On 25th October 2025 Squadron Leader Mark ‘Suggs’ Sugden MBE handed over command of the RAF BBMF to his successor, Squadron Leader Paul ‘Ernie’ Wise, who will now command the Flight until October 2028.
Suggs joined the BBMF in the autumn of 2017, preselected to become OC BBMF in due course. He flew four display seasons with the Flight from 2018 to 2021 as a volunteer fighter pilot, whilst continuing in his primary role as a Eurofighter Typhoon pilot and instructor. A tried and tested system ensures that each new OC BBMF is sufficiently experienced to fill the post, gaining the necessary experience and the qualifications, usually during four years as a volunteer pilot, in order to be able to train other BBMF pilots, to conduct air tests and to run the Flight’s operations.
Suggs took command of the BBMF in October 2021 for what was expected to be a three-year tour of duty as OC. The accident to BBMF Spitfire MK356 in May 2024, which tragically took the life of Squadron Leader Mark Long who was due to become OC BBMF in October that year, left a huge hole in many ways, including the OC BBMF succession plan. Suggs volunteered to remain as OC BBMF for a further year to fill part of the void, bringing his time in command to a total of four years, a period that could hardly have been more demanding. His pivotal role in rebuilding the team after the tragic events of 2024, fostering unity and camaraderie, has brought the Flight closer together than ever before. The award of an MBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List recognised his dedication and commitment.
Suggs is now retiring from full-time regular service with the RAF, but will continue to fly with the BBMF as a part-time volunteer reservist during the 2026 display season, so that his wealth of much-needed experience can be retained by the Flight, while other pilots build theirs.
The new OC BBMF for the 2026-28 display seasons, Squadron Leader Paul ‘Ernie’ Wise, is a BBMF ‘Bomber’ pilot. This is the first time for 30 years that the BBMF has been commanded by a bomber pilot rather than a fighter pilot. Ernie began flying the Dakota with the BBMF in 2017, graduating to becoming a Lancaster co-pilot and then qualifying as one of the Flight’s two Lancaster captains in 2022. He also acts as a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) on both the Dakota and Lancaster and was recategorized as an A1 (exceptional) QFI on the Lancaster in December 2024.
At the BBMF End of Season Guest Night, held at the Petwood Hotel on 25th October, the formal handover of command took place and Ernie said: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Suggs for his exceptional leadership and dedication. The team is in outstanding condition thanks to his efforts. I look forward to creating many more cherished memories as we continue to showcase BBMF at its very best.”
The next OC BBMF after Ernie Wise has now been designated as BBMF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Al Luckins, who has already completed a full display season with the BBMF and will take command in October 2028.
