Flt Lt Rachel Pedley RAFVR(T)

Officer Commanding 2359 (Woolton) Squadron

Flight Lieutenant Rachel Pedley joined the Air Training Corps in 1995 as a cadet at 1114 (Gosforth) Squadron, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Durham and Northumberland Wing. She remained a member of this squadron until 1999 when she went to university and transferred to 234 (City of Durham) Squadron. During this time, she rose to the highest rank in the ATC, Cadet Warrant Officer, and passed all her classification exams with Credits.

In her career as a cadet, Rachel made the most of the opportunities the Air Training Corps can offer, and attended a number of camps, including two overseas camps in Germany, and a flight in an HS-125 which regularly provides a passenger service to the Royal Family.

After reaching the maximum age for a cadet, Rachel received her Commission with the RAF and became a squadron officer with 234 (City of Durham) Squadron, where she remained until 2005 when her work required her to move to Merseyside and she transferred to 2359 (Woolton) Squadron. After a few months as squadron officer, Rachel took over as squadron commander, and has been in this role for three years now.

When asked what her greatest achievement is, Flt Lt Pedley struggled to pick one! She says: “Being squadron commander has been a challenge, but everything we achieve makes it worthwhile. We’ve had many great moments so far, such as winning the Merseyside Wing First Aid Trophy in 2008, the Civilian Committee trophy in 2007 and the many other achievements that you will see on our website , but the real achievement has been developing the spirit and supportive atmosphere that everyone feels when they visit or join the squadron – I believe in excellence and being the best at something, but what gets us there is effort – of the cadets, the staff, the committee and parents.”

Rachel looks forward to the coming year, saying: “Each year we achieve a little bit more, both individually and as a squadron. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring!”