RAF Honington has welcomed Wing Commander Max Hayward BEng (Hons) MSc RAF as he takes on his new role as Station Commander.

Wing Commander Hayward takes over from Group Captain Piers ‘Dutch’ Holland MBE MA RAF after he officially handed over command to Wing Commander Hayward yesterday, Friday 13th January, afternoon after two years in the post.

Wing Commander Hayward said: “I am very much looking forward to meeting and working with Station and Resident Unit personnel from across Defence, the Civil Service and of course the many Station Contractors here at RAF Honington. Ultimately my intent is to continue the excellent work that Dutch has carried out during his time in Command of the Station improving the lived experience of Honington for everyone.”

Max’s chosen career highlights include previous Command positions as Second-in-Command of Logistic Support Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland, Officer Commanding Supply and Air Movements Squadron in the Falklands, and his favourite so far was as Officer Commanding Logistic Support Squadron at RAF Marham. Max says he is ‘a people person and working with a diverse bunch of Whole Force personnel is my natural habitat.’ He hopes to ensure that RAF Honington continues to be a great place to work whilst he supports the Whole Force community.

Max is supported by his wife Hesther and their two children Leila and Sebastian. His interests (when time allows) include cycling, playing squash, walking, DIY and tinkering with old Landrovers.

Reflecting on Group Captain Holland’s time at RAF Honington since he took over command in January 2021, it has been a busy and demanding period with extraordinary events and unexpected challenges for the Station and wider Royal Air Force. The transition and return to normality following the pandemic, the passing of HRH Prince Phillip, the invasion of Ukraine, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Station anniversaries, and of course more recently the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Air Commodore in Chief of the RAF Regiment.

Group Captain Holland said: “A privilege of a life-time ends today. 30 years ago, as a young Pilot Officer starting out on my career as an RAF Regiment Officer, had I known that I’d end up as the Group Captain Station Commander of the home of the RAF Regiment and wider Force Protection, I’d have been both amazed and delighted. It’s been an unsurpassable honour to serve, lead and represent RAF Honington, including through its 85th year. My unbounded thanks to all who live and work at RAF Honington, for their selfless service and to the families and our local communities for the incredible support they provide. Of course when you take your hand out of a bucket of water there are only ripples, no hole and RAF Honington will now move forward to even bigger and better successes and accolades under the leadership of my successor, Wing Commander Max Hayward”.