A NEW commander has been welcomed to RAF Brize Norton.

Group Captain Emily Flynn took over as the new station commander on Friday.

Ms Flynn was commissioned into the RAF in 2000 and was most recently the military assistant to the vice chief of defence staff.

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She told the base: “I am delighted to assume command of Royal Air Force Brize Norton today and I am both humbled and privileged to have the opportunity.

“Brize Norton’s output, whether delivering air mobility across the globe or by the many supported units on the station, is phenomenal.”

Outgoing commander Dan James has overseen a range of events and challenges.

He was involved in delivering aid to the victims of cyclone Idai in Mozambique last year and has recently led the station throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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Mr James said: “I’ve had a hugely enjoyable time. We have achieved some amazing things during my time here.

“We should all be proud of what we have achieved, but more importantly what we have achieved as a station.”

Station commanders help to maintain discipline and standards, and keep the wheels turning on a day-to-day basis at RAF stations.

Brize Norton is the largest RAF station, with approximately 5,800 service personnel, 1,200 contractors and 300 civilian staff.