1439 Skelmersdale Sqn - RAF Air Cadets

21/06/2026

✈️ What a Day at 10 AEF! ✈️

Following their introductory briefing, egress training and emergency procedure evaluation, three of our cadets took to the skies on Thursday for their very first Air Experience Flight at RAF Woodvale, flying in the RAF’s Grob Tutor T1 — and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be!

Each cadet had the chance to take the controls under the expert guidance of their pilot, getting a real feel for what it’s like to fly an RAF aircraft. And for some… the adventure went up a notch with their first taste of aerobatics over the beautiful West Lancashire coastline. Loops, rolls, and smiles all round!

A huge thank you to the entire team at 10 AEF for giving our young people such an inspiring, confidence‑boosting day. These are the moments that spark ambition, build courage, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Stay tuned to learn about how you can get involved too.

💙 SEMPER AD OPTIMA — Always Towards the Best

Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School Skelmersdale Up Holland High School Shevington High School
Commandant Air Cadets OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC Royal Air Force Air Cadets North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Merseyside Wing Air Cadets 2 Flying Training School

08/06/2026

WOW! What an incredible night at 1439 (Skelmersdale) Squadron!

We were honoured to welcome David Blackburn from EFT Group, Southport, who arrived with an unbelievable donation: 8 Android Tablets for our cadets.

This support will transform how we deliver training, complete exams, and help our young people push further than ever. It’s an investment directly into their development, confidence and future opportunities.

Massive thanks to Jordan and the whole EFT team for their kindness, belief and generosity. You’ve made a real difference.

💙💛 Thank you, EFT Group Ltd EFT Foundation — you’re amazing.

RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man Commandant Air Cadets North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Merseyside Wing Air Cadets

02/06/2026

Merseyside Wing Air Cadets Sector 4 – Inskip Camp Achievements

Cadets from across Sector 4 successfully completed a wide range of training and assessments during the Inskip Camp held last weekend. The following qualifications and awards were achieved:

✔️ Youth First Aid – 7

✔️ Bronze Leadership – 9

✔️ Blue Leadership – 19

✔️ Bronze Radio – 14

✔️ Air Rifle WHT – 22

✔️ Trained Shot (Blue) – 21

✔️ Trained Shot Bronze – 7

✔️ Bronze Cyber – 7 (14 completed the course)

Well done to all cadets on their achievements and exemplary conduct throughout the camp. Special mentions and thanks also to our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers for giving up their weekends to support the development of our cadets.

Cadets are taught weapon handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use

North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man Commandant Air Cadets OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC 273 Wallasey Sqn 281 Southport Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets Preston Air Cadets 611 Woodvale Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets 1128 Crosby Squadron RAFAC 1439 Skelmersdale Sqn - RAF Air Cadets 2348 Maghull Sqn 1026 Ormskirk Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

01/06/2026

25/05/2026

🚐 We Did It! 1439 Skelmersdale Squadron Now Has Its Own Minibus AND Trailer! 🎉

What an incredible milestone for our squadron. Thanks to the generosity and belief of our amazing sponsors, we are proud to announce that 1439 (Skelmersdale) Sqn now has its very own minibus and trailer — a game‑changing addition that will open the door to even more opportunities for our cadets. Bellway, Lathom Pastures - Clan Construction - John Mark Innovation in Wallpaper - North West Maintenance Services LTD - E3P - Scott Henderson - The Peter Lathom Charity - The Harris Charity - The Gosling Foundation - Royal Air Forces Association, Formby Branch. Finally a massive thanks to Liam Kraken Signs for the amazing artwork and vehicle wrap installation...!

But that’s not all…

🌊 Thanks to the incredible support of the Gosling Foundation, we’ve also been able to purchase:
• A large 4‑person paddle board
• Four sit‑on kayaks
• Personal flotation devices (PFDs)
• Helmets

These additions will massively expand our adventure training programme and give our young people even more chances to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and unforgettable memories.

A massive thank you to every sponsor who has backed us, believed in us, and invested in the future of Skelmersdale’s young people. Your support truly makes a difference.

💙 SEMPER AD OPTIMA — Always Towards the Best

Merseyside Wing Air CadetsNorth Region - Royal Air Force Air CadetsCommandant Air CadetsRoyal Air Force Air Cadets Skem First Gazette Skelmersdale Veterans Association 1439 Skelmersdale Sqn - RAF Air Cadets

22/05/2026

🎯 Sports Night Success! 🏏

Tonight the squadron threw themselves into an action‑packed training session as we gear up for this year’s Wing competitions. Our aspiring archers took part in a focused team selection session, working hard to sharpen their aim and technique ahead of the Wing Archery Competition. The dedication and improvement on display were brilliant — the team is shaping up well.

Meanwhile, the rest of the squadron headed out for a lively rounders training session, putting in the effort to secure their spots for the Wing Inter‑Squadron Rounders Competition this summer. Great teamwork, great energy, and plenty of competitive spirit all round.

A huge well done to everyone who took part tonight. The commitment you’re showing now is what builds strong teams — and we can’t wait to see you represent the squadron with pride. Thanks to Sgt Josh Wilson 471 (Hesketh Bank & Tarleton) Squadron Air Cadets and CI Tom Hodgin for supporting the sqn training.

💬 Drop a comment to wish our teams luck or share your favourite moment from tonight’s training.
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC
RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man

15/05/2026

🎉 Huge Congratulations to Sgt Sam Coakley! 🎉

We’re incredibly proud to share that Sgt Sam Coakley has officially completed and passed the RAF Air Cadets Combined Initial Course at the RAFAC Command and Leadership School, RAF College Cranwell — a massive milestone in any SNCO’s journey and a real testament to his hard work, professionalism, and dedication.

From day one at 1439, Sam has thrown himself into supporting the squadron, our cadets, and the wider team. This achievement only strengthens the leadership, energy, and expertise he brings to everything he does.

👏 Well done, Sgt Coakley — the whole squadron is cheering you on.
We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll continue to make with this well‑earned qualification under your belt!


Commandant Air CadetsNorth Region - Royal Air Force Air CadetsMerseyside Wing Air CadetsOC Merseyside Wing RAFAC

10/05/2026

Huge congratulations to CWO Parry, Sgt Williams, and Cpl Unwin on achieving their Bronze Wings this weekend — a fantastic milestone that reflects real commitment and skill.

The Bronze Wings course is no small undertaking and most definitely not a "turn up and pass course". Cadets complete ground school synthetic training which builds confidence and competence in the air. Earning Bronze Wings shows they’ve demonstrated the knowledge, discipline, and readiness expected of RAF Air Cadets taking their next steps into aviation training.

A massive thank you as well to the dedicated volunteers of 631 Aviation Ground School for giving up their time to run the course. Your expertise, enthusiasm, and support make achievements like this possible, and it’s truly appreciated.

Well done to everyone involved — a brilliant weekend of success and teamwork.

Merseyside Wing Air Cadets North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC

07/05/2026

To our GCSE Cadets: You’ve got this! 🌟
​As the exam season kicks off, we want to send a huge "Good Luck" to all our members sitting their GCSEs.

​We know how much effort you’ve been putting in behind the scenes. Remember to take breaks, stay hydrated, and don’t be too hard on yourselves. Your worth isn’t defined by a grade, but by the person you are becoming.

​If you need a chat or a distraction-free zone, your cadet family is here for you throughout the coming weeks.
​Strong minds, calm hearts. Let’s do this! 💪📖

Semper ad optima

Merseyside Wing Air Cadets North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets

03/05/2026

🏅 WHAT. A. DAY! 🏅

For the first time in several years, 1439 Skelmersdale Squadron entered teams into the Merseyside Wing Athletics Competition at Bebington Oval — and WOW, did our cadets deliver!

We came away with:

🥇 6 Gold | 🥈 7 Silver | 🥉 4 Bronze

🥈Plus our Girls teams placed second overall!!

Massive congratulations to every single cadet who competed. Whether you stood on the podium or pushed yourself to try something new, all 20 of you represented the squadron brilliantly and made the OC, Sports Officer and SNCO more proud than you will know.

A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers for making this happen, and to 281 Southport Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets for the loan of your Sqn Minibus and to everyone at Merseyside Wing for a fantastic event.

This is just the beginning — watch this space! 👀

FS Mikelsone, Cpl Edgar, Cdt Chorlton, Cdt Higgins and Cdt Sulcs will go on to represent Merseyside Wing Air Cadets at the North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets inter Wing competition later in the year.

🍁 Semper ad Optima 🍁


Skem First Gazette Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School Skelmersdale Lathom High School Commandant Air Cadets Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets