Flight Lieutenant Will Close-Ash from Wallsend is handing over command of 346 (Tynemouth) Squadron after ten years as the commanding officer. Will is the second longest serving commanding officer at Tynemouth, since the formation of the Squadron in 1941.
"It has been a real honour and privilege to lead the staff and cadets at Tynemouth and to serve the local community." Will, who is a teacher at Bedlington High School told us.
The new boss at Tynemouth, Flight Lieutenant Phil Kent praised Will and the work he'd done at the Squadron. "Through Will's efforts and leadership, Tynemouth has risen to become a highly successful Squadron, it is one of the best Squadron in the Air Training Corps and I am delighted to be taking it on."
Will, who took command of Tynemouth Squadron in 2000, remembers some of the challenges. "We only had a handful of cadets, but our staff were committed and dedicated to building the Squadron and making it a focal point for community work. Over the past ten years, hundreds of cadets have passed through the Squadron, gaining awards, qualifications, leadership skills and life experiences. Some of the highlights for me have been seeing the community work that our cadets have been involved; over the past 10 years we've raised tens of thousands of pounds for local and national charities."
The Tynemouth band has given the cadets a chance to play in their local community. Will told us, "Tynemouth has always had a successful Squadron band and over the past 10 years, our band has played at some very high profile local and regional events. Among the most important of these have been the annual Battle of Britain celebrations in Newcastle and the chance to play for his Royal highness, the Duke of Edinburgh when he visited Newcastle in October 2007. Seeing our young people putting something back into the community is an inspiring sight."
Life Saving Cadets
"I think the highlight over the past ten years was seeing a team of cadets and staff from the Squadron save the lives of seven stranded climbers in the French Pyrenees in May 2008. That highlighted the importance of the training we provided and showed just how talented and capable our young people really are." Whilst on a Squadron expedition, the team of 6 cadets under the leadership of Will and Flying Officer Emma Stewart came across 7 stranded walkers on an icy peak. Two of the men had fallen over 200m and were badly injured. The team used their skills to stabilise the men and bring in the French mountain rescue, all of the walkers survived. For their efforts, both the cadets and Will and Emma received bravery awards from the Order of St John.
Will does not leave the air training corps altogether, but moves onto a staff development post at his local Wing Headquarters. Chairman of the Squadron committee, Wing Commander John Knowles AE thanked Will for his work at Tynemouth, "We will be sad to see Will leave the Squadron, but we are sure that he will enjoy his new role and we thank him for everything that he has done for the staff, cadets and community during his time with us."