3 (Fighter) Squadron from 2000 to 2004, which included deployment to Iraq on Operation Telic, commanded RAF Coningsby (2006–08), No.

[1] He read physics and maths at Glasgow University,[2] graduating with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in 1984.

[10] Atha served in Afghanistan in support of Operation Herrick from October 2009 to March 2010, being awarded the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service.

[11] Atha's tour of the Middle East was followed in April 2010 with an appointment as Head of Joint Capability at the Ministry of Defence.

[14] He was appointed Chief of Staff (Operations) at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in 2014; he handed over to Air Vice Marshal Gary Waterfall on 16 May 2016.

[17] Atha was succeeded by Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew as Deputy Commander Operations on 3 May 2019 and retired from active service on 14 October 2019.