Change is afoot at RAF Fylingdales as we bid farewell to Wing Commander Thom Colledge, who is off to tackle a different kind of missile warning – academic debates at Cambridge University. As Thom heads to the hallowed halls to study Politics and International Relations, we welcome our new Station Commander, Wing Commander Toby Steward, a man who’s swapped space operations and bears in his garden for the charm of Whitby and its seagulls!
Wing Commander Thom Colledge has left his mark on RAF Fylingdales with his steady leadership and commitment to strengthening international partnerships, making the station a leader in missile warning and space surveillance. “I’ve had an incredible journey here,” Wg Cdr Colledge reflected. “But now it’s time to trade radars and rocket launchers for textbooks and tutorials. I’m looking forward to engaging with the world of academia, but I’ll certainly miss the team at Fylingdales – though maybe not the weather!”
In steps Wg Cdr Toby Steward, a seasoned space operations expert who most recently served as the first UK Liaison Officer to US Space Command. Having worked closely with the United States Space Force, Toby is no stranger to the cosmos. However, it was his terrestrial experiences in Colorado that truly prepared him for a new chapter in North Yorkshire.
“Shortly before departing Colorado three bears separately wandered into my garden within the space of a week.” Wg Cdr Steward shared with a grin. “There’s nothing quite like watching a black bear swipe at your bird feeder while you’re sipping your morning coffee! But I think I’m safe here in Whitby – unless the local seagulls get any more ambitious. So far, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is figuring out where to park during the summer holidays!” As Wg Cdr Steward settles into life on the North Yorkshire Moors, he brings with him a wealth of experience in international cooperation and space defence.
“I’m excited to be part of the Fylingdales team and continue the great work this station does. Whether it’s keeping an eye on space debris or ensuring we’re prepared for any missile threats, Fylingdales is a crucial cog in the UK’s defence machine – though I have to say, I do miss the bears, in a strange way.”
Wg Cdr Steward
RAF Fylingdales New Station Commander
RAF Fylingdales plays a key role in monitoring ballistic missile activity and space situational awareness. With Wg Cdr Steward at the helm, the station looks forward to building on its existing strengths while welcoming the lighter side of leadership – including more bear-free coffee mornings.
The RAF Fylingdales team wishes Wg Cdr Colledge all the best in his academic pursuits and warmly welcomes Wg Cdr Steward to a post that promises fewer bears, more tea, and just as much excitement on the ground – and beyond it!
