London unit named best Air Cadet Squadron in UK
2 Sep 10
1475 (Dulwich) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) has recently won the Sir Alan Lees Trophy, awarded to the best Air Cadet Squadron in the country.
During her inspection, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper promoted Andrea Riofrio to Cadet Flight Sergeant
[Picture: David Griffiths, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper, judged the unit from South East London to be the top squadron after witnessing first-hand its effectiveness on delivering the ATC's national syllabus of training, and its achievements - both physical and academic - in gaining awards for its cadets.
1475 Squadron was judged to be the best in all those areas out of 1,000 units in the country.
With more than 120 cadets, 1475 Squadron is one of the largest units in the UK.
The squadron's Commanding Officer, Squadron Leader Kevin Mehmet, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training Branch), said:
Air Commodore Barbara Cooper, Commandant Air Cadets, with 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron Air Training Corps
[Picture: David Griffiths, Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"2010 marks the UK cadet movement's 150th anniversary and to be judged the best Air Cadet Squadron in this very special year makes winning the Lees Trophy all the more outstanding.
"We are all delighted and thrilled to be recognised in this way."
Competition to be the best is tough and winners usually only get to the top spot after a few attempts. 1475 Squadron's victory is therefore all the more remarkable as it was achieved at the first attempt:
"We always knew we were the best, and now it is official, but I would say that wouldn't I?" said Cadet Flight Sergeant Esteban Albuja, aged 17, one of the senior boys in the squadron.
This article is taken from RAF News - Voice of the Royal Air Force.