HMS Diamond's Wildcat crew hailed for bravery in face of Houthi drone and missile threat
The helicopter crew from HMS Diamond who faced down the Houthi missile threat to Red Sea shipping have been singled out for their bravery.
During a six-month mission, the Portsmouth-based destroyer came under repeated and sustained attacks, downing nine drones and a missile in the process.
At the Senior Service's annual Naval Aviation awards, the aircrew's actions were described as "the finest feat of aviation" over the past 12 months.
They earned Lieutenant George Lunn – who has since been promoted to lieutenant commander – the Fleet Air Arm Sword.
The Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset played a vital role in keeping both Diamond and other vessels safe.
On the night of 8 January it was especially crucial, when the Houthis launched their most complex attack to date – initially targeting merchant vessels near HMS Diamond with aerial and water-borne drones, as well as missile strikes.
Exemplary teamwork
After repelling the initial wave, Diamond fended off subsequent attacks, neutralising seven of 16 drones.
With hazardous hydrogen chloride gas swirling around the destroyer from the successive Sea Viper missile launches to intercept the drones and against further Houthi attacks, Lt Lunn piloted the Wildcat into action.
The helicopter was put in harm's way, prepared to intercept further drones while also confirming that the surface drones which had vanished from the destroyer's radar screens had actually sunk.
Lt Lunn's team, collectively known as Vengeance 4 Flight, were praised by the heads of the service for their "exemplary teamwork, efficiency and courage operating in the face of the enemy", earning the Sopwith Pup Trophy for achieving the highest level of operational capability.
The Royal Navy highlighted that the flight's impact and lessons from the operation in the Red Sea did not stop there.
With its principal air defence system Sea Viper costing more than £1m per missile, HMS Diamond's warfare team looked for a cheaper alternative to counter the drone threat.
They looked to the Fleet Air Arm's Martlet missiles – designed to take out fast attack craft and small boats – to deal with incoming uncrewed aerial systems as well.
Tactics they developed were proven earlier this month with the first successful destruction of a drone using Martlet on a range in Wales.
Lt Lunn was recognised with the Sandison Trophy for developing weapons/tactics.
During the night 17 awards, trophies and commendations were presented, covering all aspects of operations/day-to-day business and life in the Fleet Air Arm.
Merlin helicopter engineer Warrant Officer 2 Leon Cole was named Sailor of the Year for his compassionate leadership and tireless efforts to improve life on 814 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose, from providing mental health support to reorganising shifts creating a more efficient and enjoyable work/life balance.
Lieutenant Marc Jones received the Dunning Cup – in memory of the first person to land an aircraft at sea – for pushing the boundaries of the Navy's dedicated drone squadron, 700X NAS, based at Culdrose, notably working with carrier HMS Prince of Wales to launch and recover larger fixed-wing crewless aircraft.
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