First Woman to Command the Red Arrows Leads Historic U.S. Tour — You Won't Believe Her Journey

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Royals (1 / 1) 26.06.2026 23:19 / Angela

Sasha Nash has broken RAF history as the first woman to command Britain’s celebrated Red Arrows, and now she’s steering their scarlet jets across the Atlantic for America’s 250th celebrations — a path from Surrey dreams to global displays that has surprised and moved many. Read on to discover the full story!

Historic command and a steady hand

At 42, Wing Commander Sasha Nash took charge of the 150-strong Red Arrows in January 2026, becoming the team’s first female leader. With the callsign Red 11 she sits in the second seat during displays, overseeing precision flying rather than performing a display position herself.

From childhood dream to frontline pilot

Raised in Surrey, Nash wanted to be a fast-jet pilot long before it was open to women. When policies changed in her teens she pursued that dream, later flying Tornados on two Afghanistan tours and serving as an instructor before returning to the cockpit.