This week saw the Combined Parade of Officers and Aviators who have graduated from RAF Halton and RAF Cranwell over the last two years but couldn’t take part in a parade due to the pandemic.
The Combined Parade celebrated not only the achievements of the individuals on parade but also the resilience to continue to deliver Phase one training throughout a Pandemic. We profiled two graduates who told us about the monumental day and why they joined the RAF.
Senior Aircraftwoman Lester
Senior Aircraftwoman Lester is an Air and Ground Steward based at RAF Brize Norton. She joined the RAF two years ago after being made redundant from her civilian job.
"I didn’t plan on joining the RAF, I had the opportunity to do something different and always wanted to be Cabin Crew. I searched online to see what my options were and the RAF came up. A year later I was going through basic training!"
"The recruitment process was daunting at first, being 29 years old I felt like I would have to work harder than the younger recruits around me.
“I was fortunate enough to take part in a trip round the world with the Defence Secretary last year. We stopped in Washington, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Vietnam and many more places. It was like a trip of a lifetime."
Senior Aircraftwoman Lester is from Rotherham in Yorkshire where she lives with her boyfriend.
"I couldn’t believe it was finally here, we’ve been disappointed as we didn’t think a passing out parade would ever happen but here we are. It's been a really lovely day."
Senior Aircraftwoman Lester's mother
Flight Lieutenant Anderson
Flight Lieutenant Jonny Anderson, A Logistics Officer from RAF Cranwell is one of the Flight Commanders in today’s parade, leading out Lancaster Squadron, the Officer Contingent of the parade.
"I feel immensely proud to be able to come back to graduate from College Hall Officer’s Mess. I work here normally so to come back on parade is fantastic."
Flight Lieutenant Anderson undertook his Officer’s training at Cranwell back in 2020 and has his partner and neighbours coming to watch him graduate.
He joined the RAF in 2004 as a supplier; working in Tactical Supply Wing he completed tours of Afghanistan and Iraq, going on to spend four years as a professional athlete for Great Britain Bobsleigh. Following his time with the Bobsleigh Team he became a Phase Two trainer before undertaking his commission within the Logistics Branch.
"I’ve had a lot of different experiences during my career in the RAF so far. Completing a tour of NATO Command in Rammstein recently was a highlight, but the one thing that stands out for me was being given the opportunity to train full time as a professional athlete with the potential to compete in the GB Bobsleigh Team at the Olympics. My family are immensely proud to see me graduate today. My Partner is also an Officer in the RAF and is thrilled to be back here to see me graduate today."
Looking to the future Flight Lieutenant Anderson wants to specialise as a Movements Officer with the view to being a Flight Commander in a couple of year’s time.
Read more about life whilst training, before the proud graduation on the YouTube playlist below.