Exclusive: HAMPTON SCHOOLGIRL IS FIRST WOMAN TO COMMAND THE RED ARROWS
The woman who is making history as the new leader of the RAF’s elite Red Arrows attended Lady Eleanor Holles School, in Hampton, Teddington Town can exclusively reveal.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, who has taken over from Wing Commander Adam Collins as the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, described it as the “opportunity of a lifetime”.
Sasha, a member of Hampton School Combined Cadet Force, said she was “incredibly proud”, adding she hoped to “inspire future generations of aviators from all backgrounds”.
The school’s website commented: “Wing Commander Sasha Nash, an alumna of LEH, has been promoted to Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, in a landmark achievement for both the Royal Air Force and the LEH community.
“This week marks Wing Commander Nash’s first full week as the most senior officer in the Red Arrows. In her new role, she will command a team of approximately 150 RAF and civilian personnel at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, with full responsibility for all aspects of the team’s operations.
“Her appointment is being celebrated at LEH as a powerful source of inspiration for current students. Wing Commander Nash’s journey from school pupil to one of the most prestigious command roles in the RAF demonstrates how ambition, dedication and resilience can lead to extraordinary careers. Staff and pupils alike have praised her achievement as a reminder that no career path is beyond reach.
“Wing Commander Nash’s success serves as a powerful role model for current LEH students, particularly those considering careers in aviation, engineering, leadership or the armed forces. Her appointment highlights the importance of self-belief and perseverance, and stands as a proud moment for the entire LEH community. ”
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.”
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.
RAF CAREER
Wing Commander Sasha Nash graduated from Initial Officer Training in 2006 and was streamed to fly fast-jets, undertaking training on the Tucano and Hawk T1. Selected to fly the Tornado GR4, she completed the Operational Conversion Unit and was posted to 31 Squadron at RAF Marham where she completed operational tours in Afghanistan and multiple exercises worldwide.
She then became a Qualified Flying Instructor, teaching the next generation of fast-jet pilots on the Tucano at RAF Linton-on-Ouse followed by a posting to the Combat Air desk at Air Command and a tour as a Squadron Commander at the Royal Air Force Officer Training Academy.
On promotion to Wing Commander, Sasha started her most recent role as the Chief of Staff in the Display Wing Headquarters, working alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
EDUCATION AND LIFE BEFORE THE RAF
- Born in Berkshire.
- Educated at Lady Eleanor Holles, Middlesex.
- Studied psychology with sociology at the University of Leicester.
- Member of Hampton School Combined Cadet Force and East Midlands Universities’ Air Squadron.
- Played lacrosse for England at junior and senior level.