SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Emotional reunion at RNAS Yeovilton - but the beard has got to go!

THERE were hugs, tears, massive smiles and shock for one girlfriend at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton after personnel returned home following a six-month operation in the Gulf which saw them seize drugs with a street value of £8.5-million.

The helicopter crew from the Lynx Mark 8, affectionately known as Doris because she is the oldest Lynx in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, had been on patrol with HMS Somerset.

Lieutenant Martin Hales said “It has been good to achieve the interception of drugs during our deployment and demonstrate exactly what we do so well.”

He returned to Yeovilton with his crew members and revealed to his girlfriend, Claire Gould, something she had not seen him with before – a full beard!

“It’s great to have him home, but the beard will not be staying!” she said.

PHOTO – TOP: Lieutenant Martin Hales reveals his beard to girlfriend Claire Gould.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Petty Officer Sean Finn and wife Suzi Finn.

The helicopter’s age did not reflect on her achievement of nearly 200 flying hours in the support of protecting our nation’s interests in the Gulf.

The aircrew were involved in a number of operations in support of the international crackdown on drugs headed up be a Command Task Force and helped to seize 55kgs of heroin with a massive street value of nearly £9m in one vessel search.

Commander Mike Smith, HMS Somerset’s commanding officer, said: “HMS Somerset’s recent success at intercepting a vessel smuggling heroin is a great example of what the Royal Navy does best.”

PHOTO - ABOVE: Leading hand Daniel Cook, son Matthew Cook, one, and Amy Cotterell.

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