197 Devonport Squadron ATC

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197 Devonport Squadron ATC Welcome to 197 Devonport Squadron ATC! Inspiring the next generation of leaders, adventurers, and aviators. Join us to discover your potential!

We provide young people aged 12-20 with exciting opportunities in flying, adventure training and leadership.

Congratulations to Flight Sergeant Mair and Sergeant Wooldridge who recently completed the Cadet First Aid Instructors C...
18/10/2026

Congratulations to Flight Sergeant Mair and Sergeant Wooldridge who recently completed the Cadet First Aid Instructors Course (Gold)!

The Gold course is the highest level of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets’ progressive First Aid Training scheme, designed to develop cadets into confident First Aid Instructors. Alongside developing their own First Aid knowledge, cadets learn how to plan and deliver engaging lessons, teach essential skills and assess other cadets undertaking their Youth First Aid training.

Having completed the course, both of them are now equipped to help deliver and assess Youth First Aid training, sharing their knowledge and helping fellow cadets develop potentially lifesaving skills.

Congratulations to both!



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Upon entering the Squadron building tonight, we were delighted to find these 2 letters addressed to us from the House of...
16/10/2026

Upon entering the Squadron building tonight, we were delighted to find these 2 letters addressed to us from the House of Commons.

One, from Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MP, and another, from our local MP, Minister for Defense Readiness, Luke Pollard MP.

It really is fantastic to receive recognition and support from those in Government, particularly for the hard work and dedication shown by our cadets and adult volunteers.

Gestures like these mean a great deal to everyone at 197 (Devonport) Squadron and serve as a wonderful reminder that the opportunities we provide for young people, and the commitment of those who make them possible, do not go unnoticed.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to both MPs for taking the time to write to us and for their continued support of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Luke Pollard

We asked our cadets to share their favourite activities, what being a cadet has taught them and something they never tho...
11/10/2026

We asked our cadets to share their favourite activities, what being a cadet has taught them and something they never thought they’d have the opportunity to do.

Their answers offer a personal look at life at 197 (Devonport) Squadron, from the activities they enjoy most to the skills they’ve gained and the experiences that have taken them beyond their expectations.

Swipe through to hear from our cadets and discover what being part of 197 means to them.

Thank you to everyone who shared their answers and helped us celebrate National Cadet Week!



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

As the first National Cadet Week comes to a close, we’re looking back at a week celebrating our cadets, volunteers and t...
11/10/2026

As the first National Cadet Week comes to a close, we’re looking back at a week celebrating our cadets, volunteers and the opportunities the RAF Air Cadets provides.

From welcoming the Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth for Cadets in the Community to recognising our dedicated staff through Volunteer Celebration, it has been an opportunity to share what makes our squadron special. Cadets Save Lives highlighted the importance of first aid, while Skills for Life showed how cadet experiences can build confidence and prepare young people for their futures.

Thank you to our cadets, volunteers and everyone who contributed to and supported our celebrations throughout the week.



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

On Thursday evening, our OC, Flight Lieutenant Haycock was invited up to CTCRM Lympstone to be presented with the Lord L...
10/10/2026

On Thursday evening, our OC, Flight Lieutenant Haycock was invited up to CTCRM Lympstone to be presented with the Lord Lieutenant’s Commendation for Meritorious Service

The award recognises his outstanding leadership of 197 (Devonport) Squadron and his wider contribution to the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Since taking command, Flt Lt Haycock has helped rebuild cadet and staff numbers following the pandemic and developed a varied and challenging training programme. Under his leadership, the squadron represented both the Wing and South West Region in the 2024 Lees Trophy competition.

Alongside his squadron responsibilities, he has supported volunteers as Wing IT Officer and continues to support aviation and space training as Adjutant of 620 Aerospace Ground School. He also contributes to public engagement at events such as Plymouth Armed Forces Day, helping introduce young people to the opportunities available through the RAF Air Cadets.

This is well-deserved recognition of his dedication to our cadets, volunteers and the wider organisation.



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Today’s National Cadets Week theme, Skills for Life, celebrates the skills young people develop through cadets and how t...
09/10/2026

Today’s National Cadets Week theme, Skills for Life, celebrates the skills young people develop through cadets and how they can carry them into education, employment and everyday life.

From leading a team and communicating clearly to solving problems and taking on new challenges, the Royal Air Force Air Cadets gives cadets opportunities to build confidence, gain qualifications and develop skills for their future.

On Wednesday, Flt Lt Haycock delivered a presentation at his workplace about National Cadets Week and what the Royal Air Force Air Cadets has to offer. It was an opportunity to highlight the experiences available to young people and the value of the skills they gain along the way.

Back in July, we also welcomed former 197 cadet and now RAF Flying Officer Paige Goffin to the squadron to deliver a presentation about her life in the RAF. Hearing from someone who was once in their shoes gave our cadets an insight into her career and the opportunities beyond cadet life.

Whether our cadets go on to join the Armed Forces, pursue further education or choose another career, the skills and experiences they gain at 197 can stay with them for life.



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Today’s National Cadet Week theme, Cadets Save Lives, highlights the importance of First Aid, an essential life skill th...
08/10/2026

Today’s National Cadet Week theme, Cadets Save Lives, highlights the importance of First Aid, an essential life skill that can make a real difference when someone needs help.

At 197 (Devonport) Squadron, our new recruits receive Essential First Aid (Blue Badge) training, helping them build the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency. The Royal Air Force Air Cadets also offers Bronze, Silver and Gold First Aid training, giving cadets opportunities to develop their skills further.

First Aid is about recognising when something is wrong, getting help and knowing what you can do until the emergency services arrive. Whether someone becomes unwell during a cadet activity, suffers an injury at school or needs help in the street, these skills have value far beyond the Squadron.

In June, former Cadet Flight Sergeant Kidd received a Regional Commandant’s Commendation for helping save the life of a passer-by by taking charge of the situation , requesting someone to call for the emergency services and then performing CPR until help arrived and the patient regained conciousness. This is a powerful example of the difference first aid training can make.

Regular practice and refresher training help keep those skills fresh and build confidence to act when it matters. It's one of those skills you hope you'll never need to use, but being prepared could help you save a life.

All images are of qualified-staff supervised First Aid training or exercises, no real casualties are pictured.



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Today is Volunteer Celebration as part of National Cadets Week, and we’re shining a spotlight on the staff behind 197 (D...
07/10/2026

Today is Volunteer Celebration as part of National Cadets Week, and we’re shining a spotlight on the staff behind 197 (Devonport) Squadron!

Our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) give their time to help young people grow in confidence, learn new skills and make the most of the opportunities available through the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

We asked our staff what being a CFAV means to them. Take a look through their photos and quotes to hear why they volunteer and what they gain from being part of the team.

Thank you to all our volunteers for the time and effort you put in, both on parade nights and behind the scenes. Despite it being a volunteer role, it can be a demanding and time consuming job, and our cadets’ experiences wouldn’t be possible without you!



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Tonight, 197 (Devonport) Squadron welcomed the Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth as part of our National Cadets Week celebra...
06/10/2026

Tonight, 197 (Devonport) Squadron welcomed the Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth as part of our National Cadets Week celebrations.

Greeted by Flt Lt Haycock and escorted by CWO Edgar, the Deputy Lord Mayor met our cadets and volunteers and explored some of the opportunities available through the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Our cadets showcased their skills through Radio Communications practicals, First Aid demonstrations, STEM and VEX activities, and Flight Simulation. It was a chance for them to explain what they have learnt and share their own experiences of being an Air Cadet.

Thank you to the Deputy Lord Mayor for joining us and taking the time to speak with our cadets and staff. A big thank you also goes to everyone who helped prepare and deliver the evening!



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Today marks the start of the first National Cadets Week!From 5–11 October, we’re joining cadet forces across the country...
05/10/2026

Today marks the start of the first National Cadets Week!

From 5–11 October, we’re joining cadet forces across the country to celebrate the opportunities, friendships and skills that being a part of the cadet forces brings.

Here at 197 (Devonport) Squadron, we’ll be sharing our cadets’ experiences, celebrating the volunteers who make it all possible, and showing how the Royal Air Force Air Cadets helps young people build confidence and learn skills for life.

Follow along throughout the week to see what being part of 197 and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets is all about.



Commandant Air Cadets South West Region Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

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Cadet Building, Devonport High School For Boys
Plymouth
PL15QP

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