18 January 2023
There’s a new Commanding Officer (CO) for the the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – the Red Arrows.
The appointment comes after a period of turbulence for the Red Arrows, with a new base and a host of national press stories about individual members of the team.
Wing Commander Adam Collins has responsibility for both the air and ground teams that deliver the Red Arrows’ displays and other events, and ‘soft’ power capability at home and overseas.
He will command the 140-strong unit that includes RAF regular and reserve personnel, Civil Servants and contractors.
Wg Cdr Collins said, “I am delighted to have taken command of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team and honoured to be leading such a hard-working and talented team of military and civilian personnel.
“There’s a very busy year ahead, where the team will be performing for millions of people across the globe, I hope we get to meet as many of them as possible at the events.”
In the hot seat: Wg Cdr Adam Collins. Photo: RAF
Wg Cdr Collins added, “My interest in aviation was sparked from an early age when, as a child, I’d watch jets flying from RAF Valley near my grandparents’ house in Anglesey. This is when I first focussed on becoming a fast-jet pilot and learned to fly with the Air Cadets when I was 17-years-old.”
The Red Arrows are preparing for the 2023 display season, which is expected to begin in late May.
The outgoing CO, Wg Cdr Montenegro said, “I’d like to pay tribute to the current team, for their dedication and hard work.
“From the impact of the pandemic to moving to a new home base and two challenging overseas tours in consecutive seasons, the last two-and-a-half years have been full of unprecedented challenges.”
