YEOVILTON LIFE: Historic Sea Vixen flies home

HISTORIC naval aviation enthusiasts at the Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton have had their heads up in the clouds after receiving the gift of a 1950s Royal Navy de Havilland Sea Vixen.

The Fly Navy Heritage Trust was delighted to announce the news and that a spectacular presentation ceremony took place at Yeovilton last week when the classic Fleet Air Arm fighter was handed over by her former owner Julian Jones.

The Sea Vixen FAW2 G-CVIX XP924, the only flying Sea Vixen in the world, flew into RNAS Yeovilton in style, thrilling the waiting reception of guests with a poignant and emotional display.

PHOTO - TOP: Julian Jones hands over the keys to the Sea Vixen to Commodore Bill Covington.

PHOTO - RIGHT: The Sea Vixen FAW2 G-CVIX XP924.

Unfortunately, she burst a tyre on landing but this did not deter the excitement of her homecoming or the enthusiasm of the welcome she received from the Fly Navy Heritage Trust Sea Vixen Team and veterans who flew and maintained the aircraft when she had been in naval service.

The aircraft, painted in 899 Naval Air Squadron colours from HMS Eagle in 1971, and flown by a former 899 Naval Air Squadron pilot, Jonathon Whaley, was handed over by Julian Jones to Commodore Bill Covington CBE, the G-CVIX team leader for the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.

Commodore Covington said: “We are going to keep G-CVIX flying.  The Sea Vixen has a seminal place in the heart of the Fleet Air Arm. Today’s presentation of the last flying Sea Vixen to the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, in partnership with the Royal Navy, is an exceptional act of generosity, safeguarding the future of this iconic fighter for the benefit of the public and her loyal supporters.”

Julian Jones said: “It gives me great pleasure to know that G-CVIX has been returned to her home base at RNAS Yeovilton. I know she will have pride of place in the Fly Navy Heritage Trust collection and will continue to be part of our national naval aviation heritage for many years to come.”     

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