Angela's doing it for the girls at RNAS Yeovilton

TWENTY-FIVE air engineering technicians have celebrated the successful completion of another major milestone in their bid to become fully qualified at RNAS Yeovilton.

They have completed the 23-week Phase 2b training as part of the overall 55-week training programme to fully equip them as aircraft technicans.

During the Phase 2b course the trainees undergo eight weeks of classroom instruction on mechanical and avionic systems, common practices and documentation processes for helicopters. The remaining time is spent on a training squadron where they are introduced to helicopter operations and maintenance practices.

At the parade the new Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton, Commodore Jock Alexander, presented each AET with their Qualified to Maintain Certificate to mark the culmination of a total of 55 weeks training and formally welcomed them to the trained strength of the Fleet Air Arm.

From this outstanding group of Technicians four were chosen to receive a Trophy for their exemplary ability and competence throughout their training.

AET Angela Fairbairn, 22, the only girl of 25 qualifying technicians received the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force Trophy for outstanding Royal Naval Ethos, presented by Commander Kevin Fleming. 

PHOTO: Commander Kevin Flemming and AET Angela Fairbairn, 22, received the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force (LWMF) Trophy for outstanding Royal Naval Ethos.

Angela, at the ceremony with her two-and-half-year-old daughter Erin, said: ”I feel so proud it has been a very long journey as I started my training initially three years ago, but found out three weeks before completion that I was pregnant with Erin.

''I returned two years later determined to qualify so today receiving this award is made all the more special with Erin being here.”

AET Ryan Johnson, 19, received the Commando Helicopter Force Trophy for outstanding Royal Naval Ethos, Spirit and Loyalty from Commander Nick Howard, Commando Helicopter Force Commander Air Engineering.

Trophies were kindly donated by industry partners. Serco awarded AET Ben Wilson, 29, with their trophy for achieving the best academic results by a SeaKing Helicopter trainee, presented by Stephen Lagadu.

Rolls Royce awarded their trophy to AET Leigh Considine, 25, for the best results achieved by a Lynx Helicopter trainee, presented by Phil Manning.

On completion of their parade the 25 newly-qualified technicians, their families, military instructors and VIP guests celebrated their achievements, reflecting on their success over lunch. The day was completed with a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

PHOTO: The  newly qualified Air Engineering Technicians at RNAS Yeovilton.

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