YEOVILTON LIFE: Return to Base challengers set-off on their adventure

FOUR members of the 815 Naval Air Squadron from RNAS Yeovilton set-off today (Monday, March 23, 2015) on a team-building challenge with a difference in a bid to raise money for charity.

The personnel set off in a Lynx Mk8 helicopter and were flown to an undisclosed location. After being dropped off with limited resources, the team now have to use their initiative and resourcefulness to return to Yeovilton by Friday (March 27, 2015).

Over the coming days they will be looking to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity by sponsorship for completing “challenges” set by members of the public or the Service colleagues and through support given via the RNRMC “Virgin Giving” webpage or text Navy to 70500 to give £5.

PHOTO – TOP: The Return to Base team, from left, PO Stuart McAllister, AET Kelly Turner, Lt Danielle Welch and LAET Billy Evans.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton, Commodore Jock Alexander, standing left, and Commander Al Haigh, Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron, with the Return to Base team.

But the team of Return to Base adventurers were unaware that they would be taking part in the challenge until moments before they set off.

Around 50 personnel had put their names forward to go on the challenge, but the four “lucky” members who were selected were Lieutenant Danielle Welch, 30; Petty Officer Stuart McAllister, 35; Leading Aircraft Engineering Technician Billy Evans, 26; and 21-year-old Aircraft Engineering Technician Kelly Turner.

Lt Welch recently qualified as the Royal Navy’s first female Lynx Maritime Attack Helicopter pilot after joining the Royal Navy six years ago.

PO McAllister has served in the Royal Navy for 13 years, while LAET Evans has served for six years.

AET Turner, meanwhile, has recently completed her initial training as an air engineering technician having been in the Royal Navy for just one year.

PHOTO - ABOVE LEFT: A poster publicising the Return to Base challenge.

PHOTO - ABOVE RIGHT: Commander Al Haigh, Commanding Officer of 815 Naval Air Squadron.

PHOTO - ABOVE: Personnel from 815 NAS wait to be told who the four will be to take on the Return to Base challenge.

PHOTO - ABOVE: The four rucksacks await the four challenge team members.

PHOTO - ABOVE: The four are selected, from left, LAET Billy Evans, AET Kelly Turner, PO Stuart McAllister and Lt Danielle Welch.

PHOTO - ABOVE: The Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton, Commodore Jock Alexander, wishes the Return to Base team the best of luck.

PHOTO - ABOVE: A cake sale helped to boost funds for the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.

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