If you didn’t go, probably nobody else would be able to get there

Squadron Leader Nicky Smith

Nicky Smith was born in Colchester and was sponsored by the RAF to study engineering at university. Graduating from RAF College Cranwell she was awarded the Sash of Merit as the best female student. Nicky was one of the first women to train as a pilot in the RAF, she became a Sea King Search and Rescue pilot. In 2002 Nicky was appointed to command No. 84 Squadron in Cyprus, becoming the first woman in the RAF to command a squadron.