Navy

HRH The Duke Of York Presents Last Sea King Aircrew With Flying Wings

In an exclusive interview with Forces TV, His Royal Highness The Duke of York said it was an “emotional event” for any pilot receiving their wings badge after years of intense training.

He was speaking after presenting the wings badges to the final Sea King air crews and the first graduates of the Merlin Mark 2.

HRH The Duke of York said he looked forward to seeing the crews flying in their future careers.

Reflecting on the aircraft, he called the Sea King an “old friend” and said it was, “sad” the aircraft would not be seen in the air after next year.

Looking to the future he spoke of the new Merlin, saying the work the Royal Navy and the Fleet Air Arm does will be important to the nation's future and the Royal Family are proud of what they do.

The Duke himself is a former RNAS Culdrose pilot and presented the wings in his role as Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy.

He was talking at the ceremony held to mark the graduation of the crew at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

To get to this stage they would have spent years in training at various military air stations. Now they are part of 849 Naval Air Squadron.

The ceremony was attended by the graduates family, friends and colleagues.

More from Forces TV: Stunning Photos Of RNAS Culdrose's Air Day

RNAS Culdrose, meanwhile, offers a lot more than just rotary, particularly looking towards the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers.

The training work is already underway, getting the pilots of the future prepared.