On 10 October 2024, Wing Commander Gav Anderson officially handed over command of XXIV Squadron to Wing Commander Al Dow.
Wing Commander Anderson, has completed two and a half years in the Officer Commanding role and will now be taking up a post at the Permanent Joint Headquarters on promotion.
Wing Commander Anderson said:
“XXIV Squadron is made up of fantastic people achieving amazing things. It has been an honour and a privilege to have been part of that over the past two and a half years and I will deeply miss working within this very special team. I wish Al every success.”
Wing Commander Gav Anderson
Outgoing Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron
Number XXIV Squadron was formed in 1915 and is the senior frontline squadron within the Air Mobility Force. In 2011, several smaller Training Flights were brought together to form the Air Mobility Force Operational Conversion Unit. Today, working with partner contractors and key enablers across the Station, the Squadron delivers aircrew training for the Atlas C Mk. 1 (A400M) and Globemaster (C-17) alongside engineer training for the Atlas. In the last two years, XXIV Squadron has successfully generated an advanced tactical capability on Atlas. Building on the knowledge and experience gained from the C-130J Hercules before it was retired in 2023, the Squadron has introduced High Altitude and Low-Level Parachuting, Night Air Despatch, Maritime Modular Platform and Air-to-Air Refuelling (Receiver) disciplines into Atlas service. As a Central Flying School Approved Training Organisation and Chartered Management Institute accredited organisation, XXIV Squadron also trains and develops Aircrew Instructors and delivers Coaching and Mentoring courses.
Wing Commander Al Dow said:
“I am delighted to return to XXIV Squadron where I previously served as a Flight Commander and C-17 instructor. Gav and his whole force team have achieved a tremendous amount in the last two and a half years. I look forward to building on that work, especially with the delivery of A400M formation and night low-level flying, as well as playing our part in growing the aircrew and engineers of today, and developing the Air Mobility Force of tomorrow.”
Wing Commander Al Dow
Officer Commanding XXIV Squadron
