This Wing Commander Led the RAF Red Arrows on the 250th US Independence Day
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Wing Commander Sasha Nash made history as the first woman to command the RAF Red Arrows and recently led the team during major US Independence Day airshows. Her appearance at events marking the 250th anniversary of American independence highlighted both the enduring UK-US relationship and a significant milestone for British military aviation.
Published: 17 July 2026
Written by: Shashwat Dwivedi
Just six months after assuming command, Wing Commander Sasha Nash led the Red Arrows as they participated in airshows across the United States during the Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations.
In a conversation with PEOPLE, Sasha spoke about her thoughts on leading the Red Arrows during the 250th American Independence Day celebrations. “The U.S. is our closest security partner, that relationship is there and we are very proud to be over here representing our country and taking part in these significant events for the 250th.”
When Wing Commander Sasha Nash took over leadership of the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team, from Wing Commander Adam Collins, she knew she faced a monumental task as the first woman to become the unit’s commanding officer.
Her achievement becomes even more notable when viewed in the context of the allegations the Red Arrows faced in recent years. According to the BBC, three years ago the unit came under scrutiny after an inquiry revealed how normalised and widespread predatory behaviour towards women had become.
Sasha Nash, a former Tornado pilot who completed multiple tours in Afghanistan, took command of the Red Arrows in January. The role includes responsibility for approximately 150 RAF and civilian personnel based at the team’s headquarters at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, as well as oversight of all aspects of the operation.
Speaking to the BBC, Sasha revealed that her love of flying began in childhood. “I was a six-year-old little girl when I decided to join the Royal Air Force and to fly fast jets – inspired by air shows and seeing the speed and excitement of aircraft displaying at those events. That ambition stayed with me throughout school, where I achieved a sixth form scholarship and subsequent university bursary to join the RAF.”
Adding to her experience, she emphasised that she does not prefer to be described as a female pilot, but rather as a pilot who happens to be female. Nash, who is from Surrey and is a mother of two children, carries the callsign Red 11.
Key Facts
Wing Commander Sasha Nash became the first woman to command the RAF Red Arrows
She led the team during US 250th Independence Day celebrations and major airshows
Nash succeeded Wing Commander Adam Collins as commanding officer
A former Tornado pilot, she completed multiple operational tours in Afghanistan
She oversees around 150 RAF and civilian personnel at RAF Waddington
Nash assumed command of the Red Arrows in January 2026
Her callsign within the team is Red 11
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Author: Shashwat Dwivedi Aviation staffing and consultancy insights LinkedIn
