All change at 824 Naval Air Squadron today. This morning Commander Alex Kelley handed over command of the Merlin Mk2 helicopter squadron, after two years in charge, to Commander Ben Unsworth.
Personnel formed up in the squadron’s aircraft hangar where Cdr Kelley spoke briefly. She said they had worked incredibly hard, with constant training of both aircrew and engineers, as well as front line duty including providing support during the seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker in the English Channel last month.
Commander Unsworth then addressed his new command, saying that he wanted them to remember to look after each other as they continue with the steady drumbeat of operational training.
Commander Unsworth joined the Royal Navy in 2006, training as a helicopter observer. He converted to Sea King airborne surveillance and control in 2008 and has had numerous deployments and embarkations with HMS Illustrious, HMS Queen Elizabaeth and HMS Prince of Wales. He’s also undertaken several roles at Naval Command HQ, as well as the Maritime Warfare Centre and Maritime Operations Centre.
