Air crews embark on final tests to qualify for operational flying on Exercise Merlin Storm
The latest batch of Royal Navy Merlin pilots and air crews have been put through their paces to ensure they're ready for operational flying on Exercise Merlin Storm.
Crew from 846 Naval Air Squadron have deployed to the Highlands for their final tests in the field.
The trainee Merlin crews have been put through several weeks of demanding training to prepare them for their roles.
The intense course aims to ensure they can overcome the challenges they will face when operating the aircraft on future deployments.
Lieutenant Oliver Wilkinson-Gray said: "Very busy, very tight timelines and lots to think about.
"Lots to plan, which has been challenging at times, added with the kind of stress and fatigue of living in the field and moving around.
"So, from 846 we will then go onto 845 Squadron, which is the frontline tasking squadron of the Merlins on Commando Helicopter Force.
"I really want to travel, really want to get away with the Navy.
"Some of the areas that Commando Helicopter Force operates in are really pretty exciting places to fly, and flying the Merlin in those conditions would be pretty fun."
Although they're working from Kinloss Barracks, the squadron is deployed in the field.
They use their surroundings to conceal the Mk 4 Merlin aircraft from any potential enemy and establish command centres wherever they can.
Commanding Officer Commander James Coleman said: "We've been deployed for three-and-a-half weeks on Merlin Storm in the high north of Scotland.
"Operating gunnery, mountains, continental transit and war-fighting capability.
"We've designed the squadron so that they can understand what it's like to deploy in real-world operations.
"This is the first time that these students have had the opportunity to really test their mettle in the field, and this will be the penultimate test for them before they become frontline operators."
As well as working in the field, the air crews are also living in it – establishing a full base for operations as part of the course.
It is something that's a new experience for some of the Royal Navy personnel on the exercise.
Lieutenant Holly Griffiths said: "There are 12 of us in total – six pilots and six aircrewmen – so we're all sharing this pretty big tent.
"We've got some cot beds here, and we're staying here for the next three days.
"This is to give us a bit more experience with operating with Commando Helicopter Force, so this is a bit different for us."
Once the pilots have passed their assessments, they will be cleared for operational frontline duties and will be presented with their wings during a ceremony at their base in RNAS Yeovilton.
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