Red Arrows Appoint New Officer Commanding

A former frontline Tornado pilot has returned to the Red Arrows as the new Officer Commanding. 

Wing Commander David Montenegro, who was a team pilot between 2009 and 2011, is now in charge of the 130-strong team.

Wg Cdr Montenegro, who also served as a team leader in the Red Arrows from 2015 until 2017, said he feels “incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity”. 

“It is a great privilege to continue developing this squadron’s rich aviation heritage in the coming years,” he said.

Wg Cdr Montenegro spent three years as Red 1 - leading the team on tours across the world including Singapore, Malaysia and the Red Arrows' first visit to China. 

After leaving the team, he worked in the Typhoon Force Headquarters at RAF Coningsby before completing a masters degree in defence and military studies at the Australian War College in Canberra. 

He takes over from Wing Commander Andrew Keith, who had overseen the Red Arrows since September 2017.

Wg Cdr Keith said he felt “proud and privileged” to have commanded the team during “some memorable years", including the RAF's centenary year in 2018.

“It has been truly inspiring to be a part of an incredible team and witness the excellence and skill of all involved, creating wonderful opportunities and reaching such a diverse audience,” he said.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Red Arrows' annual overseas work-up training has been cancelled.

“When it is safe to do so and the environment allows, the Red Arrows will be ready to do what we do best – display the professional brilliance of the Royal Air Force," Wg Cdr Montenegro said.

“Until then, our personnel will be focussed on supporting all of those who are on the frontline of the present crisis."

The 2020 Red Arrows team is: 

Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – Wing Commander David Montenegro

Red 1 and Team Leader – Squadron Leader Martin Pert

Red 2 – Flight Lieutenant Will Cambridge

Red 3 – Flight Lieutenant Nick Critchell

Red 4 – Flight Lieutenant James Turner

Red 5 – Flight Lieutenant David Simmonds

Red 6 – Flight Lieutenant Jon Bond

Red 7 – Squadron Leader Gregor Ogston

Red 8 – Flight Lieutenant Damo Green

Red 9 and Executive Officer – Squadron Leader Steve Morris

Red 10 and Supervisor – Squadron Leader Adam Collins

Cover Image: Red Arrows training in November (Picture: Red Arrows).