To round off the week, here are some pictures from Wednesday’s Wings Parade held at RNAS Culdrose – where six newly qualified Merlin Mk2 aircrew were recognised for completing their training with 824 Naval Air Squadron.
It’s the culmination of many years of hard work for the new pilots, observer and aircrewman. They now join the frontline of Merlin Helicopter Force.
Speaking at the event, 824’s commanding officer Commander Alex Kelley said: “There really is nothing like operating from a warship at sea and working as part of a close team, and knowing that is your job.”
She thanked the family members who attended the ceremony, adding to them directly: “Getting through flying training is not something you can do alone. They will have relied on your support and commitment and I know you will be very proud of their achievement.”
A ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was providedA ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose on 02/04/25 to celebrate the completion of training and the awarding of ‘wings’ – the winged badges worn with pride by frontline aviators – for six new Merlin Helicopter Force aircrew. Friends and family joined naval personnel for the event in the hangar of 824 Naval Air Squadron, where the four pilots, one observer and one aircrewman had all trained.
Guest of honour was the navy’s Director of Force Generation Rear Admiral Anthony Rimington.
Music was provided
All pictures: LPhot Henry Parks
“Telebrief” Podcast: You may also listen to the fascinating podcast by Cdr Alex Kelly, CO 824 NAS, here.
