Frontline Ready: Commando Helicopter Force Welcomes New Pilots

Four new pilots have been welcomed into the Commando Helicopter Force after years of flying training. 

They have gained their wings, together with five new aircrewmen and four pilots converting from other aircraft.

A display in Yeovil marked the occasion, offering a glimpse into the operations of the Force, as well as a presentation in front of family and friends.

Lieutenant Commander Phil Wray, Operations Officer 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), said: "The demonstration really is all about giving the guests and family members an exposure to just exactly what the students have been doing on the course.

"They get so much support from them, so the demonstration really is a real visceral way of showing this is exactly what the students have learned, and to the standard that they have achieved as well."

Those standards were recognised with the presentation of wings and for some, there was even silverware.

The route to becoming a military pilot is a challenging one.

Lieutenant Matthew Gordon, a pilot at 846 Naval Air Squadron, said: "We begin our officer training at Dartmouth.

"Then from there we commence flying training, we start on our basic fixed-wing aircraft - single-engine, two-seater - then we go on to a basic helicopter for the basic flying phase.

"From there it progresses on to more complex aircraft to then end up in the Merlin.

"In total, it's taken five-and-a-half years."

Those who received their wings are now deemed competent to fly on Royal Marines operations.

They will join 845 NAS where they could be sent to a frontline anywhere around the world.