We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Reverend Gareth Jones as the new National Chaplain for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). He succeeds the Reverend James Pitkin, who stands down after 25 years of dedicated service as a Chaplain, ten of which were spent as Corps Chaplain.
Rev Gareth Jones, a Baptist Minister based in Tunbridge Wells, is a familiar face within the Chaplaincy. He was initially recruited by his predecessor, James Pitkin, as a Chaplain for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing in 2006.
Following a move, Rev Jones took on the role of Chaplain to Kent Wing and has spent the last two years as the core organiser of the Annual Chaplains' Induction Course, gaining considerable insight into the workings of the RAF Air Cadets.
On his appointment, Rev Jones said:
"I am feeling very honoured to be chosen to serve as National Chaplain and look forward to serving RAFAC in this role. I am thankful that I am serving with such a good team of Regional and Wing Chaplains. Together, we will continue to uphold the vital work and ministry of RAFAC Chaplaincy."
Reverend Jones
New National Chaplain for the RAFAC
Air Commodore Al Lewis, Commandant RAFAC, offered his congratulations:
"Chaplaincy provides a vital service to all our members, acting as a non-judgmental sounding board and leading on ceremonial activity. Rev Jones has significant experience in our organisation, and I look forward to working with him and his team as they continue to lead our chaplaincy activity and engage with the increasingly diverse cultural communities our squadrons are embedded within."
Air Commodore Lewis
Commandant RAFAC
We extend our deepest gratitude to Rev James Pitkin for his exceptional 25 years of service. A former RAF Engineering Officer, Rev Pitkin joined the RAF Air Cadets as a Chaplain in 2000, serving with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wing and South West Region before becoming Corps Chaplain in 2015.
Rev Pitkin reflected on his time:
"Having been a cadet and served in the RAF as an Engineer, I rejoined the Air Cadets, as a Chaplain, because I thought that my experience could be of use to others. I have come to appreciate that it is through chaplaincy that I can be a positive influence on teenagers – as well as learning a little about the life of the youth of today!” “It has been a real joy to help make the Air Cadet Chaplaincy more diverse, and more reflective of the cadets and adult volunteers.”
Reverend Pitkin
Departing National Chaplain
Rev Pitkin will continue his work as a Church of England Vicar and Rural Dean in the Diocese of Winchester. The National Chaplain is responsible for chaplaincy provision to a community of over 43,000 Air Cadets and 10,000 volunteer staff across more than 1,000 units.