In a formal ceremony today at RAF College Cranwell, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton took over command of the RAF’s 37,000 Regular and Reserve personnel and 4,000 Civil Servants from Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston.
Air Chief Marshal Wigston stepped down as Chief of the Air Staff after a total of 37 years distinguished service.
Reflecting on his four years as Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said:
I want to thank everyone across the Royal Air Force – regulars, reserves, civil servants, our families and our industry partners – for your service over the last four years.
We have been busy. We have engaged continuously on operations around the globe, from the Afghanistan airlift to securing the skies over the UK, protecting our nation. Despite Covid, we did not stop.
Now with an established Space Command; the introduction of new aircraft, systems and equipment; innovation and modernisation across the Service; a pioneering approach to sustainable air operations; and leading Defence in the recruitment, retention and flexible employment of our people, we are set for our second century.
The Next Generation Royal Air Force will be exciting, and I leave you in the best possible hands with Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton takes up his appointment at a crucial moment for the Royal Air Force as it evolves to meet future threats while continuing to conduct operations to protect our security and support our allies and partners. Following the handover, he said:
I’m hugely honoured to be the new Chief of the Air Staff.
For more than 100 years the Royal Air Force has played a vital role in protecting our country, our interests and our people. The air and space power that our brilliant, hardworking and innovative people deliver is more important to our safety and security than it has been for many years. I will work tirelessly to lead and support our Service and those who serve with such energy, pride and commitment to make sure that we are ready to fly and fight.
Joining the Royal Air Force in 1988 as a University Cadet, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton studied Engineering at Clare College, Cambridge. His early career was dominated in frontline roles working on Nimrod, Tornado and the Harrier force. He has served as the Station Commander and then the Logistics Force Commander at Royal Air Force Wittering.
He has held a range of staff appointments in the Ministry of Defence, Air Command and in equipment acquisition and support and has been closely involved in strategic and capability planning for the Royal Air Force and Defence. He has been the Assistant Chief of Air Staff and the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff for Military Capability. Prior to becoming the Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Deputy Commander Capability and People at Air Command.
The ceremony, attended by over 400 guests, comprised of a unique parade with a flypast and the handover of the CAS Sword, which bears on its blade the name of the Chiefs of the Air Staff and the year that they took office.