RAF Cranwell

07/10/2026

The Aircrew SERE Training Centre at RAF Cranwell was privileged to welcome Cdr Jason ‘Jas’ Phillips OBE, Retired, as their Guest of Honour.

Former Royal Navy Observer and the Navy’s longest serving front line Commanding Officer (820 Sqn), Jason addressed Royal Navy, Army Air Corps & Royal Air Force aircrew students, following their survival training. Jas’ spoke about his extraordinary career and the experiences that led to his surviving a ditching in a Sea King Helicopter and the history and his involvement as Chairperson of the highly exclusive ‘Goldfish Club’.

Jason joined the Royal Navy in 1989 and has served 30 years as an Observer specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare. He has served in multiple campaigns and qualified as an instructor. Appointed OBE in 2012 he has flown on Sea King, Sea Hawk and Merlin Mk 1 Helicopters.

On 4 Sep 1998, following a hydraulic pipe failure that led to a fire, he and his crew ditched their helicopter into the Sea.

Jas spoke with humour and candour as he recounted their terrifying experiences as he witnessed the fire spreading quickly, his crewman screaming as he rolled on the cabin floor immersed in flames and as he witnessed his own hands on fire.

He kept a tired audience enthralled as he spoke about the physical and psychological aspects of the incident. He shared numerous examples of irrational thought in a crisis and described how he felt to be trapped under water and ‘know’ you’re about to die and of the immense relief and euphoric state at realising he and the whole crew had survived.

He shared images of his own injuries and highlighted the importance of always wearing the correct clothing and sticking to the survival drills, especially egress, taught during training.

His effective use of humour during the incident, aftermath and during the re-telling of that, was an interesting insight into the depth and strength of his character and resilience.

He spoke openly about the psychological impacts of the event and of the extraordinary trajectory his life had taken as a result, including his current role as chairperson of the Goldfish Club (Goldfish as in colour of the fish in the emblem, representing the value of life and not something you may win at a fair and keep in a bowl).

Beyond the cockpit, he held spent 2 years as the Commander of BRNC Dartmouth, before returning to RNAS Culdrose for his final two appointments as Commander Air & Training, which included being the last Air Display Director in 2016, followed by the Station Executive Officer. He retired from the Service in November 2019 and now keeps up his involvement with the FAA instructing in the Merlin simulator.

A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society for 40 years and ‘dark blue’ to the core, he maintains an interest in Antarctic exploration, serves as Chair of the Goldfish Club, Master Air Navigator and Alumni of the Windsor Leadership Trust; he is a self-confessed Fleet Air Arm heritage ‘nut’, with an armchair passion for all Australian sporting teams.

Jas is a huge character with a quick wit. His strength, humility, and commitment to the support and care for others, as a leader, shone through. He exudes the very essence of dedication to people and unconquered spirit.

On behalf of everyone at the Aircrew SERE Training Centre, we extend our sincere thanks to Cdr (Ret) Phillips OBE for his time, devotion to educating others, candour, humour and inspiration.

We wish the very best to all those fortunate enough to enjoy living membership of the Goldfish Club. www.goldfishclub.co.uk

06/10/2026

We are proud to welcome the newly enrolled students from the Air and Defence Colleges in Stamford and Peterborough, as well as the Air Space Institute in Newark, who attended Matriculation at the International Bomber Command Centre in September. The Deputy Commandant presented each student with their Matriculation pin and officially welcomed them to the Military and Defence Programme. The event was supported by senior RAF personnel from various bases and units, along with other Defence Stakeholders.

06/10/2026

Last week, RAF Cranwell hosted Chief of the Air Staff’s Commendation Award Ceremony. This event brought together 19 recipients of a 4* Commendation, and Warrant Officer Bali Flora, who received the 3rd clasp to his Long Service Good Conduct Medal, in recognition and celebration of their achievements. Each recipient was presented their award by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smith, before observing a highly impressive RAF College Marching Band performance, culminating in a flypast by two German Air Force Typhoons. The event concluded with an afternoon tea, making it a truly memorable experience for all involved.

The Chief of the Air Staff reflected, “Being back at Cranwell, the esteemed training ground where RAF officers are shaped to the highest standards, was especially meaningful. This unit plays a vital role in maintaining the UK’s first line of defence, ensuring our armed forces remain ready and resilient.”

05/10/2026

RAF Cranwell Station Commander, Wing Commander Mel Copson, has recently appointed Flight Sergeant (FS) Walker from 2160 (Sleaford) Squadron as the Station Commander’s Cadet for 2026.

FS Walker will join the Station Commander at various events throughout the year, gaining a unique perspective on life in the Royal Air Force. FS Walker joined 2160 (Sleaford) Squadron in September 2021 and has since demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to the RAF Air Cadets. A keen sportswoman and positive role model, she leads by example, encourages her peers and supports new cadets on their journey. Now appointed as the Station Commander’s Cadet, she looks forward to embracing new opportunities, developing her leadership skills and gaining a greater understanding of RAF life and future career opportunities within the Service.

05/10/2026

02/10/2026

Officer Cadets from MIOT 43 have raised an outstanding £15,826.04, including Gift Aid, for two charities delivering lifesaving emergency care across Lincolnshire.

Supporting Lincolnshire Emergency Medical Response (LEMR) and Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, the total is the highest amount ever raised by a single course.

The Charity committee fundraising effort brought the course together behind two organisations whose teams provide vital emergency medical care to people when they need it most.

Representatives from both charities joined MIOT 43 at RAF College Cranwell to mark the achievement and recognise the commitment, teamwork and generosity behind this record-breaking total.

A superb achievement by MIOT 43 and a fitting demonstration of Service, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence in action.

01/10/2026

Today, RAF Cranwell bid farewell to Wing Commander Thornton and welcomed Wing Commander Copson as the new Station Commander.

During a brief handover ceremony outside Station Headquarters, Wing Commander Thornton reflected, ‘It has been an immense privilege serving as Station Commander, RAF Cranwell. I leave with a heavy heart, but full of pride at everything this incredible Station has achieved. I wish Wg Cdr Copson every success in leading this wonderful Station. Thank you to everyone for their support and friendship over the last 3 years.’

On taking up her new appointment, Wing Commander Copson said, ‘I am absolutely delighted to assume the role of Station Commander, the spiritual home of the RAF and feel incredibly privileged to have been entrusted with this responsibility. I am really looking forward to getting to know the station and, most importantly, working with everyone here. I would also like to thank Wg Cdr Thornton for a brilliant handover and wish him every success for the future.’

01/10/2026

Recently, RAF Cranwell had the honour of welcoming Air Commodore Reid, the Head of Air Infrastructure for the Royal Air Force, to the station to see how current and planned infrastructure investment is supporting the Station’s people, training output and future resilience. The visit also provided an opportunity to hear directly from the Station about day-to day estate challenges and the work being taken forward.

Air Cdre Reid said ‘It has been great to be back at RAF Cranwell, a unit I have fond memories of having both trained and served at previously. There is significant investment being delivered and programmed over the coming years to support the Station’s output, strengthen estate resilience and improve the lived experience for personnel. Hearing directly from the Station about the infrastructure challenges they face today has been invaluable, and I look forward to working closely with them, the DIO and our industry partners to deliver this much-needed investment in this iconic RAF station.

30/09/2026

Exercise Cobra Warrior 🇬🇧🇩🇪