BBMF appoints future Officer Commanding for upcoming seasons

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has announced the appointment of Squadron Leader Paul 'Ernie' Wise as its new Officer Commanding.

Sqn Ldr Wise will assume the role in October 2025, ahead of the 2026–2027 display seasons.  

The current Officer Commanding, Squadron Leader Mark Sugden, is in his final year of command but will remain with BBMF as a fighter pilot in 2026.  

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Sqn Ldr Wise's career in the RAF began in 1999 when he joined as a Senior Aircraftman Weapons Technician working on Jaguars.

In 2002, he achieved his dream of becoming a pilot, commissioning as an officer and embarking on an operational flying career with the C-130K Hercules.

Over the years, his flying experience has spanned a range of roles, including operational deployments on the C-130K/J Hercules and instructional positions on the Grob Tutor, C-130J, and Phenom aircraft.  

Reflecting on his appointment, Sqn Ldr Wise said: "It is with immense pride that we, the BBMF, continue to commemorate our heroic veterans and preserve the nation's great aviation heritage.

"Having been a part of The Flight for the last nine years, I feel extremely honoured to be entrusted with the command of this dedicated and devoted team – Lest We Forget."

Currently serving as Officer Commanding Multi-Engine Examiners at the Central Flying School Exam Wing at RAF Cranwell, Sqn Ldr Wise has been an integral member of BBMF since joining as a Dakota captain and Lancaster co-pilot in 2017.

He received his promotion to one of the two Lancaster captains in 2022.