1123 - Hooton Park Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

30/09/2026

22/09/2026

🏆 WHAT A DAY! WHAT A YEAR! 🏆

We are absolutely proud beyond words of our cadets and everything they have achieved — not just today, but throughout the whole reporting period and, most importantly, over the past year. ❤️💙

The amount of hard work, dedication, commitment and effort these cadets have put in has been incredible. Week after week, they have turned up, trained, practised, supported one another and pushed themselves to be better. Today, all that hard work paid off! 👏

🏆 SILVERWARE GALORE! 🏆

🥇 1st – Male Sports – Cdt Amer
🥉 3rd - Male Sports - Cdt Mercer
🥈 2nd – Photographic Competition - Sgt Page
🥈 2nd – Banner Inspection
🥇 1st – Leadership
🥈 2nd – Drill
🥉 3rd – Overall Drill
🥈 2nd – Archery
🥉 3rd – First Aid
🥇 1st – Overall FTD
🥈 2nd – Annual Inspection Trophy
🏆 1st – Overall Wing Trophy 🏆

And with that, 1123 Sqn is officially the BEST SQUADRON IN MERSEYSIDE WING! 🎉

This is particularly special as it’s the first time since 1996 that the Squadron has achieved this — with 1123 Sqn going on to win the Sir Alan Lee’s Trophy in 1997.

The staff team could not be any prouder❤️. The commitment and determination shown by the cadets throughout the year has been outstanding, and seeing them come together today and achieve so much was incredibly rewarding.

To every cadet — this is your achievement. You’ve worked for it, you’ve earned it, and you should be incredibly proud of yourselves. 👏

And to the staff — thank you for everything you do behind the scenes to support, encourage and develop these young people.

What a way to finish the year. What a team. What a Squadron.

1123 Sqn — absolutely outstanding! 🏆💙


 
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets Wg Cdr Joe O'Riley oc1123.rafac Comdt AC Royal Air Force Air Cadets

28/08/2026

Following on from our last post…

We’re incredibly proud to share the fantastic achievements of Flying Officer Rhys Kelly!

Rhys was once a cadet at 1123 Squadron, eventually aging out in November 2023 at the rank of Flight Sergeant. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, completing his Training Officer training at RAF Cranwell and his training at RAF Shawbury.

Rhys has now commissioned as a Flying Officer, marking an incredible milestone in his journey from cadet to commissioned officer.

His achievements don’t stop there! During his Joint Air Traffic Control Course (JATCC) at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations at RAF Shawbury, Rhys was awarded both the Bunting Trophy and the Marshall Trophy.

These prestigious awards recognise outstanding performance and achievement during military air traffic control training, with the Marshall Trophy being presented to an exceptional student completing the course.

From a cadet at 1123 to a Flying Officer and award-winning JATCC graduate — what an incredible journey!

Everyone at 1123 Squadron would like to congratulate Rhys on this fantastic achievement. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of the journey and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Congratulations, Flying Officer Kelly!

28/08/2026

From 1123 to Flying Officer!

On Thursday night, 1123 was delighted to welcome back Flying Officer Rhys Kelly, a former FS of the squadron who aged out in November 2023.

Rhys spoke to our cadets about his journey since leaving 1123, taking us through his training, experiences and what the future holds for him in the RAF.

He also shared some incredible achievements from his training, having been awarded both the Bunting Trophy and the Marshall Trophy for outstanding performance on the Joint Air Traffic Control Course (JATCC) at the Defence College of Air and Space Operations, RAF Shawbury. 🏆🏆

The evening finished with a Q&A, giving cadets the opportunity to ask Rhys questions about his journey, training and life in the RAF.

It was fantastic to see one of our former cadets return to 1123 and inspire the next generation. We’re incredibly proud of everything Rhys has achieved so far and look forward to seeing what comes next! 👏

Once a cadet, always part of the 1123 family. 💙

#1123

Wg Cdr Joe O'Riley
oc1123.rafac
Comdt AC
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets

31/05/2026

To finish off an incredible weekend at Inskip Training Centre, awards were presented to recognise the hard work, determination and achievements shown throughout camp 🏆👏

Awards included:
🎨 Paintball
👥 Leadership
🪢 Low Ropes
🛏️ Best Room Inspection
✈️ Best Flight
🎮 Best CAS Sim Team
🧗 Best Rock Climber
🎯 Best Shot at Air R***e
🏹 Best Archer
🕹️ Best Flight Sim
👦 Best Male Cadet
👧 Best Female Cadet
💂 Best NCO
🪙 OC Commemorative Coins

A huge congratulations to all award winners for their outstanding effort and performance throughout the weekend! 👏

But awards aren’t the only measure of success. Every cadet who attended showed commitment, teamwork, resilience and a willingness to challenge themselves. Whether it was supporting teammates, stepping outside comfort zones or giving 100% in every activity, everyone should be proud of what they achieved this weekend

Well done to all involved — cadets and staff alike — for making the camp such a memorable and successful experience!





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:::

31/05/2026

Last weekend, 1123 Hooton Park Squadron joined forces with 2375 Neston, 400 Birkenhead and 1074 Ellesmere Port Squadron for an action-packed weekend at Inskip Training Centre!

Cadets took part in a huge range of activities including:
🏹 Archery
🎯 Air R***e
🎮 Flight Sim
🩹 First Aid
🎨 Paintball
🧗 Rock Climbing
🪢 Low Ropes
⚽ Sports
👥 Leadership Tasks
🔬 STEM Activities
…and much more!

It was an amazing weekend full of teamwork, challenges, laughter and unforgettable memories. Both cadets and staff had a fantastic time — already looking forward to the next one! 👏🔥

HootonParkSquadron



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05/05/2026

🔥 MERSEYSIDE WING ATHLETICS RESULTS 🔥

A day that truly showcased what our squad stands for — teamwork, determination, and integrity 💪

Every race run, every jump taken, and every throw made reflected the effort, discipline, and support behind the scenes. Cadets pushing each other forward, celebrating every success, and competing with pride and respect 👏

🏆 Standout Results:
Cdt Stacey – 🥇 100m | 🥇 High Jump
Cdt Mercer – 🥇 100m | 🥇 Long Jump | 🥇 200m
Cdt Challinor – 🥇 Discus
Cdt Amer – 🥇 100m | 🥇 800m | 🥈 Javelin
Girls U16 Relay – 🥇 1st Place

These results aren’t just about medals — they’re about commitment, resilience, and the strength of the team standing together.

Proud of every single cadet who gave their all on and off the track 🙌


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19/04/2026

🏑 WING HOCKEY CHAMPIONS 🏆

What an incredible achievement for 1123 Hooton Park! Bringing home the win at the Wing Hockey Competition — a true display of teamwork, determination, and squad spirit 💪

We are so very proud of everyone who took part and gave it their all.

It seems the sqn is on a winning streak… long may it continue! 🔥




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