A NORTH Yorkshire airbase has welcomed a new commander with the passing of a historic baton.
Air Commodore Terry Jones handed over the role of station commander at RAF Linton-on-Ouse to Group Captain David Cooper at a special ceremony this week.
Air Commodore Jones said: “Although I’m leaving RAF Linton-on-Ouse much earlier than expected to assume the role of Director Flying Training, I’m delighted that my new job will allow me to stay in close touch with the station and the many friends that Anna and I have made in Yorkshire.”
Group Captain Cooper is a former Tornado pilot and is a qualified flying and weapons instructor on the Hawk aircraft.
The baton is that of the RAF’s No 1 Flying Training School, the oldest military flying training school in the world.
He said: “I’ve always kept a close affinity to Linton and feel incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead such an enthusiastic and capable team and to work with such a supportive local community.
“We have a key role in providing truly outstanding training for the next generation of fast jet pilots. Serving in the world’s oldest independent air force while commanding the world’s oldest military flying training school is a particularly special honour”.
Air Commodore Jones is pictured handing over the baton to Group Captain Cooper.
