Warrant Officer (RAFAC) Chris Brand – Officer CommandingAfter reaching the rank of Sergeant as a cadet with our squadron, Chris joined the Royal Air Force as a Regiment Gunner. After completing his service he joined 1249 (Dereham) Sqn before eventually returning as a CI to 222 Sqn with valued knowledge in 2005. Chris became an Adult NCO in December 2007, Chris took over as Officer Commanding 222 in 2015. In 2018 Chris was awarded Lord Lieutenant award for Meritorious service to the air cadets.
Sergeant (RAFAC) Michael Gardiner – Drill and Discipline more details to follow…
Reverend Christine Wheeler – Squadron Padre more details to follow…
CI Gavin Frost – Shooting OfficerGavin is the shooting Officer who also has responsibility to promote the Squadron in the community where possible with social media and newspaper articles.
Whilst not serving in the forces, Gavin decided his own positive experiences as a cadet in the 1980’s and the fact his children joined recently meant he wanted to give something back. He is currently working as a Deputy Head Teacher in a primary school
He is a relatively new member of the Civilian Instructor team, but is dedicated to increasing the opportunities for the cadets to shoot at all levels when the cadets’ skills allow. He is currently moving the Squadron towards a position where cadets target shoot regularly as well as working towards regular clay shooting opportunities for all cadets. As he builds his qualifications, we hope to return to a position of shooting being a key strength of 222 Squadron.
Gavin is always keen to hear ways in which we can build our presence locally through media and welcomes parents’ ideas on how this can be achieved ever more effectively
CI Adam Grzeskowiak – D of E OfficerAdam originally joined the Army as a Medic. He later successfully applied for aircrew selection and was awarded his wings in 1996. Posted to 654 Sqn AAC at Wattisham flying Gazelle helicopters in the reconnaissance/anti tank role, during this period he undertook numerous worldwide detachments. Selected for instructor training, Adam was posted to Middle Wallop to teach all aspects of Army Flying. Adam Retired after 22 Years service and now flies in support of the offshore gas industry. “I recognise what a great help the Air cadets was in helping me achieve my career in aviation, and would like to pass on some of the knowledge gained.”
CI Nick Nicholls – Communications OfficerNick joined the RAF initially as an aircraft technician and worked on the Lightning, Hunter, Argosy, VC10 and Belfast aircraft. He was selected for Aircrew training as an Air Engineer and, after graduation, worked on the Hercules C130’s. He served 2 tours on No. 30 Sqn and then became an instructor. At the end of his 22 year engagement he moved to civil aviation and operated Boeing 747-200’s, -300’s and the Lockheed L1011 Tri-Star for a Hong Kong based airline. He also held the post of Fleet Technical Officer for the introduction of the Boeing 777 to the airline. Having retired, Nick would like to share his aviation knowledge and experience with the next generation of aviators
CI Julie Simpson – Adjutant more details to follow…CI Bill Newby Grant
Bill, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, joined us in May 2007 after noticing a recruitment advert in the EDP. His specialisation was languages and he was awarded an MBE for his work in the Balkans. His experiences throughout the world are an asset to the Squadron. Bill teaches the leading and senior cadet syllabus and assists with Fieldcraft activities.
Bill, a former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, joined us in May 2007 after noticing a recruitment advert in the EDP. His specialisation was languages and he was awarded an MBE for his work in the Balkans. His experiences throughout the world are an asset to the Squadron. Bill teaches the leading and senior cadet syllabus and assists with Fieldcraft activities.