Retiring ACM Sir Stuart Peach Thanks RAF 'For Looking After Me For All These Years'

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach has thanked the RAF "for looking after me for all these years" as he marked his retirement from the service.

ACM Peach was escorted from his aircraft by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston as he arrived at RAF Northolt to mark his retirement – from both the RAF and his position with NATO.

He was also greeted with a Guard of Honour, formed by the RAF Regiment.

The senior officer also ends his tenure as the chairman of the NATO Military Committee, a role he has held since 2018. 

He took up the position after stepping down as the UK's Chief of the Defence Staff, the professional head of the UK Armed Forces, earlier that year.

Commenting on his career, the RAF and the UK's role within NATO, ACM Peach said: "I have worked with NATO for nearly all my career and the RAF's reputation is high.

"We remain a hugely valued and trusted ally.

"I would like to thank the RAF for looking after me for all these years."

ACM Peach started his flying career in 1974 and said he "flew on an AWACS mission last week which was an excellent way to bring almost 50 years to a close". 

"I was a Tornado navigator and squadron commander for a chunk of my life. I flew that aircraft for 20 years and most of those missions were in support of NATO.

"NATO matters," he added.

ACM Wigston congratulated ACM Peach on his "stellar career" and, on behalf of the RAF, said: "Sir Stuart Peach is one of the great military leaders of modern times.

"He has served the Royal Air Force, the UK, NATO and the international community with distinction for over 40 years."

ACM Peach joined the RAF in 1977, flying Canberras and Tornados, and serving in Iraq, Belize, Hong Kong and Germany.

ACM Peach has held several senior Operational Command positions. He commanded the UK Force Elements in support of NATO operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya before becoming the first Commander of the UK Joint Forces Command in December 2011.  

In May 2013, he was appointed Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and became the Chief of the Defence Staff in July 2016.

As chairman of the Military Committee of NATO since June 2018, ACM Peach has been responsible for providing advice to the North Atlantic Council and the Nuclear Planning Group on military policy and strategy.

Cover image: Guard of Honour was held to mark the retirement of Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach at RAF Northolt (Picture: RAF).