The latest Aircrewmen trainees were presented with their wings by Captain Chris Smallhorn on behalf of Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore Peter Laver in a graduation ceremony at the Fleet Air Arm Museum on Thursday, 24 November 2011. Families, friends and colleagues were present to share this proud moment.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, those present were treated to a showcase of naval aviation skills by the 723 Squirrel Pairs Helicopter Display Team.
Topics covered by the trainees in the intensive and demanding nine-month course included Combat Survival, Air Traffic Control, Aviation Medicine, Meteorology and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training.
On successful completion of the ground training component, the trainees undertook airborne training in the areas of winching, external load lifting, navigation and search and rescue.
The graduates will now consolidate their skills at 723 Squadron while they await operational flying training.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, November 24, 2011; Image: navy