YEOVILTON LIFE: Special and poignant day for the Fleet Air Arm

THE Fleet Air Arm at RNAS Yeovilton closed a chapter of its history today (Thursday, January 29, 2015) under the watchful eye of HRH Duke of York.

The training pipelines for the Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 and Lynx helicopters came to an end with Prince Andrew to present Wings to six aircrew members.

Two pilots from Sea King and two from Lynx helicopters, along with two Lynx observers, received their Wings from the Duke during today’s ceremony.

Lt Danielle Welch, 30, made history as she became the first – and last – female pilot to be awarded their Wings at the end of the Lynx course.

The Navy’s Commando Sea Kings are being replaced by the battlefield variant of the Merlin helicopter, and the maritime Lynx is being replaced by the Wildcat Mk2 helicopter.  The transition will take place over the next two years and will end in 2017 when the last Lynx is due to leave Naval service.

PHOTO – TOP: Pictured in the group outdoors are four of five from the very first Lynx ‘Wings’ Course recipients in 1978 with the very last Lynx Wings Recipients of 2015  - from left to right are Lt Danielle Welch, Lt Rhydian Edwards, Sub Lieutenant Christian Smith, Max Cosby, Paul Bennett, Martin Manning, Godfrey Kent and Derek Dann posing in front of Lynx aircraft.

PHOTO – RIGHT: HRH The Duke of York at RNAS Yeovilton earlier today (Thursday, January 29, 2015).

The Commanding Officers of 815 Naval Air Squadron and 845 NAS welcomed The Duke of York, who has flown both Sea King and Lynx helicopters during his time as a Fleet Air Arm pilot, and other guests.

Commander Al Haig, Commanding Officer of 815 NAS, addressed the parade with a warm welcome.

“This is a special and poignant day for the Fleet Air Arm; these aircraft have legendary status and are loved by those who fly in them,” he said. “We are approaching the end of an era.”

During the ceremony that included a Royal Marine Band and a 48-person Guard in Honour of the Royal guest, The Duke paid tribute to the Squadrons that had trained the pilots and observers.

“This is a very very important ceremony in the life of the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm and has bought back memories to me of when I stood where these six young people are, a very long time ago!” he said.

The Duke added: “I don’t think you really realise how much hard work and time those who receive their Wings have actually put in.

“The work the Royal Navy does is vital to the interests of the UK and the work that these young people do make a huge difference to all of us.”

PHOTO – RIGHT: Lt Tom Lofthouse and Lt Matt Clark.

In addition to gaining her pilot’s Wings, Lt Welch received the AgustaWestland trophy awarded for the best all round results on the Lynx operational conversion phase and the Audi TT award for the student displaying the most effort during the course.

“I was absolutely delighted to receive my Wings from the Duke of York and so pleased to be able to share the culmination of a lot of hard work with my family,” she said.

All six aircrew will remain with the Squadrons that trained them but now join the front line trained strength that will involve operations in support of the Joint Helicopter Force and the Fleet at locations and on board ships around the world.

PHOTOS – ABOVE: On parade at today’s poignant ceremony at RNAS Yeovilton.

PHOTO – ABOVE: The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, at the ceremony.

PHOTO – ABOVE: The No 15 Lynx Course which the Duke of York, second from right, attended “a very long time ago.”

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