Now that we are in July, we have firmly moved into the summer months, providing a welcome opportunity to reflect on what has been a busy and highly successful first half of 2026 for RAF Cosford. This edition of the Apprentice Magazine captures the breadth of activity across the station and highlights the dedication of our whole force. The RAF Cosford Air Show once again proved to be a tremendous success, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone involved in its delivery. From the planning carried out over many months to the collective effort on the day, it was a showcase of professionalism, teamwork and commitment that we should all be proud of. BY STATION COMMANDER, WING COMMANDER RUTH WILSON BSC RAF

As I sign off, I expect this will be my final Helicon intro as I am posted this summer. I want to thank you all for your support to the station and our personnel; whatever your role if you are reading this then you undoubtedly play a crucial part – it really is a team effort. I’m going to be very sorry to leave RAF Odiham, the Chinook Force and the wider community, but proud of collectively what we have all delivered for Defence over the last couple of years. I will fondly remember Odiham100 and the community events and acknowledge the challenges that we have got through together. A big thank you from me for all that you do. I’d also like to take the opportunity to introduce my successor Gp Capt Jim Doyle, who is a great leader and I know will take good care of the Station during his tenure. Gp Capt Sarah Moorehead

Summer is often a time for bringing people together, which feels especially fitting as I reach my first year as Director of the RAF Families Federation. What has struck me most over that time is the growing confidence others place in us, confidence that the RAF Families Federation is a trusted, influential voice at the heart of conversations about the demands of Service life for all serving personnel and their families. Andrea Devlin MBE, Director, RAF Families Federation Federation