19/03/2026
🤝Squadron Command Handover Ceremony🤝
On Monday 16 March, following his promotion to Wing Sector Commander, Squadron Leader Stuart Smith handed command over to Flying Officer William Mayhew (formerly Squadron Adjutant).
Both were pleased to be joined by Wing Commander David Miller, Senior Staff Officer for Central and East Region, and Wing Commander Jason Allen, Officer Commanding Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, together with neighbouring Squadron OCs, local Mayors, friends and supporters of the Squadron.
Under Sqn Ldr Smith, 1379 (Leiston) Squadron has undergone a complete transformation; from 5 to 40 cadets, self-dependency across all activities in the progressive training syllabus, and governance and finance. This is in large part down to the vision and leadership of Sqn Ldr Smith, who takes this experience and vision to sector level, working with OCs in Beccels, Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
Fg Off Mayhew’s service at 1379 Squadron started 11 years ago as a cadet, and he has bee on Squadron during this transformation. In his speech, he reflected on the pride to take over a vastly different Squadron, one recognised as rge Most Improved in the RAFAC (Marshall Trophy 2025) and committing to pushing ahead with ambitions for the Lees Trophy in the near future.
We also took the opportunity to award two Commandant Air Cadets’ commendations to CWC Viv Marshall and the whole Civilian Welfare Committee for their work over this period of command, a certificate of appointment for CWO Aryaeenia, a silver music badge to FS Tye, and the newly donated trophy by Sqn Ldr Smith for dedication to the RAFAC offer, Cpl Kemp.
On behalf of all cadets, CFAV, Civilian Welfare Committee, we reiterate the thanks and appreciation we have for Sqn Ldr Smith, and wish Fg Off Mayhew the very best of luck in his new role.
