Royal Air Force Brize Norton Air Wing welcomes new commander
Royal Air Force Brize Norton has formally welcomed Group Captain Stu Patton as the new Commander Air Wing at RAF Brize Norton, marking the transition of leadership for the Royal Air Force's Air Mobility Force, succeeding Group Captain Andy McIntyre, who has served in the role since 2024.
Reflecting on their time in command, Group Captain Andy McIntyre said:
"Commanding the Air Mobility Air Wing over the past 2 years has been the greatest privilege of my career. With our aircraft and people dispersed over 6 locations in a way that is transparent to many, and still delivering global Air Mobility sums up just how remarkable our people are. From strengthening our sovereign combat parachuting capability, landing on ice in the Arctic, moving VVIPs, supporting the Carrier Strike Group, rescuing UK citizens whilst providing vital air defence munitions to trouble spots or delivering a doctor by air to a remote British overseas territory, what the team has collectively achieved is astonishing. I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone I’ve worked with within the Air Wing and across the Whole Force enterprise both at Brize and our deployed locations within Operation Mace Vector."
Group Captain Andy McIntyre
The Air Wing forms the operational heart of RAF Brize Norton, the UK's principal air mobility hub, delivering strategic reach through the Atlas (A400M), Globemaster (C-17) and Voyager fleets. The Wing continues to support worldwide operations, exercises and humanitarian missions, providing the agility and responsiveness required by Defence.
Assuming command, Group Captain Stu Patton paid tribute to the work of their predecessor and outlined their priorities for the future, saying:
"I am hugely proud to be taking command of the Air Mobility Air Wing. Whether through projecting and sustaining our forces around the world, supporting humanitarian evacuation or delivering aid to the hardest to reach places. This year has continued to reinforce how Air Mobility is at the heart of everything Defence does. I am acutely aware that this daily effort depends on the hard work of so many - across Wing, Station and industry - who continue to deliver 24/7 from dispersed locations while our home runway is upgraded. I am grateful to all for the support and excited for the challenges we will face together."
Group Captain Stu Patton
Commander Air Wing
The Air Wing at RAF Brize Norton remains at the forefront of UK Defence air mobility operations, delivering strategic air transport, air-to-air refuelling and global support capabilities in support of national and international commitments.
