fleet air arm a year that defined the character of the

Issue five

FORTHCOMINGANNIVERSARIES

Sustaining theMomentum of Fly Navy 100

2010 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Taranto70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain 70th Anniversary of RNAS Yeovilton

2011 100th Anniversary of the first Naval Flying Training course70th Anniversary of the sinking of The Bismarck

2012 100th Anniversary of the first takeoff of an aircraft from a ship underway70th Anniversary of Operation Fuller – The Channel Dash

2014 100th Anniversary of the Formation of the Royal Naval Air Service350th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines

2015 70th Anniversary of the first jet landing on an aircraft carrier

Fleet Air ArmCentenary Sword

A year that defined the Character of The Royal Navy

The Guild of Air Pilots and AirNavigators has presented the FleetAir Arm with a Centenary Swordin recognition of 100 years ofinnovation, courage andachievement. The sword, whichwas presented to Rear AdmiralSimon Charlier, Rear Admiral FleetAir Arm by the Master of theGuild, Rear Admiral Colin Cooke-Priest CB CVO FRAeS, will beawarded annually to the NavalPilot, Observer or Aircrewmanwho has achieved the finest featof airmanship during the year.

January 2010

This year’sCentenary wasachieved in thetrue spirit ofthe Fleet AirArm.

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With Naval aircraft deployed on operationsaround the world and all areas of defenceunder severe pressure, it was a year inwhich the challenges could not have beengreater. Despite the demands the Fleet AirArm continued to deliver with alacrity andstyle giving a series of thrilling air displaysas well as a Service of Thanksgiving in StPaul’s Cathedral and a Royal Garden Partyat Buckingham Palace.

“It was a year that defined the character ofthe Royal Navy and epitomised the spirit ofthe Fleet Air Arm” said Rear AdmiralGeorge Zambellas DSC FRAeS. “Theorganisation and professional way in whichthe year was promoted was outstanding.The success of the events in London andLiverpool particularly, demonstrated justhow much can be achieved with a modestbudget and a small and dedicated team.”

The year culminated in a Centenary Dinnerat the Old Royal Naval College Greenwichin December attended by Their RoyalHighnesses The Prince of Wales, The Duke

of York, The Princess Royal and PrinceMichael of Kent. Speaking at the dinner,First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark StanhopeKCB OBE congratulated the Fleet Air Armon 100 years of exceptional endeavour andspoke of the huge importance of carrieraviation to the UK.

The Fleet Air Arm also welcomed theannouncement in December by theSecretary of State for Defence thatoperations in Afghanistan are to be bettersupported with new helicopters. RearAdmiral Simon Charlier stated that theannouncement brings forward importantdecisions on replacing ageing aircraft. “TheCommando Helicopter Force will haveMerlin aircraft earlier than planned and theSea King ASaC Mk 7 replacement will bealigned with the introduction into service ofHMS Queen Elizabeth. Coming at the endof a milestone year for the Fleet Air Armand coupled with Lynx Wildcat and the newJoint Combat Aircraft, the announcementrepresents a major stepping stone towardsa new and exciting era in Naval aviation.”

In 2009 the Royal Navy marked the Centenary of Naval aviation with a programmeof events and air displays around the country to raise awareness of the role, ethosand history of the Fleet Air Arm and of our Naval aviation heritage.

HRH The Duke of YorkCommodore in Chief

The Fleet Air Arm

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Observer training is to be greatly enhanced with a £57m contract to providemore realistic basic training, including the introduction into service of thenew King Air 350 with a state-of-the-art Radar and Tactical Mission TrainingSystem to replace the outdated Jetstream aircraft.

Royal Navy ObserverTraining gets £57m boost

Observers are the extended eyes andears of the ship’s operations room andthe considerably improved trainingpackage will provide an outstandingairborne classroom enabling students todevelop the skills required to maximisethe fighting capability of the aircraft.Observer training is carried out on 750Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval AirStation Culdrose and is widely regardedas one of the most rigorous and highlyrespected training courses in the Navy.

“Students start with no priorknowledge of aviation and are turned

into aircraft captains, capable of takingcharge of complex tactical situationsanywhere in the world” said CaptainGraeme Mackay the CommandingOfficer of RNAS Culdrose. “The newtraining console will be a quantum leapforward – as radical as going from anold imperial typewriter to a moderncomputer – and the Tactical MissionTraining System will allow the instructorto superimpose data on to the student’sscreen just as they will experience infront line operational flying.”

Delivered under a PartnershipAgreement with Ascent Flying Training,the King Air 350s will come into serviceat RNAS Culdrose in 2011. The contractis part of the UK’s Military FlyingTraining System, a private financeinitiative that will see sweeping changesin military flying training across all threeservices over the next ten years. Theobserver element of the programme willbe one of the first to becomeoperational with Fly Navy 100 sponsors,Cobham plc, subcontracted to integratethe radar and Tactical Mission TrainingSystem into the aircraft and providemaintenance and airworthiness services.

Distinguished Flying Cross

Lieutenant Commander Gavin Simmonite, a Fleet Air Armpilot serving with 846 Naval Air Squadron, has been awardedthe Distinguished Flying Cross for exemplary airmanshipduring operations in Afghanistan.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to individuals for gallantry during activeoperations against the enemy. Gavin’s aircraft was so severely damaged by enemy firethat under normal circumstances it should have been landed immediately. His citationstates that ‘through his exceptional airmanship and handling skills he was able tonurse the aircraft back to a friendly location and in doing so saved both the aircraftand his crew.’

Gavin praised his fellow crew members saying that their calm professionalismcontributed greatly to the safe and successful outcome of the event. Gavin joined theRoyal Navy in 1996 and has seen active service in Bosnia, Iraq, Sierra Leone andAfghanistan. He is currently back in southern Afghanistan flying Sea King helicopterswith 846 Naval Air Squadron.

HMS Illustrious’ visitto Liverpool, theCentenary flypast, theNaval aircraft displaysand static parkattracted nearly 100,000people over five days –three times as many asNavy Days. It was ahugely successfulpublic eye event.

Captain Ben Key Royal NavyCommanding Officer

HMS Illustrious

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in LiverpoolFly Navy 100

The Fly Navy 100 celebrations continued in Liverpoolin October with a 40 aircraft flypast along the RiverMersey and over HMS Illustrious moored atLiverpool’s Cruise Liner Berth.

“The flypast was absolutely outstanding” said CommodoreMartin Westwood. “It was immaculate in every way andwhen you think of the enormous effort it represented at atime when the Fleet Air Arm is spread to every operationaltheatre, it was truly a momentous occasion.”

Lt Cdr Mike Pamphillon who led the flypast said “It wasamazing. Crowds lined the banks of the Mersey for tenmiles as we flew in.”

The five day Fleet Air Arm in the public eye event attractedover 100,000 people with 15,000 people a day watchingthe daily flying demonstrations and visiting the static parkdisplays.

Over 500 guests watched the flypast from the flight deckof HMS Illustrious including HRH The Duke of York KG,Commodore in Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, the Lord Mayorand Lady Mayoress of Liverpool and Fleet Air Arm veteranswho had served in the Battle of the Atlantic. Speaking atthe reception, Commander-in-Chief Fleet Admiral SirTrevor Soar KCB OBE said “Much of the Battle of theAtlantic against the U-boat threat was fought and wonfrom Liverpool. The courageous actions of Fleet Air Armpilots flying from Naval Fighter Catapult Ships was littleknown at the time. Their bravery was remarkable. Thenation owes them and the City of Liverpool a debt ofgratitude.”

Over the past 100 years Naval aviation has sometimesbeen misrepresented or not understood. Our Centenarycelebrations, however, have achieved widespreadrecognition of the fact that the Fleet Air Arm is aformidable fighting arm, a leading force of expertise onall aspects of shipborne aviation operations and aubiquitous provider of joint air power.

The celebratory events of 2009, particularly the fly pasts overHMS Illustrious in London and Liverpool, the Service in St Paul’sCathedral and the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palacewere outstanding, bringing the whole Fleet Air Armcommunity together, as well as being successful Royal Navypublic eye events enjoyed by thousands of others.

The distinctive ethos that characterises the Fleet Air Arm – ourrelaxed but highly professional brand of airmanship, our senseof humour, teamwork and can-do attitude and our innovativeand imaginative approach has also shone through this year,clearly defining all that we stand for.

We have also carried the carrier arguments, based firmly onthe principle that Sea Power and Air Power combined offersignificant strategic, operational and tactical advantage. Intaking Fly Navy 100 forward, our intention must be tocontinue to nurture the enormous goodwill generated thisyear, to gain greater public awareness and understanding andto promote our culture and expertise, as an essential elementin our future success.

Tomorrow’s Fleet Air Arm will depend upon our ability to workalongside, and gain influence with our partners in the jointand international arena. We must also take our heritageseriously, developing standards of conservation, promotion andexplanation that set us apart. 2010 is the 70th anniversary ofTaranto and 2014 is the Centenary of the formation of theRoyal Naval Air Service. Our heritage provides the context forall that we do today – and in this we need support – wecannot afford to leave it to benign neglect.

It has been an honour to be Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm duringsuch a momentous year. The Fleet Air Arm vision is to producefuture carriers, squadrons and flights that are unit-for-unit andman-for-man, the best in the world enabling the Royal Navy tobe the leading exponent of Maritime Force Projection – readyto fight and win what ever the next 100 years brings.

1909 - 2009

Rear Admiral Simon Charlier Chief of Staff Aviation and CarriersRear Admiral Fleet Air Arm

The Fleet Air Arm has never beenbusier but there is still sea-blindness.We need to ensure greater publicunderstanding of all that we do.

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MASU Receives RAeS Award

ASaCsin Afghanistan

The tradition of Flying Royal Marines began at the outset of Naval aviation when Lieutenant ELGerrard RM was assigned to flying duties with the first Naval Airship, the ‘Mayfly’, in 1910.However, even before the ‘Mayfly’ was delivered Lieutenant Gerrard had already been selectedto join the first Naval flying training course.

Royal Marine aviators are continuing tomake history today. For the first time in70 years, Royal Naval Air StationYeovilton has a Royal MarineCommanding Officer. Brigadier MarkNoble Royal Marines took command ofthe Air Station in July 2009.

“I have served at RNAS Yeovilton three timesand feel hugely privileged to return as theCommanding Officer” said Brigadier Noble.“Yeovilton is playing a key role in currentoperations providing aircraft from bothCommando and Lynx Helicopter Forces toAfghanistan and globally at sea. We are alsothe home of a number of major supportunits including the Royal Navy Schools ofFighter and Aircraft Control and theArmoured Support Group Royal Marines,who have recently returned from a difficultdeployment to Afghanistan”

In recent months an exciting new era hasalso begun at Yeovilton with thecommissioning of 700W, the Lynx WildcatSquadron. “Wildcat will be a formidable newmulti-role helicopter optimised for bothmaritime and battlefield environments. It is achallenging programme re-affirmingYeovilton’s future at the forefront of navalaviation” said Brigadier Noble.

RNAS Yeovilton’s primaryrole is delivering fullyoperational Squadrons andsupport units to the frontline. We are directlyinvolved in currentoperations worldwide.

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Royal Navy Sea King Airborne Surveillance andControl (ASaC) helicopters are flying day and nightin southern Afghanistan providing continuous areasurveillance information critical to Coalition andSpecial Forces operations.

Working closely with the wider intelligence andsurveillance community the Sea King ASaCs are atthe forefront of the UK defence effort in HelmandProvince. “The deployment of maritime aircraft tobattlefield operations is another example of thebroad capability and flexibility of Naval aviation,”said Commander Matt Avison. “857 Naval AirSquadron recently relieved 854 Squadron who havereturned to RNAS Culdrose for well earned leaveand work up before they re-deploy to Afghanistanin the New Year. “

1909 - 2009

FlyingRoyal Marines

FlyingRoyal Marines

By the outbreak of the First World War, 10 RoyalMarine aviators were already in the Royal Naval AirService. Thereafter a total of 16 RM pilots andobservers served during the war, nearly all in seniorappointments. One of the first into action wasLieutenant C H Collet RM, who led the first everstrategic bombing raid on German Zeppelin sheds.Notably, Major F H Sykes, a Cavalry Officer, wascommissioned into the Royal Marines as a Colonelto command all RNAS operations in the EasternMediterranean and at Gallipoli. Sykes wasappointed Chief of the Air Staff in 1918, when theRAF was created, before being relieved byTrenchard one year later. Therefore, the first Chiefof Air Staff was a former Royal Marines Officer.

In 1924, 19 Royal Marines volunteered for pilottraining when the new Naval flying wing, the FleetAir Arm of the RAF, was formed. From thatmoment on, Royal Marine aviators have been anintegral part of Naval aviation. During this period,Lieutenant O Cathcart-Jones RM, made the firstnight deck landing in a single-seater fighter in1929, while others were involved on operations inTurkey, China and Palestine.

Subsequently, 31 Royal Marine pilots, 2 observersand 9 NCOs flew with distinction during theSecond World War. Of these, 18 commandedsquadrons or wings and 8 became Commanders

(Air) of Aircraft Carriers. Of particular note, CaptainO Patch RM took part in the Battle of Taranto andMajor V B G Cheesman RM led 1770 Squadron’sFireflies in a strike against the Tirpitz. RoyalMarines also played a significant role in the FarEast. Major R C Hay RM became the Air Co-ordinator British Pacific Fleet comprising 4 CarrierAir Groups, two of which were commanded byRoyal Marines.

Post second World War, a further 8 Royal Marinestrained as fixed wing pilots, among them Captain P J F Whiteley RM, who returned to the Corps tocomplete a distinguished career as CGRM andCinCAFNORTH as a General. The advent of theCommando Carrier, the Indonesian Confrontationand the development of the Wessex troop lifthelicopter created a demand for additional pilotsand during the 1960s, 25 regular officers and 17Special Entry Officers served as helicopter pilots.Of these, Captain M J Reece RM became the firstRoyal Marine to command a Royal Navy HelicopterSquadron. Concurrently, each RM Commando wasbeing equipped with a flight of Sioux helicopterswhich, in 1968, was centralised to form the 3Commando Brigade Air Squadron. From then on 3Commando Brigade Air Squadron formed thebackbone of Royal Marines aviation seeing servicein the Falklands and Iraq before becoming 847Naval Air Squadron.

Today, the Royal Marines continue to contribute as much as 25% of the Fleet Air Arm. TheCommando Helicopter Force has a high proportionof Royal Marines both in the Sea King and Lynxcommunities and in support and commandappointments. Royal Marines are also flyingHarriers with the Joint Harrier force and,significantly, in 2006 Major Mark Hammond RMwas awarded the DFC for operations inAfghanistan whilst on exchange with the RAFflying Chinooks.

Fleet Forward Support’sMobile Aircraft SupportUnit (MASU) has receiveda prestigious award fromthe Royal AeronauticalSociety for their work incarrying out repairs tobattle damaged aircraftin Iraq and Afghanistan.

The MASU Repair Sectionhas carried out structuralrepairs to 143 damagedUK helicopters in Iraq andAfghanistan since 2005.“Despite fighting on two fronts, MASU’s small yet highlyspecialised teams are a true force multiplier” said RearAdmiral Simon Charlier. “Time and time again the efforts ofthis small team have returned critical aircraft to operationalservice when they would otherwise have had to be returnedto the UK or destroyed.” The team has faced tasks rangingfrom small arms fire skin repairs, airframe fatigue crackingand significant structural damage repairs due to rocketattacks. “Although many of our repairs are as a result ofenemy action, some of our biggest challenges stem fromincidents which are a direct result of operations at the verylimit of aircraft and aircrew capabilities” said LieutenantCommander Andy Dunn, the Repair Manager with MASU.

The Royal Aeronautical Society award waspresented to Lieutenant CommanderDunn by the Chief of the Air Staff atthe annual RAeS Wilbur andOrville Wright LectureDinner in December.

847 Naval Air Squadron has been awarded the Australia Shield for 2009. This highlyprestigious Fleet Air Arm award is presented annually to the front line Squadrondemonstrating the highest level of operational capability. Speaking at the award ceremony inSeptember 2009, Rear Admiral Simon Charlier said “The award of the Australia Shield to 847Squadron is a reflection of an exceptionally busy and productive year during which theSquadron deployed to Iraq, Norway, France, Arizona and Afghanistan.”

847 Squadron is now looking forward to a deployment to Norway, a period embarked in HMS Ocean for Exercise Auriga and then upgrading to the more powerful engines of the Lynx Mk 9A before another deployment to Afghanistan.

847 Squadron wins Operational Capability Award

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Lynx in Record Drug BustThe Fleet Air Arm is playing a vital role in counter narcotics operations and, inSeptember 2009, a Lynx helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron was involved in arecord breaking seizure of over five and a half tonnes of cocaine in an operation offthe coast of South America.

The Lynx, deployed with the Type 23 Frigate HMS IronDuke, spotted the 138ft converted fishing vessel MVCristal acting suspiciously. Tracking the MV Cristal onradar and remaining covert the Lynx passed back vitalinformation on the contact. Once in range HMS IronDuke and the Lynx simultaneously closed on the vesselat speed with Royal Marines commando marksmen inthe Lynx covering the MV Cristal with weapon systems.

An extensive overnight search revealed the cocainehidden under concrete in the vessel’s ballast tanks. Asthe search continued through the following day thehuge scale of the find became apparent – a total of212 bales of cocaine weighing 26kg, each with a streetvalue of £240 million, was discovered. The Minister forthe Armed Forces praised the Lynx crew thanking themfor the valuable work they do in keeping illegal drugsfrom entering the UK.

It is perhaps not surprising that from the earliest exploits of the Royal Naval AirService, interest in survival at sea attracted the attention of a unique breed ofdoctors – Medical Officers with a specialist knowledge of Aviation Medicine.

One of the earliest flying doctors wasSurgeon Lieutenant HG Anderson whojoined the RN at the outset of the FirstWorld War. He was taught to fly by theRNAS and in 1919 he published the firsttextbook in Aviation Medicine ‘Themedical and surgical aspects of aviation.’

Anderson was assisted by a staff surgeon,Surgeon Lieutenant HV Wells RN, a youngdoctor who was very forward thinking forhis time. Wells wrote in the Journal of theRoyal Naval Medical Service in 1915 and1916, important articles about therequirement for Naval aviators to haverestraint harnesses and head protection.

With the first jet-powered aircraft cominginto service after the Korean War,maritime aviation medicine was suddenlyfaced with a plethora of challenges thatcame with the new technology.

A number of Naval Medical Officersproved equal to this challenge,characterised not only by the excellence oftheir work but by their willingness to actas guinea pigs, experimenting onthemselves whenever new pieces of kit orideas needed to be put to the test. Twosuch eminent pioneers were SurgeonCommander Herbert Ellis, later to be DrHerbert Ellis AFC and Surgeon LieutenantJohn Rawlins later to be Vice Admiral SirJohn Rawlins KBE, FRCP, FRAeS.

‘Herb’ was awarded his Royal Navy pilotwings in 1946 and was appointed to theInstitute of Aviation Medicine in 1949.During his time there he flew over 100different experimental aircraft and made asignificant study of the visual aspects ofcarrier flying operations. For this work andhis many other contributions to Navalaviation he gained a PhD and wasawarded the Air Force Cross.

“John Rawlins and I certainly had somefun during this productive period,” said Dr Ellis, “although all those accelerationand shaking experiments and subjectingmyself to some incredible ‘G’ forces haveleft me a bit wobbly now!” Dr Elliscaptured his Naval aviation exploits in an

entertaining autobiography titled‘Hippocrates RN.’

Sir John Rawlins was the Navy’s firstSpecialist in Aviation Medicine atFarnborough and is highly respected forhis work in the field of naval aviationsafety. In 1950 he was awarded the MBEfor his work on protective helmets, the

early bone domes and in 1960 he wasadvanced to OBE for his experiments todevelop a method of enabling aircrew toeject from an aircraft that had submergedunder water. Months of meticulous trialswere carried out during which SurgeonLieutenant Commander Sandy DavidsonRN (later Surg Captain OBE) bravelyconducted a live test ejection underwater.

The British immersion suit or ‘goon’ suit,made of Egyptian cotton fabric withrubber wrist and neck seals, is anotherBritish innovation that is in standard use inmany navies and continues to save lives tothis day.

The work of Surgeon Commander FrankGolden (later Surg Rear Admiral OBE) whoalso experimented on himself, remarkablycatherterising his own heart to prove thephysiology involved, led to theintroduction of the twin-strop, horizontallift configuration to forestall circulatorycollapse in survivors of cold waterimmersion incidents. It was another spectactular Naval Aviation Medicinebreakthrough that has saved many lives.

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Safe in these Hands

The Royal Navy Safety Equipment and Survival Association was formed in2003 and has over 130 members. President of the Association, LieutenantCommander Martyn Helliwell, said “Our members are proud of havingserved in the Fleet Air Arm Survival Equipment Branch. Few peopleappreciate the complexities of maintaining and operating Survival Equipmentor of the responsibility involved. Flying clothing, helmets, life-jackets, oxygenmasks, immersion suits, anti-G suits, life rafts and CO2 cylinders all have tobe in perfect working order. An important part of the job is instructingaircrew in the correct procedures for survival.”

The Branch holds an annual reunion and this year met at Bosworth Hall,Market Bosworth, Leicestershire in October. Membership is open to all exand serving SE personnel and anyone who has an affiliation to the branch.For further information contact Secretary Gordon Parkes T. 01483 [email protected] www.faasurvivalassociation.co.uk

From its inception in 1945 to the present day the AircraftHandler branch has played a continuous and vital role in thesafe handling of aircraft at sea.

Affectionately known as ‘Chockheads’, Aircraft Handlers operateas a close knit team and have a strong esprit de corps. On a busyflight deck with aircraft launching or recovering at 30 to 40second intervals there is no margin for error. “I will never forgetmy first arrested landing” said one Buccaneer pilot “thedeceleration was amazing but what was more amazing andalarming was the urgency and proficiency with which you weremarshalled away from the angled flight deck to your parking spot.The wire was immediately reset and checked in order for the nextaircraft to land. It was all extremely slick.”

Aircraft Handlers attend an intensive 30 week training course inmanoeuvring aircraft into tight parking spots on crowded flightdecks and are highly skilled in hangar fire fighting, airfield crashrescue and driving flight deck tractors, fire engines and heavygoods vehicles. Over the years many of the more traditionalhandling duties have been subsumed into the engineering tradesbut the flight decks of the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers will onceagain see the Naval Airman Aircraft Handler in his element. TheAircraft Handler Association is one of the largest Fleet Air ArmAssociations with over 1000 members.

Flying from ships at sea always carries the risk of ditching or crashinginto the water. Early Naval aircraft were light and impacted with thewater at relatively low speeds. Even if they tipped over, they usuallyfloated and the pilot was recovered without getting wet. As aircraftspeeds increased, however, the chances of survival following anaccident or controlled landing became increasingly hazardous.

With the advent of the modern jetfighter surviving an aircraft accidentat sea began to present unique anddifficult challenges. High speed

crashes into thesea gave rise tocomplexphysical,mechanical andphysiologicalfactors all ofwhich had apart to play ininfluencingaircrew chances

of survival. Knowing how to escapesafely from a submerging aircraft,coping with disorientation, rapidpressure changes, impaired visionand problems of canopy, door orhatch jettison all demanded rigoroussurvival training drills and proceduresto give aircrew the best possiblechance of beating the odds.

The Royal Navy Safety EquipmentBranch was set up in 1943 and hasbeen a driving force in ensuringoptimum survivability rates at sea forover sixty years. From the early daysof Wrens packing life rafts andparachutes, to the meticulousmaintenance of today’s sophisticatedhelmets, oxygen masks, immersionsuits, anti-G suits and multi-seat liferafts, the principles of looking aftersurvival equipment and trainingpersonnel to use it are as criticaltoday as they have ever been.

In recent years responsibility forsurvival has become part of theDefence Survival, Evasion, Resistanceand Extraction Training Organisationwith the wider remit of preparingaircrew for operations in all theatresof war including desert, jungleand arctic survival as well as survivalat sea.

Churchill’s InfluenceWinston Churchill took his first flight in an aeroplane in1912 and was entranced. He loved it and was fascinated byevery ingenious idea, immediately seeing the operationaland strategic possibilities. He took every opportunity to flywith the young pioneers of the Royal Flying Corps and, asFirst Lord of the Admiralty at the time, soon became Navalaviation’s most powerful and passionate sponsor andadvocate. He is pictured with Lieutenant Thomas ScholesCreswell Royal Marines Light Infantry, a Flying Officer in theRFC Naval Wing who died on 4 June 1914 when his pusherbi-plane, a Wight 1914 Navyplane No 128, crashed in theSolent. The wings folded in flight at 100 feet and he and hispassenger, Commander Arthur Rice, were both drowned.

Q-SightTM Helmet Mounted Display Systems for NavalLynx Door Gunners

The Ministry of Defence has ordered 12 Q-SightTM holographic helmet-mounted display unitsfrom BAE Systems to equip Naval door gunners on Lynx Mk 8s. The Q-Sight, which usesinnovative holographic technology, provides the wearer with considerably enhanced vision. Aswell as having a night vision and binocular capability, the Q-Sight has been designed to be usedin conjunction with the 0.50 cal machine gun thermal imaging sight as part of the GunnersRemote Sighting System. The monocular sight provides a heads-up display in front of the eyesshowing bearing and speed of small targets and even moving video giving the wearer greatlyincreased situational awareness. The technology, which will go on trial with the Lynx Force in2010, will also give Lynx door gunners complete freedom of movement to aim the gun withprecision accuracy, including straight down.


Afghanistan is one of the most demanding and dangerous aviationenvironments in the world. Elements of 845, 846 and 847 Naval Air Squadronsfrom the Commando Helicopter Force have been operating in Afghanistansince 2007 and their punishing routines continue to test both personnel andequipment in the most challenging conditions imaginable.

The Sea King Mk 4 aircraft currently intheatre are working in support ofRegional Command (South) as well asproviding direct support to UK Forces.Most missions are flown between theForward Operating Bases in the volatileHelmand region 80 miles west ofKandahar. The intensity of operationsover recent months has impacted hugelyon both Squadrons but the Fleet Air Arm‘Junglies’ have dealt with the pressureunerringly; their high serviceability levels,rapid response times and increased liftcapability earning them the reputationthat they can always be relied uponwhen it matters.

As well as epitomising the ultimate inflexibility, adaptability and utility,battlefield aviation often throws uphighly unpredictable situations and amultiplicity of threats and dilemmas. Theboundaries between traditional roles canalso change rapidly. The capability toconduct an airborne assault one minuteand swing into an Immediate ResponseTeam for medical evacuation the next isindicative of the ubiquity, agility andversatility that Naval aviation is nowcalled upon to provide.

“We honed our skills in Iraq” saidLieutenant Commander Gavin Simmoniteof 846 Squadron “but in Afghanistan wehave raised those skills to a whole newlevel. We are operating in an increasinglycomplex battlespace. The Sea King Mk4s are a mission critical capability andeveryone is supremely committed to thetask.”

During the Afghan elections, 845 and846 Squadrons worked closely with theAfghan National Army to help theAfghans provide their own additionalsecurity. The road to a more stableAfghanistan, particularly in Helmandprovince, however, is still fraught withdifficulties. In the past few months theSea King Mk 4s have had a secondGeneral Purpose Machine Gun installedin the door to provide extra defence.

In order to operate in the demanding Afghanenvironment the Naval Sea King Mk 4 helicopters have been extensively modified. Carson rotorblades, a new tail rotor and new engines have been fitted to provide greater lift, and an upgradeddefensive aids suite and significantly improved night flying system considerably enhance the overallcapability of the aircraft. Nevertheless, the talcum powder like dust, pitch black nights and extreme

variations in temperature present considerable challenges. Intemperatures of over 40°C the metal airframes becomeextremely hot. Within seconds of entering an aircraft, aircreware completely soaked in sweat. Carrying out even simplerepairs becomes extremely difficult. Maintainers can onlyoperate in an aircraft for about twenty minutes before theyneed to recover and re-hydrate. Diagnosing a fault and findingthe part and the right tool to fix it become real challengesrequiring ever greater levels of intellectual agility and lateral

thinking. Combined with the daily dangers faced by the crews particularly when carrying outtasking for Regional Command (South), the demands on the aircraft and personnel of the Fleet AirArm in Afghanistan are some of the most challenging the Navy has faced in over 60 years.

THE CHALLENGES

Helmand

Naval aviation has never been for the faint hearted. The Fleet Air Arm is deliveringoperational capability inAfghanistan at unprecedentedlevels

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Air Door Gunner Praised for Saving Aircraft

Naval Airman Thomas Saunders has beenrecognised for his quick thinking and accurateresponse as a volunteer Sea King Air DoorGunner during operations with Special Forces inHelmand Province. Just as the Sea King wascoming into land it came under close fire fromthe enemy. In this extremely vulnerable stage offlight, with enemy fire impacting the length ofthe aircraft, including immediately around hisposition, Naval Airman Saunders returned fireusing his GPMG allowing vital seconds for thecrew to evade contact. Rear Admiral TonyJohnstone-Burt OBE, Commander JointHelicopter Command said “Naval AirmanSaunders’ quick, accurate and brave reactionscertainly saved the potential loss of the aircraftand crew.”

The Commando Helicopter Force has been awarded ‘Best Unit’award within the Joint Helicopter Command, an outstandingtestament to the immense effort of the Fleet Air Arm Junglies andthe contribution they are making in Afghanistan.

Captain Jon Pentreath (right), Commanding Officer of the CommandoHelicopter Force was presented with the award by Rear Admiral TonyJohnstone-Burt OBE at a ceremony at the Museum of Army Flying atMiddle Wallop. Speaking at the award ceremony Captain Pentreath said“To win this award in the face of such stiff competition is overwhelming.The Sea King is 40 years old and comes with a significant maintenanceburden. It is only through dint of sheer hard work, considerable ingenuity,adherence to standards and Jungly cunning that Commando HelicopterForce personnel are continuing to deliver incredible levels of operationaleffectiveness in Afghanistan.”B

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Commando Helicopter Force

Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB,Former First Sea Lord


Halton Apprentices

In the early days of the Naval AirService the aircraft were maintained byRAF mechanics. In 1938 the Navy didnot have the facility to train its ownaircraft artificers so the Admiraltyagreed with the Air Ministry for thistraining to be carried out at RAFHalton, Buckinghamshire. 500 HaltonNaval Apprentices were trainedbetween 1938 and 1942 and 160 RAFapprentices voluntarily transferred tothe Royal Navy while serving there.

“Such was the high standard of theHalton product that a large number of‘Halton Brats’ as they were called wenton to become Chief Artificers or Chiefand Petty Officer Air Fitters forming ahard core of highly qualifiedtechnicians, vital to the maintenance ofaircraft operating in a rigorousenvironment,” said Chairman of the

Association, Frank Ayling. “Theapprentices were pitched straight in atthe deep end during World War II. Thewar was a rapid learning atmosphereand many went on to become AirEngineering Officers.”

The Halton Apprentices Naval Wingheld their first reunion in 1969. “Wehave had many reunions since but theyoungest Halton Apprentice is 84 andthe oldest is 91 so we are getting on inage now,” said Frank.

This year members of the Associationattended the service at St Paul’s and theRoyal Garden Party, where fourmembers were presented to HRH TheDuke of York. “We also recently visitedthe Fleet Air Arm Museum and spoke tothe Archivists about our history,” saidFrank.

The Halton Apprentices Naval Wing Association has been especially proud to havebeen a part of this year’s Centenary celebrations. The Halton Apprentices go backto 1938, when the Fleet Air Arm of the RAF returned to Admiralty control and theRoyal Navy needed to start its own aircraft maintenance branch.

Three Harrier GR9s flying fast and low paid an immaculate andfitting tribute at a ceremony to dedicate the new Fleet Air ArmMemorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire on11 September 2009.

Fleet Air Arm

Memorial

Sadly, six months after passing out from Halton, 17 Apprentices from part of the first entry(35th) lost their lives when HMS Glorious was sunk off Norway. Their names are inscribed onthe Fleet Air Arm memorial at Lee-on-Solent and in the Fleet Air Arm Roll of Honour.

Naval Wing Association

Situated close to the Armed ForcesMemorial, the new Fleet Air ArmMemorial is a magnificent graniteaircraft carrier on a plinth ofPortland stone with Fleet Air Armwings beautifully inscribedbeneath the bow.

During the service the Chaplain ofthe Fleet, the Venerable JohnGreen QHC, gave thanks for thecourage, skill and sacrifice of themen and women of the RoyalNaval Air Service and Fleet Air Arm

who died in the service of theircountry and said that the newmemorial would serve as apermanent reminder of theirselfless commitment forgenerations to come.

The day was an exceptionalautumn day with a brilliant bluesky and, falling on the anniversaryof the terrorist attacks on theUnited States in 2001, theceremony had a heightenedpoignancy which was felt by many.As the memorial was unveiled andThe Last Post sounded recentlosses in Afghanistan were alsoremembered.

Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, RearAdmiral Fleet Air Arm inspectedthe Guard from HMS Sultan, andthe smartly turned out Fleet AirArm Standard Bearers. The servicewas followed by a lunchtimereception for 500 guests includingAdmiral of the Fleet, Sir BenjaminBathurst, and representatives fromall the Fleet Air Arm Associations.

The Buccaneer Association is hoping to raise £2,000 tostart a trust fund for the upkeep of the Fleet Air ArmMemorial at the National Arboretum.

“We have already raised £800 from sales of Fleet Air ArmCentenary Whisky” said Association Chairman, Brian Stanley.“The Association is a founder member of the Fly NavyFederation and we want to continue to support the work ofthe Federation and ensure that the Fleet Air Arm memorial isimmaculately maintained for future generations.”

The Buccaneer Association was formed in 2001 to reuniteanyone who has served in a Fleet Air Arm BuccaneerSquadron. The Association has over 600 members and meetsevery year. Last year the Association visited Bruntingthorpeairfield to see Buccaneer 020 painted in 809 colours and in2012 the Association is planning to commemorate the 40thanniversary of the decommissioning of HMS Fulmar with areunion dinner at Lossiemouth. To join the BuccaneerAssociation please visit our website www.faaba.co.uk ortel. 01935 474862.

Buccaneer Associationaims to raise £2000 forupkeep of Memorial

www.cloudobservers.co.uk

Met is Crucial Accurate weather forecasting is a fundamental factorin all operations and in air operations it is absolutelycrucial. From early airship operations defending Britainfrom enemy air raids to avoiding sand storms in Iraqand Afghanistan, Naval aviators have depended onRoyal Navy Meteorologists for the operationaleffectiveness and safety of almost every mission.

Although there is evidence of ‘weathermen’ going furtherback than 1909, it was not until the Royal Navy took deliveryof ‘Mayfly’ and started taking a keen interest in flying thatthey became an integral part of the Service. By 1914 afledgling Naval Met Service was formed at RNAS Kingsnorthin Kent to provide weather information for airships. By 1918the Navy was providing met forecasting information to 40Royal Naval Air Stations. Measures to protect operationalsecurity and protect the secrecy of the forecasts were alsointroduced. A special met cipher was used to encryptmessages and forecasts were sent several times a day.

Today the Royal Navy Met branch is an integral part of theHydrographic branch providing met to all three Services. Ifyou are a former METOC why not meet up with old friendsand join Cloud Observers. Cloud Observers was formed in2005 and is a member of the Fly Navy Federation.

Battle Honours Japan 1945Nine surviving members of 1772 Naval AirSquadron formed in May 1944 held theirannual reunion at the Unicorn Hotel,Stow-on-the-Wold on 6 October 2009.1772 Squadron was one of three Fleet AirArm Firefly Squadrons deployed toSydney, Australia. The Squadron was thenembarked in HMS Indefatigable for strikesagainst the Japanese mainland. Speaking after the Squadron reunion, DonaldRandle said, “I was only 20 at the timeand I remember having my 21st birthday party in Sydney just after the war. It was quite a run ashore!Our dinner at the Unicorn was a great success. We raffled one of the splendid Fly Navy 100Centenary plates and raised £105 which we donated to the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.”

Channel Dash Memorial Operation Fuller, the daring Channel Dash in which 825Naval Air Squadron with just six Fairey Swordfish attemptedto stop the passage of the German Battlefleet as they dashedthrough the Dover Straits in 1942 is to be remembered witha substantial permanent memorial to be unveiled atRamsgate Harbour on 12 February 2010. A second memorialto commemorate personnel and units from all three armedservices who took part in Operation Fuller will be placed inGranville Gardens, Dover and will be unveiled in 2012, the70th anniversary of the Channel Dash.


Maritime Surveillance and ControlHMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales are in build and on track to becoming world classaircraft carriers. However, they will not deliver Carrier Strike capability on their own. One of the threekey components of Carrier Strike will be the Maritime Airborne Surveillance Capability (MASC).

The Future

As a distinctive seaborne Fighting Arm, theFleet Air Arm will play a key role in theintroduction into service of the two QueenElizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers – HMSQueen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales –which, together with their embarkedsquadrons of F-35 Joint Combat Aircraft,Merlin helicopters and Maritime AirSurveillance Capability (MASC) aircraft willdeliver a formidable Joint Defence capability– Carrier Strike.

The Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carrierswill be the largest warships ever built for theRoyal Navy and it is fitting testament to the

enduring capability of carrier aviation thatthe cutting of steel for the first of the twonew carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth, tookplace during the Centenary year of Navalaviation, on 7 July 2009 at Govan. Thebuild, which includes sub contracts with 57companies, is now making significantprogress at five different shipyards aroundthe UK.

Equally as fitting in this Centenary year, thefirst prototype F-35B Lightning stealthfighter is preparing to carry out early hoverand vertical landing trials in the US and afurther three F-35B jets are nearing

completion for System Design andDemonstration.

In an increasingly uncertain world, the UK’sability to protect its interests thousands ofmiles from UK shores and airfields isfundamental to national and global securityand our ability to Strike with Global Reachremains at the heart of national defencepolicy. The aircraft carrier with its Carrier AirGroup is the lynchpin of expeditionarycapability, enabling the UK to deteraggression and deliver combat winningeffect wherever and whenever it chooses.

The Fleet Air Arm is in a pivotal position for the future. As well as being the clear UK lead for all aspects of shipborne and carrieraviation operations, the Fleet Air Arm has also proved itself time and time again in supporting land operations and being able tointegrate seamlessly into Joint Force organisations and the broader military aviation effort. As well as playing a full part incurrent operations and deployments the Fleet Air Arm is keeping a very clear eye on where it is heading.

The potential of remotely piloted aircraftor Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) is beingrapidly realised. They have alreadyproved highly effective in land operationsand the case for their use in the maritimedomain is gathering momentum.

A Reaper UAS, operated by a Royal Navycrew has had two successful Hellfirestrikes in direct support to ground unitsunder fire. The Royal Navy is also activelyexploring the use of UAS at sea.Operating UAS from warships is seen as asignificant future capability, particularlywhere host nation support is not readilyavailable or negotiable.

“UAS can be operated from a variety ofships and can reduce the risk to mannedaircraft by flying in the more hazardousenvironments,” said LieutenantCommander Trevor Steele. “Maritime UASwill be a flexible and complimentaryaddition to manned aircraft, offeringrange, endurance and the ability topresent a more benign or covert presencein sensitive areas.”

Unmanned Aviation Systems

The F-35B Short Take Off/Vertical Landing(STOVL) Lightning is set to transform UKdefence aviation, replacing the HarrierGR7/9s in a paradigm shift providing aformidable element of future CarrierStrike capability.

There are currently four F-35B jets nearingcompletion for System Design andDemonstration, with the first of these, BF-1preparing to conduct its first hover andvertical landing trials at Naval Air StationPatuxent River in the United States early inthe New Year.

The F-35 Lightning is a fifth generationfighter, combining advanced stealthtechnology with fighter speed and agility andhighly sophisticated sensor information. “It isa highly capable, complex aircraft” saidLieutenant Commander Uvedale Wood.“Introducing the Lightning into service will beboth exciting and challenging.”

The aircraft will be flown by Royal Navy andRoyal Air Force pilots both from the Carriersand Deployed Operating Bases ashore. “Thefirst three pilots will begin training for theTest and Evaluation Squadron in April 2011,”said Lieutenant Commander Wood.“Following successful Operational Test andEvaluation the Operational Conversion Unitwill form in the US, later transferring to theUK, based at RAF Lossiemouth. WhileLockheed Martin continues the process ofvalidating the revolutionary STOVL propulsionsystem in the US, trials are also well advancedat the Maritime Integration and SupportCentre at Portsmouth. Avionics de-riskingactivities are also proving invaluable” saidLieutenant Commander Wood.

Two separate, interchangeable F-35 enginesare under development, the Pratt andWhitney F135 and the GE Rolls Royce FighterEngine F136.

Initially this will be provided by the Sea King ASaC Mk7s currently providing critical Intelligence, Surveillance,Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)information in Afghanistan. As the carriers come intoservice, however, the Sea Kings will be replaced by anew airframe with a highly sophisticated andenhanced long range and wide area surveillancesystem providing the essential ‘Eyes of the Fleet’.Airborne surveillance and reconnaissance is as vitaltoday as it was in the early days of Naval aviationnearly 100 years ago. Networked ISTAR is a coremaritime role and a key enabler for the Carrier Strikeand Littoral Manoeuvre Task Groups.

This increased gathering, managing and sharing of thebattlespace picture and networking of sensors,information and command systems will not only leadto more effective and responsive targeting but

empower commanders at all levels in rapid informeddecision making. However, generating this technicallyinnovative pan defence capability will not be withoutits difficulties. The Fleet Air Arm is already preparingand training personnel in this highly skilled area,growing air minded mariners and gleaning bestpractice from across the other Services and coalitionpartners, so that they can apply maritime and militaryskills to best effect.

“To put the step change of capability intoperspective”, said Lieutenant Commander AndrewRose, “HMS Queen Elizabeth, with her Carrier borneMASC airborne sensors, will be able to ‘see’ andoperate in a completely autonomous manner world-wide, at an extended range from the Carrier TaskGroup.” An announcement on the winning solutionfor the MASC contract is expected in the New Year.

Looking to

Wildcat makes first flightThe new Lynx Wildcat helicopter made its first flight on 12 November 2009 over the Agusta Westlandsite at Yeovil. The aircraft, which will be manufactured in battlefield and maritime variants will be themost advanced and capable helicopter in its class. 28 Wildcat have been ordered for the Royal Navywith the first aircraft expected to be delivered in December 2012. The aircraft made its debut flight inArmy markings and the Army expects to take delivery of the first battlefield variant in 2014. As theairframes of the two variants are common, aircrew and maintainers from both Services will train in aJoint Conversion Unit to be established at RNAS Yeovilton.


30 members of the Guild of Air Pilots and AirNavigators (GAPAN) recently visited the NavalStrike Wing at RAF Cottesmore. The NavalStrike Wing is an affiliated unit of the Guildand among the visitors were Group CaptainTom Eeles, pictured, who flew Buccaneers with801 Squadron in HMS Victorious from 1966-68and Mr Terry Rawlins whose son, LieutenantSimon Rawlins serves with the Naval StrikeWing. Lieutenant Rawlins briefed the GAPANvisitors on the capabilities of the Harrier, itsweapon systems and tactics from high speedlow level over-flights to a bomb strike. TheGuild visitors were then given instruction inthe simulator and invited to carry out a ski-jump launch, circuit the ship and make avertical deck landing. Some successful landingswere achieved but many ended in spectaculardisaster – names protected to saveembarrassment! “Finally, with maximum shippitch and roll selected, Si Rawlins showed ushow to do it with consummate ease,” said TomEeles. “It was a fascinating and extremelyinformative visit”.

Harriers of the Naval Strike Wing embarked inHMS Illustrious were the centre of attention atthe Fly Navy 100 celebrations in Liverpool.

Over the past five years the Naval Strike Wing hasbeen deployed on Close Air Support Operations inAfghanistan but this year the Force has embarked ona period of regenerating many of the old skills ofoperating on land and at sea. Commanding Officerof the Naval Strike Wing, Commander David Lindsaysaid “Our experience in Afghanistan has made us avery capable combat team where we operatedextremely successfully in the Close Air Support role.The challenge now is to build on this experience tobe in a position to be ready for whatever the futurebrings.”

During Exercise Joint Warrior in October 2009 theSquadron embarked 6 Harrier GR7 and GR9 aircraftin HMS Illustrious integrating the jets into achallenging programme of simulated Carrier Strike

operations, hitting numerous enemy targetsashore whilst also conducting Close Air Supportmissions in support of Land Forces and carryingout a period of live bombing delivering 1000lbbombs. “We are enjoying being back at seaagain” said Commander Lindsay “and we arelooking forward to re-embarking in HMS ArkRoyal early in 2010.”

One of the aims of this year’s Centenary has been to educateyoung people in our Naval aviation ethos and heritage and togive Sea Cadets, School Combined Cadet Force Units andUniversity Royal Navy Units the opportunity to fly with aNaval Air Squadron and focus their ambition in joining theFleet Air Arm as a career.

The initiative, which is part of the Navy Board’s wider youth agenda,has been very successful. Over 500 Cadets have flown with 727Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton over the Centenary yeargaining an exciting insight into Naval flying and life in a Naval AirSquadron.

Simon Wrey and Charles Hensher, above, members of SherborneSchool Combined Cadet Force attended an Air Experience Day with727 Squadron in November. “We had a brilliant day” said Simon.“We flew in a Grob 115e, a training aircraft with dual controls. Ourinstructor carried out aerobatic manoeuvres including loops andbarrel rolls and we were able to take the controls during the flight.We flew over Sherborne School which was amazing to see from theair. It was a pretty intensive day but great fun and we came awayreally impressed by the Fleet Air Arm.” Simon is a member of theRoyal Marines section of Sherborne School CCF and is keen to jointhe Royal Marines as a Commando Surgeon.

Commanding Officer of 727 Squadron, Lieutenant Commander KevinPotts said “This year’s Centenary has been an outstandingopportunity for us to raise the profile of Naval aviation and giveyoung people the opportunity to experience the spirit and ethos ofNaval flying. In partnership with our contracted flying trainingprovider, VT Group, we have flown over 2000 flying hours and run45 Air Experience Courses, double the number we have run inprevious years, giving potential recruits from as young as 13 a chanceto spend time with us and consider flying with the Navy as a career.We are in effect the front door of Naval aviation. All Royal Navy pilotscarry out their pilot grading with us and every pilot in the Navypasses through the Squadron.”

Communications Director for Fly Navy 100, Commander Sue Eaglessaid, “It takes many years to train a Naval pilot. The fast jet pilotswho will fly from the new aircraft carriers are still at school at themoment but the Fleet Air Arm needs to start recruiting them over thenext few years.”

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Fixed Wing AviationHarrier pilot, Lieutenant Simon Rawlins, who has served on five tours inAfghanistan and flown 193 operational missions, has been awarded the CobhamTrophy for his all round contribution to Royal Navy fixed wing aviation.

Lieutenant Rawlins, who has becomeknown as the public face of the youngJoint Fighter pilot, is the first recipient ofthe new award presented to the Fleet AirArm during the Centenary year by CobhamAviation Services Division. As the NavalStrike Wing Qualified Warfare Instructor(QWI), Lieutenant Rawlins was responsible

for the introduction of the Paveway IVbomb into operational use. With manymissions in Afghanistan ‘Danger Close’, hewas also commended for his decisive skill insaving the lives of troops in contact,maintaining morale and setting a superbexample to his younger team in a highlychallenging environment.

Fly Navy FederationThe Fly Navy Federation is the umbrella organisation within which the Fleet AirArm Associations are able to maintain contact with each other, have theirvoices heard collectively and assist each other when necessary.

As an alliance of Associations, itrepresents a formidable wealth ofknowledge and experience which, thisyear in particular, has proved an invaluablesupport to the current serving Fleet AirArm in helping to promote the Centenary.

Chairman of the Federation, Admiral ChrisClayton said “The Fly Navy Federationmaintains the autonomy of eachassociation but allows us to work towardsa common goal and speak with one voice.Our aim is to keep the Fleet Air Arm atthe forefront of public awareness as we

approach the introduction into service ofthe Queen Elizabeth Class aircraftcarriers.” Admiral Clayton continued. “Iam enormously impressed by the way inwhich the different Associations help andsupport each other. In recent years theTelegraphist Air Gunners Association hasfound it increasingly difficult to organisetheir annual memorial service at Lee-on-Solent but next year, in the true spirit ofthe Fleet Air Arm, the AircrewmansAssociation has stepped in and offered torun it for them.”

New CO for Fleet Air Arm Squadron

Sea Vixen pilot, Michael Ryan took command of the Fleet Air Arm Squadronfrom Michael Bonham-Cozens at the Squadron annual dinner at HMSCollingwood in November. Michael, who flew Sea Venoms and was a Sea Vixeninstructor, also led the promotion team for Fred’s Five displays.

“The Fleet Air Arm Squadron has 100 membersmany of whom own or charter their own aircraft”said Michael. “The Squadron links former, currentand future Naval aviators in a shared love of Navalflying.”

One of the principal aims of the Squadron is tointroduce young people to aviation. The Squadronprovides air experience flights and gliding course forSea Cadets and actively supports the work of 727Squadron in attracting young pilots towards careers in Navy aviation. “We arepassionate advocates of the Fly Navy brand” said Michael. “We also have an annualprogramme of visits to military establishments and airfields and support the RN HistoricFlight.” Current serving Naval aviators who feel they can contribute are encouraged to join. [email protected]

Pride of Britain Award for BraveryPetty Officer Air Engineering TechnicianMartin Langlands has been honouredwith a Pride of Britain Award for hisbravery in saving a family from a multiplepile-up on the M5. Petty OfficerLanglands, based at RNAS Yeovilton on702 Squadron, risked his life to bring theterrified parents and their children tosafety when their car suffered a blow outand smashed into a motorway centralreservation. With no thought for his ownsafety Martin ran across the busymotorway in darkness, with cars passingat 70 mph, to get to the stricken family.Petty Officer Langlands was presentedwith his outstanding bravery award fromSir Michael Caine at the Daily Mirror Prideof Britain Awards in October.

VC Winners HonouredA brass plaque dedicated to the memory of the four FleetAir Arm Victoria Cross Winners was unveiled during a servicein St Bart’s in October to celebrate 100 years of Navalaviation. The Fleet Air Arm church at RNAS Yeovilton, partof the Fly Navy Heritage Trust, has also undergone a periodof refurbishment including a new floor and a rededicatedMedieval altar. The church is the spiritual home of the FleetAir Arm and many Naval aviators are buried in the peacefultranquillity of the cemetery garden.


Designed and Printed by Shelleys 01935 815364

Editor’s NoteThis year’s Centenary has been highly successful inraising awareness of Naval aviation in the public eye,renewing our links with the Fleet Air ArmAssociations and strengthening relationships withour many stakeholders, supporters and affiliations inthe wider business and aviation community. Withsuch a small team, the organisational andcommunications challenges have been enormous,particularly set against the intensity of currentoperations and a news agenda dominated by thebanking crisis, but the outpouring of goodwill andsupport especially from past and present servingmembers and the wide-ranging interest shown inthe Fleet Air Arm has made it a truly memorableyear. So much has been achieved this yearthat cannot be allowed to slip away.

Commander Sue EaglesCommunications Director Fly Navy 100

Thank you to all ourSponsorsThe Aircraft Carrier AllianceAgustaWestlandThe Corporation of the City of LondonCobhamEurocopterThe Gosling FoundationLockheed MartinRolls RoyceAscentBAE InsyteBAE SystemsBabcockBaker Tilly InternationalBVT Surface Fleet LtdCAE UK Plcde HavillandISC PublishingJuniperMacTaggart ScottNAAFIPooley SwordPusser’s RumSelex GalileoSercoThalesThe Fleet Air Arm Officers AssociationThe Fly Navy Heritage TrustThe Guild of Air Pilots and Air NavigatorsThe Port of London AuthorityThe Royal Aeronautical SocietyThe White Ensign AssociationVector AerospaceVT Support ServicesVT Aerospace

Chief of Staff (Aviation and Carriers) and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, MP 2-1Navy Command Headquarters, Leach Building, Whale Island, Portsmouth, Hants PO2 8BYTel: 02392 625292

The Fly Navy 100 team disbanded in December 2009 following ahighly successful Centenary year. The birth of Naval aviation in1909, however, was only the beginning, and over the followingyears there will be successive Centenaries and Anniversaries of theachievements in the development of Naval flying. For informationon the Fleet Air Arm and how to support our Naval aviationheritage, including the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Taranto,the dedication of The Channel Dash Memorial and the 70thAnniversary of RNAS Yeovilton in 2010, contact Commander RobinWain Royal Navy, Navy Command Headquarters, Leach Building,Whale Island, Portsmouth PO2 8BY Tel: 02392 625678 or Email:[email protected]

BEYOND FLY NAVY 100

Sustaining theMomentum of Fly Navy 100

The Fleet Air Arm Officers Association200 members and guests of the Fleet Air Arm Officers’ Association remembered the Falklandscampaign and the Battle of Taranto with a formal dinner in the Great Hall of Lincoln’s Inn on 11 November 2009. Guests included Sir George Martin, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band GCB, Dr Julian Lewis MP, Conservative Shadow Defence Minister, and former President of theAssociation, Admiral Sir Raymond Lygo KCB.

The Association has over 2500 members drawnfrom every part of Naval aviation includingmembers who served in the earliest days of theNaval Air Service and officers flying the highperformance aircraft of today’s Fleet Air Arm.

Speaking at the dinner, Chairman of theAssociation, Rear Admiral Scott Lidbetter spoke ofthe work of the Association in promoting the FleetAir Arm, supporting Naval Aviation Heritage andencouraging young people to join the RN throughthe Sea Cadets. He also highlighted the lastinglegacy of the two Fleet Air Arm memorials, oneon the Embankment in London and the other atthe National Memorial Arboretum. “The Fleet Air

Arm had a splendid turn out at the RemembranceService at the Cenotaph this year. Over 300 FleetAir Arm veterans also laid wreaths around theFleet Air Arm memorial on the Embankment.”

Members of the Association meet regularly torenew and maintain lifelong friendships forged inthe service. The Association office is located in theNaval and Military Club in St James’s Square andthe club generously allows members to enjoyconcessionary rates. Officers of all specialisationsare eligible to join.

FAAOA, 4 St James’s Square, London WC1Y 4JUTel: 020 7930 7722 www.fleetairarmoa.org

The Royal Navy marked the end of the Centenaryyear with a magnificent Dinner in the Painted Hall atthe Old Royal Naval College Greenwich on 10December 2009. Distinguished guests included TheirRoyal Highnesses The Prince of Wales, The Duke ofYork, The Princess Royal and Prince Michael of Kenttogether with senior representatives fromGovernment, business and industry. The dinner washosted by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir MarkStanhope KBC OBE.

Centenary Dinner

Old Royal Naval College

10 December 2009

1909 - 2009


fleet air arm a year that defined the character of the

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