Red Arrows’ new commanding officer takes charge

• Red Arrows’ new commanding officer takes over from suspended Wing Cmdr. Montenegro.
• Montenegro suspended in November as part of investigation into his behavior.
• Red Arrows preparing for the 2023 display season, which should start in May.

The Red Arrows‘ new commanding officer has said it is an honor to lead “such a hard-working and talented team”.

Wing Cmdr. David Montenegro, who was suspended in November as part of an investigation into his behavior, has been replaced by Wing Cmdr. Adam Collins.

At RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, the former Tornado pilot will be in charge of 140 RAF and civilian workers.

The handover had been “long planned,” according to the RAF, and Wing Cmdr. Montenegro had finished a 30-month assignment.

Wing Cmdr. Collins, who has experience serving on the front lines, claimed that watching jets take off from RAF Valley, which is close to his grandparents’ home in Anglesey, as a young child ignited his interest in aviation.

At the age of 17, he began flying with the Air Cadets. He completed his initial officer training in 2000.

“We are all proud to represent the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom and will continue to endeavor to inspire our audiences both at home and overseas,” he said.

According to an RAF official, Wing Cmdr. Montenegro finished his assignment on Thursday.

The outgoing commanding officer said the aerobatic team had faced “unprecedented challenges” over the past few years, but had “never lost its focus to safely deliver displays and events”.

“I am extremely proud of their resilience, determination and professionalism,” he said.

The Red Arrows have started getting ready for the 2023 display season, which should start in May.

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