Michael Wigston facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Michael Wigston
|
|
|---|---|
Air Chief Marshal Wigston in 2022
|
|
| Born | 25 February 1968 |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1986–2023 |
| Rank | Air Chief Marshal |
| Commands held | Chief of the Air Staff (2019–2023) British Forces Cyprus (2015–17) No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing (2008) No. 12 Squadron (2005–07) |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
| Awards | Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
| Alma mater | Oriel College, Oxford RAF Cranwell |
Sir Michael Wigston, born on February 25, 1968, is a highly respected former leader in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was the top officer, known as the Chief of the Air Staff, from July 2019 to June 2023.
Contents
Early Life and School
Michael Wigston was born in 1968. He went to Friars School in Bangor, Wales. Later, he studied engineering science at Oriel College, Oxford, a famous university. He also studied defence at King's College London.
Joining the RAF
Wigston joined the Royal Air Force in 1986. The RAF is the United Kingdom's air and space force. He started as a young officer and quickly moved up in rank.
Flying and Commands
He became a pilot and flew the Tornado GR1 and GR4 jets. He was part of several squadrons, which are groups of aircraft and pilots.
- He led No. 12 Squadron starting in 2005.
- In 2007, he commanded No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing during a mission in Iraq.
- He also worked at the Ministry of Defence, which is like the government's military department.
- In 2011, he was in charge of air operations for a special force in Afghanistan.
- From 2013 to 2015, he was a main advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff, who is the head of all the UK's armed forces.
Important Awards
For his excellent work in Afghanistan, he received the award of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013. This is a very important award given for great achievements.
Leading Roles
In 2015, Wigston was promoted to air vice-marshal. He became the Commander of British Forces Cyprus. This meant he was in charge of the UK's military forces in Cyprus.
- In 2017, he became the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.
- He was promoted to air marshal in 2018.
Chief of the Air Staff
On July 26, 2019, Michael Wigston became the Chief of the Air Staff. This is the highest professional role in the Royal Air Force. He was responsible for leading and guiding the entire RAF.
- In 2020, he received another high honor, becoming a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB). This means he can use "Sir" before his name.
- He served in this important role until June 2, 2023.
After the RAF
Since January 2024, Sir Michael Wigston has been a visiting professor at the Freeman Air and Space Institute. This institute is part of King's College London.
