Russ joined the Squadron in November 1976 - at the same time as the original Jaws Movie was showing at the cinema and Chicago- ‘If You Leave Me Now’ was number one.

He progressed through the Cadet ranks (but skipping Flight Sergeant) reaching Cadet Warrant Officer in April 1983, finally leaving as a Cadet in April 1985 reaching the grand age of 22.

After a 3 month stint as a Civilian Instructor, Russ was Commissioned as a Pilot Officer on the Squadron.

He has attended Camps at RAF Abingdon, Rudloe Manor, Benson, Cosford, Church Fenton, Wyton, Odiham and Akrotiri (Cyprus), as well as attending a Range Conducting Officers Course at RAF St Athan and a Regimental Officers Health course at Keogh Barracks, with the Royal Army Medical Corps and was selected for five years running to attend as a Cadet Liaison Officer at the week-long Cadet Leadership Courses, Frimley Park.

As a flying Officer, Russ became Acting Commanding Officer in Jan 2005 following on from Flt Lt Brian Pallett, who held command for 8 years.

After completing the Senior Officer Course at RAF Cranwell in May 2006, the OC finally became a fully fledged Flight Lieutenant, after some 19 years as a Flying Officer.

During his career, Russ has flown in the following types of aircraft:  Sedgeburg and Viking gliders, also Hercules C130, VC-10, Andover, Wessex, Puma, Chinook, Husky, Bulldog, Chipmunk and Tutor.

Personal objective follows the Squadron's Mission Statement and that's to develop Staff and Cadet's under him to their full potential.

Outside the Squadron, Russ lists his interests as photography, military history, antiques (particularly militaria) and collecting other people’s ‘rubbish’.