Flt Lt Mary Houghton, Squadron Commander of 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron, received a commendation during surprise visit as the Squadron was preparing to move to Longmoor Training Camp for a weekend exercise.
Flt Lt Houghton was awarded a Regional Commandants Commendation for her work at various Squadrons within Thames Valley Wing as well as her support to the Wing’s successful RAF Camp programme.
She started with the Air Training Corps as a Civilian Instructor with nearby 1116 (Woodley) Squadron before being commissioned into the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve Training Branch in in 2005 and taking command of the Squadron in early 2006 together with promotion to Flight Lieutenant. She lead Woodley to many successes including a long run of wins in the Wing Drill Competition, two wins at Regional level and a 2nd place in the national Drill Championship. In July 2012 she moved temporarily to 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron before transferring to 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron in November 2012.
Flt Lt Houghton has attended many courses including Initial and Senior Officer Training at RAF Cranwell and Venturer Medicine and First Aid at Work Courses more locally. In addition to running Bracknell Squadron she also an experienced Camp Commandant for Thames Valley Wing’s weeklong visits to RAF Stations nationwide.
The surprise presentation was made by Sqn Ldr Mark Trevena, Sector Commander for East and West Sectors “It was a complete surprise for Flt Lt Mary Houghton tonight but I wanted to say thank you to her and her team of staff and cadets with all of the Squadron present. She is an inspiration to us all, not only for her work within the Air Training Corps but in the wider community at large”.