Navy

Royal Navy Pilot Clocks Up 8,000 Flying Hours

A Royal Navy pilot has reached a momentous milestone in his career, after clocking up a staggering 8,000 flying hours.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew ‘Tank’ Murray is part of RNAS Culdrose's 771 Naval Air Squadron (Search and Rescue), and was awarded the prestigious Air Force Cross (AFC) for his bravery during a dramatic rescue in the Scottish Highlands.

Having joined the Royal Navy in 1986, ‘Tank’ gained his flying “Wings” in September 1988 and in under a year was flying on the frontline with 814 Naval Air Squadron.

He has flown most of the Royal Navy’s aircraft during his long and distinguished career, including Gazelles, Chipmunks and Bulldogs - but it is the ‘venerable Sea King’ that has proved to be his most-loved aircraft.

‘Tank’ is no stranger to serving abroad, and has been on operational frontline service in Iraq, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan, where he recently supported coalition operations during Op Herrick, flying missions out of Camp Bastion in Helmand province. Lt Cdr ‘Tank’ Murray said:

“I have to say, that I really love my job and I’ve had some great fun over the years notching up 8,000 hours. Obviously, there have been some tough and demanding flights, but being able to rescue people or make a difference in areas of conflict is very satisfying."

"I have flown over 360 rescues. The most memorable and challenging ones are Boscastle in North Cornwall, a place called Crinkle Gill in the Lake District and an avalanche on Buchaille Etiv Mor in Scotland, where I was awarded my AFC”

"I wouldn't change it for the world and look forward to getting a few more hours under my belt."

Along with some impressive frontline operational service with the ‘Mighty King’ on 814, 820, 849 and 857 NAS’s, ‘Tank’ has also completed training tours with 810 & 706 NAS, and SAR duties with Gannet SAR Flight in Scotland and 771 NAS, where he now serves. Part of his AFC citation read:

“Lt Cdr Murray has demonstrated outstanding leadership and selfless courage. Allied with his exceptional flying skills, his contribution as pilot and aircraft commander of a SAR helicopter was invaluable in the success of their missions.”