Three years ago  when I first took at look at what was to be my new command I found 20 cadets, a very serious, brand new OCdt and a small staff with an average age of 59 or so, and a Support Committee of 4. My objective for my tour of command was to rebuild and effect some cultural changes to revitalize the unit.

This past Saturday I handed over command of the Squadron to the same young lady, now a Lieutenant. After three years of anxiety, self-doubt and constantly thinking that I’ve messed up, I realized that I had achieved all of my strategic goals, and many tactical objectives too. The Squadron has now 39 cadets on strength, more, younger staff and an engaged enthusiastic Support Committee of 11 for fundraising.

As usual, the Squadron was well turned out and made me look good.

Signing the official documents

Handing the Squadron banner to the Area OC is the symbolic moment

My successor takes the responsibility

The Area Commander gave me this nice tangible recognition of a job well done.

From the cadets a nice picture of a Spitfire for me and a bouquet of Air Cadet blue and yellow flowers for the patiently supportive Mrs. Rabbitman .

I’m staying with the Squadron for at least a year. I’m just switching desks and hats to DCO and help train our young staff. Hopefully more time working directly with the cadets and less time in meetings will revitalize me too.