Navy crash victims hailed as cherished members of Commando Helicopter Force

Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher and Petty Officer Owen Green have received an outpouring of tributes from the naval community after being named as the three Royal Navy personnel killed in a helicopter crash in Devon.

Commander Alex Kelley, Commanding Officer of 824 Naval Air Squadron, told BBC Radio 5 Live that Lt Cdr Gayson, Lt Fisher and PO Green were "exceptionally professional and highly respected members" of the Navy, adding: "The loss of any of us is always felt by all of us."

Defence Secretary John Healey described their deaths as "truly devastating", adding that they were "dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces".

Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson and Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher were part of 846 Naval Air Squadron, while Petty Officer Owen Green was part of 845 Naval Air Squadron.

First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said he was "thinking of the families, friends and colleagues of the three aviators" who were killed when a Merlin Mk4 crashed into a field in Devon early in the morning of 4 June.

The Royal Navy said: "All three dedicated their lives to serving the Royal Navy and their country."

Lt Fisher was Britain's only serving female Royal Navy Commando. The MOD described her death as "a huge loss to the Royal Navy, Force, and Squadron", particularly for inspiring other young women through her work and social media posts. 

"She has been an inspiration to countless people, particularly young women, encouraging them to achieve their dreams and it is clear that she had a very bright future as a Naval Aviator ahead of her."

She discovered her passion for flying while studying at Imperial College London, where she joined the Officer Training Corps and University Air Squadron before commissioning into the Royal Navy in 2019.

Her work as a Watch Keeper on Op ISOTROPE, the UK military's response to the Channel Migrant Crisis, inspired her to want to fly the Merlin Mk4, and she joined 846 Naval Air Squadron in 2025.

Lt Cdr Chris Gayson joined the Royal Navy as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in September 2008.

He gained his wings in Oct 2012 and served with 845 NAS flying the Sea King Mk4, which included flying in Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan and Embarked Operations. Selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander in 2020, he delivered advanced helicopter training to RAF and Commando Helicopter Force Support Helicopter pilots before assuming the position of Operational Conversion Flight Commander on 846 NAS in July 2025.

The MOD described Lt Cdr Gayson as an "utmost professional", adding that his "leadership of the Operational Conversion Flight was exemplary, and his loss is a huge blow to the Royal Navy, Force, and Squadron".

Petty Officer Owen Green joined the Royal Navy in January 2022. Following initial training at HMS Raleigh, he rapidly progressed through the ranks, achieving Leading Hand status in September 2025 before achieving his Aircrewman Wings in June 2025.

On Operation Clockwork 2026, he accumulated the highest-flying hours among his peers in demanding Arctic conditions.

The MOD said he "demonstrated a consistently high level of professional competence and dedication throughout his career" and commended his "technical proficiency, operational effectiveness, and a commitment to continuous professional development."

Tributes were also paid by Commander of Joint Aviation Command, Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner RAF, who described them as "three deeply capable and professional aviators".

Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, Colonel Will Penkman, said: "It is a tragedy that we lost three members of the CHF family yesterday.

"Cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them, they were all highly committed professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the force."

The Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association said: "It is with deep sorrow that we pass on our condolences to the family and friends of the lost crew along with their colleagues. We know how deeply this loss will be felt by all service members past and present."