor, Wg Cdr Adam Collins, praising his "utter dedication" and "hugely successful" three-year tour, which included leading the team during its 60th anniversary and a tour of Canada.
Collins expressed confidence in his successor, saying, "I am confident that, under her leadership, the Red Arrows will continue to demonstrate our recipe of precision, excellence and teamwork across the globe."
Before this role, Nash worked with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at RAF Coningsby and has represented England in lacrosse at both junior and senior levels.
