Defence Events

ACO recognised with APA Award

Posted 23 November 2016

The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), with more members than the Royal Air Force, has been recognised for its continued progress and its milestone in reaching 75 years by being presented with the Air Power Association (APA) award.

Above: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier (left) presents ACO Chief of Staff Gp Capt John Lawlor with the APA award.

The Air Cadet Organisation (ACO), with more members than the Royal Air Force, has been recognised for its continued progress and its milestone in reaching 75 years by being presented with the Air Power Association (APA) award.

The presentation was made at the latter’s annual industry dinner in the House of Commons.

As it moves into its 76th year, Air Cadet squadrons around the United Kingdom are bucking the trend and expanding, with the formation of new units.

In particular, the organisation has grown in inner cities, including No 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron which boasts over a hundred members, predominantly from ethnic minorities. Another new unit is No 558 (Finningley) Squadron in Doncaster, which was formerly a detached flight but is now large enough to become a Squadron, named in honour of Avro Vulcan XH558. It stood up on the Air Cadets’ 75th Anniversary on 5 February 2016.

The annual APA award recognises outstanding contribution to the air power community and incoming president Air Marshall Greg Bagwell (retired), who has succeeded Air Marshall Sir Dusty Miller (retired), explained: “The Air Cadet Organisation is defying popular trends by going from strength to strength in encouraging and educating youngsters in the importance that our air prowess makes to peace and stability. It is extremely fitting that this contribution is highlighted and recognised in their 75th anniversary year.”

The ACO, represented by its Chief of Staff Gp Capt John Lawlor, received the APA award from the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC ADC MA RAF.

Attendees at the annual dinner also heard the new APA President announce that the organisation is to take over the management and organisation of the annual prestigious RAF Air Power Conference, which promotes conceptual thinking on air power and attracts representatives from air forces worldwide. The high profile conference will be held in London in July 2017 and will feature a range of prominent speakers.