Group Captain (Designate) Kevin Walton has been appointed as the new Regional Commandant for the London and South East Region of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, effective 9 October 2024.
Group Captain Walton shared his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am delighted to be appointed Regional Commandant for the London and South East Region of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets."
His journey with the Air Cadets began in Greater Manchester, where he was an active cadet and even achieved the milestone of flying solo in a motor glider at the age of 16. This early passion for aviation led him to a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, serving for 18 years in air traffic control roles across the UK and in operational tours to the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Even during his military service, his commitment to the Air Cadets remained strong, volunteering as a part-time instructor with various Volunteer Gliding Squadrons and leading adventurous training expeditions for cadets.
Following his regular service, Group Captain Walton transitioned to the civilian sector, holding operational leadership positions in logistics and aviation at Gatwick and Heathrow Airports. However, his dedication to service led him back to the Royal Air Force as a full-time reserve officer in 2020, where he has been instrumental in leading the Windfarm Mitigation Programme for Air Defence Radar.
"I know how much fun air cadets activities are and how being a cadet or staff member makes a huge difference to people's lives," expressed Group Captain Walton, reflecting on his own experiences. "For me, the opportunities for adventurous training, along with flying solo in a motor glider as a 16-year-old cadet, led directly to my life-long love of flying and the outdoors, not to mention a hugely enjoyable Royal Air Force and civilian career."
As he prepares to take on his new role, Group Captain Walton is enthusiastic about the future of the Air Cadets in the London and South East Region. "This is an exciting time as we continue to modernise and maximise the opportunities we offer," he remarked. "I’m eagerly looking forward to meeting our enthusiastic cadets and to meeting and working with the many passionate and dedicated permanent and volunteer staff that make this all possible. I can’t wait to get started!"
Group Captain Walton's extensive experience, combined with his deep-rooted connection to the Air Cadets, makes him an exceptional choice for Regional Commandant. We extend our warmest congratulations and wish him every success in his new role.