A Bloomin' Marvellous Send-Off

On Wednesday 31st May, 84 (Coventry Airport) Squadron gave Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Rosie Robinson a perfect send off as she embarks on her maternity leave with the next generation air cadet due at the end of July.

The Squadron held an open-house style evening with visitors from within the unit, across the Wing and local contacts such as the Royal Air Force Association Leamington Branch Chairman. Everyone enjoyed tea and cake before completely surprising Rosie with a large bundle of gifts, cards and flowers and for once she was speechless! Included in the gifts were a camouflage baby outfit, RAF personalised baby-grows, a baby rocker and, most impressively, a sleeping suit embroidered with the 84 Squadron crest!

Since joining 84 Squadron in 2008, Rosie gained her commission in 2009 and then took over command in 2015. Over the years, Rosie has dedicated her time to providing the best possible cadet experience for everyone and often surprised the cadets with a variety of different challenges. Her last night was no exception as she challenged the cadets to a blind-fold nappy challenge and a baby food tasting game.

As the sun set over Coventry Airport, the cadets formed up for Rosie's last final parade. There were certificates and promotions given out as well as an enrolment ceremony for the latest group of new recruits. Rosie was also very proud to announce that Cadet Flight Sergeant Phoebe Jenner had been awarded the honour of being the Coventry Lord Mayor's Cadet for 2017-18 season.

Taking her final salute for a little while, Rosie said “I am so very proud to have been part of such an amazing Squadron for so long. I've seen cadets come into the unit young, inexperienced and naive about the world but then they develop and progress to finish as young adults ready to face the world. There is no greater feeling than to see that change right before our very eyes. I will miss everyone greatly but now is the time to refocus on my own home-based squadron!”

We wish Rosie all the best for her next adventures and look forward to meeting her little one later in the summer.

For all the photographs - check out the 84 Squadron Facebook Page.