ANDY SPREADS HIS WINGS

Front row (from left): Sgt (ATC) Rhian Murdoch, Flight Lieutenant Andy Dobson RAFVR(T), Pilot Officer David Anderson RAFVR(T), and Warrant Officer (ATC) Martin MacLeod. Second row (from left): Civilian Instructors Alex Smith, Nicki Murdoch and Eddie Wallace. Third and fourth rows: Cadets from 379 Sqn.

RAF Air Cadets and staff at 379 (County of Ross) Squadron based in Alness said a final farewell to Flight Lieutenant Andy Dobson RAFVR(T) as he stood down as Commanding Officer. 

Flt Lt Dobson joined 379 in 2000, being officially appointed as a civilian instructor on December 5th. He became a uniformed member of staff gaining his RAF Commission in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) on July 30th 2001 as a Pilot Officer. In 2003 he was promoted to Flying Officer and on May 12th 2005 he took up the post of Squadron Commanding Officer with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He has become the longest serving Commanding Officer (CO) at the squadron serving as the CO for just over 10 years. 

Flt Lt Dobson is not leaving the Air Cadet Organisation and is in fact moving on to become a Wing Staff Officer within Highland Wing. His roles will be to continue as Media Communications Officer for the Wing, along with having overseeing responsibility for a number of squadrons in the wing, and the role of Flying and Gliding Liaison Officer. 

Pilot Officer David Anderson RAFVR(T) assumed CO responsibilities from June 1st.   

Flt Lt Dobson said: “It’s with mixed emotions that I hand over responsibility of Commanding Officer at the squadron to Pilot Officer Dave Anderson. Having been associated with the squadron for almost 15 years, it’s a long time and many Cadets and staff have come and gone, and long-term friendships made. 

“I will miss the squadron but wish the Cadets and staff at 379 Sqn every success, and all the very best to Pilot Officer Dave Anderson in his new role as he takes the squadron forward.”