On the face of it this may appear a bit disappointing, but before you go and berate individual officers on a public forum there needs to be a bit more fact.
By your own words a 'very humble' leaving doo was organised. Were the Capt or Wings specifically invited? If not you can hardly expect the CO to hear a rumour that WO ABC is having a few drinks in town tonight, and then just rock up. Likewise for Wings. Remember the CO cant even go into the Wardroom without an invite, so he's unlikely to just turn up to the pub unless he has been asked. What if said WO didn't want the CO there?
Now his immediate Boss should have gone, or sent a rep I concede. However I suspect this is a failing or oversight of one individual officer, rather the the whole leadership of the FAA (of whom I am not one before you ask!!).
Last edited by AutoBit; 8th Nov 2013 at 21:05.