Central & East Region is delighted to announce that, following selection and interview, Squadron Leader Amanda Hobbins has been appointed as Officer Commanding Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing. She will take over command from Wing Commander Stuart Iles at a date to be announced.
Squadron Leader Hobbins joined the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) as a cadet in January 1989 with 8F (1st City of Coventry) Squadron, rising to the rank of Flight Sergeant. Some of her favourite cadet memories are visiting RAF Waddington and being one of the first cadets to see the inside of Sentry aircraft and a Sqn camp to RAF Lossiemouth for an affiliation visit with 8 Sqn RAF.
In January 1995, Sqn Ldr Hobbins made the move to become an Adult Volunteer, initially as a Civilian Instructor before becoming an Adult Warrant Officer in July 2000 going on to qualify as a Drill Instructor in 2003. In 2007, she took her commission and became Officer Commanding 8F Squadron in 2008, a post that she held until 2016 when she moved to become a Wing Staff Officer.
As a Wing Staff Officer for Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing, Sqn Ldr Hobbins has held several roles, including Child Protection Advisor, Wing First Aid Officer and Sector Commander. Most recently she has taken the role of Deputy Officer Commanding for the Wing. Sqn Ldr Hobbins’ favourite memory (so far) as an Adult Volunteer is being a member of a Wing team visiting Ascension Island.
Sqn Ldr Hobbins lives in Coventry with her partner and has two stepsons aged 10 & 7. She has worked in the financial sector for 30 years in a variety of roles and is currently responsible for a team who deliver enhancements to a digital banking platform used by members. She enjoys the theatre, ballet and music is also a passion, from classical to rock. She enjoys cycling, walking and spending time with her boys, family and friends.
Commenting on her appointment OC Wing (Designate), Squadron Leader Hobbins said “It has been my aspiration to be the first female Wing Commander of Warwickshire & Birmingham since taking my commission and I feel proud to have achieved this and very privileged to have been asked to take over command. I do know that I have big shoes to fill and want to take the opportunity to thank Wing Commander Iles for his dedication, support and determination over the last decade and acknowledge his hard work, particularly through some tough years during COVID. I hope to continue and build on his legacy. I’m excited and look forward to moving the Wing forward towards the aspirations of ASTRA and with our move to Wales & West region in the early part of 2023, I feel sure that our new horizons will bring new opportunities for us to seize and flourish at. I look forward to leading the Wing and working together to deliver an exceptional cadet experience.”
Outgoing OC Wing, Wing Commander Iles said “I am sure you will all join me in congratulating Squadron Leader Hobbins on her appointment and I feel sure that you will support her in this new chapter. Exciting times lie ahead for the Wing with the transition to Wales & West Region and I know that I am passing it across to a safe pair of hands.”