Uniformed Staff
Squadron Leader Daniel Doherty RAFAC:
Born in Liverpool, Dan first joined the Air Cadets in 2001 with 2348 (Maghull) Sqn. Having achieved the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant he went on to become a Civilian Instructor and later, in 2011, a uniformed member of staff. In 2016 Dan moved to the Northwich area and joined the staff team at 146.
After 12 years Non-Commissioned service and reaching the rank of Warrant Officer RAFAC, Dan decided the time was right to become a Commissioned Officer.
In the civilian world, Dan is a Personal Development Training Officer for a Multi-Academy Trust, providing training assurance for all elements of the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the Character & Leadership specialism for 4 high schools.
Flight Lieutenant Sarah Ross RAFAC:
Sarah joined 146 as a cadet aged 13. After going to University, she returned as a Civilian Instructor. In 2014 Sarah decided to go back into uniform and was accepted for a commission. Sarah oversees the online administration of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and runs the Squadrons extensive training programme as Squadron Training Officer
Sarah took a secondary duty as the Wing DofE Officer in 2022 and now supports all Merseyside Squadrons with all aspects of the DofE
Flight Lieutenant Martin Moores RAFAC:
Martin was a cadet for seven years, reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. In August 2006 he became a Civilian Instructor, mainly looking after the Sqn computers, media, website and administrative duties, later becoming the Squadron Adjutant. After seven years as a civilian, Martin applied for and was accepted for a Commission, becoming a Pilot Officer in 2014, then Flying Officer in 2016. He remains at the Squadron Adjutant and also holds a role on Merseyside Wing staff as the Deputy IT Officer. Martin currently works as an IT Engineer for Compass Minerals at Winsford Salt Mine.
Pilot Officer Amy Wilson RAFAC:
Amy Joined the cadets at 2433 (Ramsgate and Manston) squadron in Kent at the age of 13, becoming a Civilian Instructor once she aged out. She transferred to 146 (Northwich) Squadron after graduating university and starting a job as a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
Amy is currently looking after the First Class Training course, which sees around 60 new recruits through the Squadron’s doors each year.
In 2022, Amy passed her Region level interview and became an Acting Pilot Officer.
Warrant Officer Abi Hensby RAFAC:
Abi joined 146 as a cadet in 2003 at the age of 14. At the age of 20 she transferred to staff as an SNCO, in this role ran the Squadron’s First Class Training Programme.
Abi is currently the Squadron Sports Officer as well as Merseyside Wing Deputy Sports Officer, also on Squadron she oversees the NCO Development in the role of Squadron Warrant Officer. Abi is the Operations Manager for GB Helicopters in Manchester, overseeing flight planning and all operations for the business.
Sergeant Jordan Brown RAFAC:
Jordan joined the Air Cadets at the age of 13 and reached the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. She started at 2433 Ramsgate and Manston Squadron in Kent. Jordan was lead drummer at 2433 Squadron, competing against other Squadrons at a National level!
Jordan moved to Cheshire in 2018, joining 146 Squadron in early 2019. Jordan’s main interests are fieldcraft and radio comms
Service Helpers
SAC Charlie Hensby:
Charlie joined 146 at the age of 13. He took an interest in adventure training and shooting. He completed a Region coaching course for shooting, in order to help younger cadets on the range. In his last year he had the opportunity to go Turkey on the International Air Cadet Exchange.
Charlie started RAF Phase 1 training in late 2017 and passed out in January 2018. He is now are RAF Brize Norton on 4624 RauxAF Sqn as the supplier. In early 2019, Charlie returned to the Sqn as a Service Helper and is now able to assist on parade nights and annual camps. He has taken on the role as Sqn Shooting Officer.
Civilian Instructors
Paul Thompson (Sqn Ldr Rtd):
Became involved with the squadron after his son joined as a cadet and he was impressed with what a positive impact 146 had on his development. He joined as a Civilian Instructor in 1995 and then gained a commission in 1999. Since retiring he can now devote even more time to 146! He took command of the Squadron in July 2008.
Paul stood down as Officer Commanding in February 2024, staying with the Squadron as a Civilian Instructor.
James Moores:
James was a cadet for seven years, attaining the rank of cadet Flight Sergeant prior to him becoming a Civilian Instructor when he turned 20.
After spending 5 years in 2nd line support and incident management he is currently working as a Security Operations Centre Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in the Information Security team.
At Squadron James oversees admin flight as well as looking after the squadron mini-buses.
Natahlia Kaplan:
Tally joined 146 (Northwich) Sqn as a cadet aged 14 in 2017. Over the course of her 6 years as a cadet she achieved the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, became a Westminster Award Finalist with the Cadet Vocational College and her Gold DofE, whilst also being an avid band member playing the lyre.
After ageing out of cadets aged 20, Tally joined the staff team as a civilian instructor whilst she completes her degree in Veterinary Biosciences at Aberystwyth University. Tally also has keen interests in adventure sports, tennis and riding motorcycles.
Indie Mackintosh:
Indie became a staff member with the Air Cadets after a successful time as a cadet, attaining the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer.
Indie currently helps out with Adventure Training at the Squadron, supporting walking expeditions, climbing sessions and camps
Outside of cadets, Indie works as the Duke Of Edinburgh lead for a leadership academy school in Bolton
Matthew Foxley:
Matthew joined 146 squadron in 2004 and after 7 years as a cadet he reached the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant. He achieved all of his DofE’s and attended many adventure training weeks at Windermere and Llanbedr as well as a range of summer camps. In March 2011 he became a Civilian Instructor at 146.
He took a break in 2016 to study Electrical & Electronic Engineering at University, returning in 2020. Matthew is the Squadron Adventure Training Officer and is heavily involved with running DofE expeditions.
Outside of the squadron, Matthew takes an interest in hill walking, climbing, fishing and fell running. He currently works as a High Voltage Engineer for Tata Chemicals Europe.
Will Newton:
Will joined 146 Squadron in 2018 as a cadet, and achieved the rank of Sergeant before ageing out in 2024.
His main interests within the RAFAC are aerospace and flying, and he is Flight Staff at 10 AEF RAF Woodvale, a role he started in February 2022.
Outside of the Squadron, Will works as cabin crew for Jet2.com and is working towards a Private Pilots License, with ambitions to join the RAF as a pilot in the near future.
Simon Wakefield:
Shona Wilson:
Civilian Welfare Committee
Richard Lloyd (Chairman):
Joanna Scott (Treasurer):
Joanna took over as Treasurer in April 2025. She was a science teacher for 10 years but has now changed to Key Accounts Administrator for a company in Warrington. This now allows her to have time for more social activities such as being on the committees for 146 Squadron and Hartford Sub-Aqua Club. Her main interest is scuba diving and often dives all around the UK.
Heather Yale (Secretary):
After seeing how much her son and daughter had benefited from being cadets, Heather decided to join the Civilian Committee in 2011, so that she could give some help and support back to the Squadron. With 14 years experience as an Executive Secretary, Heather was more than happy to take on the role of Secretary of the Committee, taking over in June 2014.
