New man in charge at RNAS Yeovilton

COMMODORE Jock Alexander OBE (pictured) has assumed Command of one of the busiest military air stations in Europe - the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Since joining the Royal Navy as a Seaman Officer in 1977, Commodore Alexander has enjoyed a broad and varied naval career.

Following completion of his flying training as a Sea King helicopter pilot in 1985 he has participated in a plethora of operations ranging from Intelligence gathering in the South China Sea, Anti Submarine Warfare in the Mediterranean, Search and Rescue in the West of Scotland, support to Special Forces in the Indian Ocean and Commanding the UK/US Navy and Marines training in Iraq.

More recently responsible for the operational perspective of future Carrier Programmes at Navy Command HQ, Commodore Alexander was awarded the OBE in 2011 for his work on this project.

As the newly appointed Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton Commodore Alexander joins at a time when Squadrons from the Lynx and Commando Helicopter Forces are as busy as ever, providing aircraft to all the major operational theatres around the world including Afghanistan and the Arabian Gulf.

On arrival, Commodore Alexander said, “I feel very privileged to be taking Command of this important Naval Air Station. We have much work to do providing support in all current operations.

"The men and women from this Station are amongst the most highly skilled and trained personnel that we can deliver to the frontline and I will continue to ensure that they are fully supported at a time when their output is needed most.”

RNAS Yeovilton, traditionally viewed as the home of the Fleet Air Arm here in Somerset, provides the Lynx Helicopter Force that embark in Frigates and Destroyers and the Commando Helicopter Force which continues to operate in Afghanistan.

There are also a large number of diverse resident units essential to providing the operational output delivered by the Air Station.

Looking to the future, a new era at HMS Heron began in May with the arrival of the Wildcat Helicopter that will replace the Navy’s maritime Lynx helicopters and the Army’s battlefield reconnaissance helicopters.

Commodore Alexander said, “HMS Heron enjoys a high standing in the community and I am determined that this will remain. The Wildcat will play a key role in securing the future of the Air Station and maintaining RNAS Yeoviltons reputation at the forefront of Naval Aviation and working with the Fleet to protect our Nation’s interests.”

Commodore Alexander is a keen sportsman and had represented the Royal Navy at Alpine Skiing and the Royal navy and marines Scotland at Rugby. He has two young daughters at school in Hampshire.

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