Chris Moran facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Christopher Moran
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Air Chief Marshal Moran
|
|
| Birth name | Christopher Hugh Moran |
| Born | 28 April 1956 Urmston, Lancashire |
| Died | 26 May 2010 (aged 54) John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1977–2010 |
| Rank | Air Chief Marshal |
| Commands held | Air Command (2009–10) No. 1 Group (2003–05) RAF Wittering (1997–99) No. IV Squadron (1994–96) |
| Battles/wars | Operation Deliberate Force |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Officer of the Order of the British Empire Member of the Royal Victorian Order Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Jane Goodwin
(m. 1980–2010) |
Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Hugh Moran (born 28 April 1956 – died 26 May 2010) was an important leader in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was a skilled pilot who flew fast jet planes. At the time of his death, he was in charge of a very important part of the RAF called Air Command.
Early Life and Education
Christopher Hugh Moran was born in Urmston, Lancashire, England. He went to Bishop Ullathorne School in Coventry. After school, he studied mechanical engineering at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.
In 1974, while still at university, Christopher joined the Royal Air Force as a university cadet. He officially became an acting pilot officer in December of that year. He graduated from university in 1977 with a science degree. After that, he went to RAF College Cranwell for his first RAF training. He earned a Master of Arts degree later from King's College London. In 1980, he married Elizabeth Jane Goodwin.
Military Career
After finishing his pilot training, Christopher Moran learned to fly the Harrier jet. In 1980, he started flying Harriers with No. IV Squadron. He later became a Qualified Weapons Instructor, teaching others how to use weapons on the jets.
In 1986, he became a squadron leader. He served as a flight commander with No. IV Squadron in places like Belize and the Falkland Islands. He also served on the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. In 1985, he spent time with the United States Marine Corps in North Carolina as part of an exchange program.
Christopher Moran later commanded the Harrier squadron at RAF Wittering. In 1991, he received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air for his excellent work. He also worked briefly at the Ministry of Defence. After that, he became an Equerry to The Duke of Edinburgh, helping him with his duties.
In 1994, Moran became the commanding officer of No. IV Squadron, which was based in Germany. That same year, he led his squadron to the Middle East. They helped enforce a no-fly zone over northern Iraq. In 1995, Moran and No. IV Squadron flew missions against Bosnian Serbs as part of Operation Deliberate Force.
Senior Leadership Roles
Christopher Moran was promoted to group captain in 1996. He then became the station commander of RAF Wittering. After more training, he worked at the Joint Services Command and Staff College. He became an air commodore and then a Director of Air Staff. He also worked as a liaison officer to the US Joint Staff in Washington, D.C..
In 2003, he became Air Officer Commanding No. 1 Group as an air vice marshal. In 2005, he became the Assistant Chief of Air Staff. He also joined the board of the Civil Aviation Authority.
In 2007, he was promoted to air marshal. He became the Deputy Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum. On 3 April 2009, Air Chief Marshal Moran was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Air Command. This was a very high position. He was also made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 2009.
Death
Sir Christopher Moran passed away on 26 May 2010. He had collapsed after taking part in a triathlon at RAF Brize Norton. He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford by air ambulance, but he died upon arrival. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two daughters and one son.
