Three experienced members of the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) Air Branch embarked on RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) Argus for the Bournemouth Air Festival.
The Air Branch members between them have 110 years of naval aviation experience and joined RFA Argus for the duration of the Bournemouth Air Festival.
The three Aircraft Handlers ran aviation department familiarisation training for 88 embarked Royal Naval Reserve personnel on RFA Argus, and also refreshed their aviation refuel, and re-launching skills.
The RNR Air Branch which is open to ex Regular Fleet Air Arm personnel contains many highly experienced personnel. Chief Petty Officer Aircraft Handler- CPO (AH) John “Abe” Lincoln from Martock who first served in RFA Argus as a LH during the First Gulf War 1990-1991 joined the Navy in September 1976. He currently works for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service as a Health and Safety Adviser.
Petty Officer – PO (AH) Gary Smith from Yeovil first joined the Navy in September 1975, and now works for Serco at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, in aircraft washing.
Warrant Officer -WO1 (AH) Charlie Vickers from Yeovil joined the Royal Navy in July 1979, and now works as a fire risk assessor.