An RAF Red Arrows Squadron Leader has reflected on some of the highlights of his career, including Cleethorpes Armed Forces, as he calls time on leading the famous display team.
Graeme Muscat, also known as Red 10, is now in his final season with the arrows and will depart the team in October this year. Graeme joined the RAF back in 1995 as a Communications System Analyst before working his way up to being a member of one of the most renowned display teams in the world.
Originally from Cheshire, he has made a name for himself in his second home of Lincolnshire. Throughout his time, there is one event that holds a special place in his heart, Cleethorpes Armed Forces.
The highlight of this year’s National Armed Forces event, the Red Arrows, put on a breathtaking and daring display, impressing some of the over 250,000 people who visited the resort over the weekend.
Speaking about the event and his time as Squadron Leader, Graeme said: “Lincolnshire is amazing. It’s our home county so it does mean a lot to perform here, especially with Lincolnshire being so synonymous with the Red Arrows.
“More importantly, today is important because it is the National Armed Forces event, being able to perform for everyone is a big honour for myself and the team. It’s a time to say thank you to all the those in the armed forces, both past and present.”
He added: “We’re extremely thankful that people come out and enjoy our show. When it comes down to it, yes, we are technical. Yes, we are professional, but we’re putting on a show and we want everyone to enjoy our show.
“It’s even more important that people enjoy the show as this is my fourth and final year. It’s been the highlight of my career without a shadow of a doubt.
“However, all good things must come to the end as the saying goes, but I’ve absolutely loved it. There’s no denying that I’ll be sad and will miss it, but it’s been great. People have been saying to me, “Are you going to miss it?” Well of course I’m going to miss it, how could you not miss this job.”
Councillor Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy said: “I want to thank Graeme and his team on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. Their displays are often the main reason people travel to Cleethorpes for Armed Forces Weekend.
“It’s been great to see the jets over the skies of Cleethorpes the past couple of years and we can’t wait to welcome them back again under a new Red 10.”
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