Senior Service To Wow Spectators At Airshow

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines will be playing an active part in the Sunderland International Airshow at Roker and Seaburn on 25th & 26th July.

The Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team, from 825 Naval Squadron based at Royal Naval Air Station in Yeovilton, will be bringing their new Wildcat helicopters to the show for the first time. They will treat the crowds to a closely-synchronised routine showcasing the manoeuvrability and power of the new machines.

Spectators will also be able to see Royal Navy search and rescue Sea King helicopters from 771 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. The squadron is deployable at 15 minutes notice by day and 35 minutes by night and carries out over 200 rescues a year across the South West.

On the ground, and in a specially-constructed 'Military Village', Royal Marines will be thrilling the crowds with unarmed combat demonstrations and showcasing some of their impressive equipment including an Offshore Raiding craft, a Viking Troop Carrier and state-of-the-art weaponry. They will also have the opportunity to climb aboard a Lynx or Gazelle helicopter or to experience a glimpse of recent history by sitting inside an original Sea Harrier Fighter cockpit.

Royal Navy deep sea divers from the Northern Diving Group will bring their specially-constructed dive-tank to the village and throughout the event spectators will be able to view demonstrations showing how the divers assist the authorities in destroying unexploded bombs. The public will also have the chance to try the kit on and to chat to the divers about their experiences.

After the main flying programme each day at 5.15pm, spectators will be able to witness a combined Army-Navy amphibious operation against a fictional enemy from the viewing areas surrounding the southern end of the beach – near the rocks. In this thrilling scenario – which includes a variety of impressive pyrotechnics – spectators will witness the capture of an enemy-held gun position which has been firing on innocent shipping, thereby disrupting world trade.

In response to a United Nations Resolution, the United Kingdom has sent the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, The Royal Marines and a Sea King helicopter to intervene.

In this exercise, the enemy gun position and defensive positions are played by men from the 4^th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Within the scenario, British forces are close and overnight a small Royal Marines reconnaissance party land on the beach in high performance Rigid Inflatable Boats. At the same time, the Queen’s Own Yeomanry land from an amphibious support ship to the north and speed south in multi-terrain, lightly-armoured, highly-mobile fire support and force protection vehicles to join in a co-ordinated attack.

Adding a further thrill to proceedings, helicopter-borne Royal Marines from 40 Commando skilfully fast-rope onto the beach and the joint services combined operation successfully overcomes the enemy.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland will be performing throughout the Air Show on the main stage. On Friday evening, the Band will accompany the flying display with a short performance featuring the music of Ron Goodwin. On Friday and Saturday the crowds will be treated to three eclectic performances including traditional military music, big band numbers and a medley of songs featuring the Band’s very own vocalists.

For more information click on www.sunderlandlive.co.uk/airshow

Library Pictures: Crown Copyright