It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Air Specialist (Class 1) Samuel Odotei, who sadly passed away on Friday 17 January 2025.
Air Specialist Class One Samuel ‘Sam’ Odotei was an Avionics tradesperson on 99 Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton.
Originally from Barking and Dagenham, Sam joined the Royal Air Force in July 2021. He completed Basic Recruit Training at RAF Halton in November 2021 before being posted to the Number 1 School of Technical Training, part of the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford to perform his Avionic Tradesperson Training. Excelling in his Phase 2 training he received multiple positive comments from instructors regarding his attitude to training and his performance overall.
In January 2023, he was posted to RAF Brize Norton, 99 Squadron, where he quickly became a vital member of A-Shift Engineering Team. On completion of his Flight Line Handling course, the 99 Squadron instructors described Sam as, ‘the most popular person we’ve had on a course’, his enthusiasm and engagement was infectious. His exam average of 95% demonstrated his superb technical aptitude and it was from there he became an instrumental member of the A-shift Avionics Desk. During his career he supported 99 Squadron in achieving multiple Operational Outputs including, Op Shader, Op Scorpius, Op Chambray, Op Underhill and others as part of the Air Mobility Force.
Renowned for his warmth and genuine care in supporting his team, he was instantly recognisable by his height, stature, and infectious smile. The Shift remember Sam with the following thoughts:
“The main thing you could hear was his laugh; you could hear it from anywhere in the building and just hearing it would put a smile on your face.
“He was the life of the Desk, always kept the morale up and always tried to cheer everyone up. He had massive energy and always had a smile on his face”.
His passion, outside of supporting his Avionic team on 99 Squadron was RAF Basketball.
The Squadron received multiple complimentary emails about Sam’s support to the wider RAF Team, his attitude and the personification of Team Ethos and superlative sporting skill he displayed.
Sam will be sorely missed and our thoughts remain with his family at this sad time.
