THE FAMOUS Red Arrows Synchro Pair have arrived at RAF Valley, kicking off pre-season training ahead of the display season.
Red 6, flown by Flight Lieutenant George Hobday, and Red 7, flown by Flight Lieutenant Ollie Suckling, arrived at RAF Valley to conduct pre-season training sorties this morning (Wednesday, February 4). They were accompanied by team supervisor Red 10 – Squadron Leader Stuart Roberts.
They will utilise RAF Mona's airspace and roared over the skies at 2.15pm.
Three more practice flights are scheduled for tomorrow. More information is set to be shared.
A statement from RAF Valley said, prior to the arrival of the Synchro Pair:
"From today (February 4), RAF Valley is due to receive the famous Red Arrows Synchro Pair. We are anticipating a number of training sorties at RAF Mona in the coming days."
After a minor schedule change due to weather, the team landed at RAF Valley at 11.15am.
Sharing their excitement on the RAF Valley Facebook page, one person said: "We were so excited for our twin grandsons to see their first ever view of the Red Arrows before heading back down South home after visiting Nana & Grandad. Such a special moment."
Another said: "How wonderful. Welcome to Anglesey. I'll be looking up for a quick peep!"
Flight Lieutenant George Hobday joined the RAF in 2014 and was streamed to fast-jets after completing Elementary Flying Training at RAF Wittering in 2015.
Following Basic Fast Jet Training on the Tucano at 72 Squadron, RAF Linton-on-Ouse, he became a Qualified Flying Instructor, training student pilots until 2019. He then completed Advanced Fast Jet Training on the Hawk T1 at RAF Leeming, followed by Typhoon Operational Conversion in 2020, before joining XI(F) Squadron at Coningsby.
During his three years on the frontline, Hobday took part in operations across the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Quick Reaction Alert missions in the UK and Romania, and several multinational exercises in Sweden and Cyprus.
He joined the Red Arrows for the 2024 season.
Flight Lieutenant Ollie Suckling joined the RAF in 2007, completing basic and advanced fast-jet training on the Tucano and Hawk T1. He then flew the Tornado GR4 with 31 Squadron at RAF Marham, completing multiple operational tours including Afghanistan, as well as multinational exercises worldwide.
In 2017, he became a Qualified Flying Instructor with XXV(F) Squadron at RAF Valley, training future fast-jet pilots. In 2021, he returned to RAF Marham in a ground role at the F35 Integrated Training Centre.
He joined the Red Arrows for the 2023 season.
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