THE FIGHTING FORCE AT RNAS YEOVILTON SAY THANK YOU TO THEIR FAMILIES

For one day in the Station calendar amid the rhythmic and pulsating beat of helicopter rotors blades the air was rich with excitement as families and partners of everyone working on board at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton attended ‘Families Day’.

The Air Station was alive with the noise and scent of burning aviation fuel provided by the Merlin and Wildcat from the Commando Helicopter Force, 825 and 815 Naval Air Squadrons alongside Wildcats from the Aviation Reconnaissance Force and a guest Chinook from 27 Squadron RAF from RAF Odiham.

Inside the aircraft weren’t the usual loads, Marines or soldiers, today it was the families and on the ground the units and elements that contribute to make this busy Station function set up hands-on displays and activities. There were things to climb in, sit on, and drive in with plenty of fun, games and entertainment.

Lieutenant Phil Wray from the Commando Helicopter Force said;

“The families of those who work at Yeovilton endure much with long working hours and absences away from home due to Service commitments. It does have an impact on service families and this is a small way of saying thank you to them for all their support and that they are really valued and appreciated”

Petty Officer Jacque Zurrek, a Mother of one added;

“Seeing what mum or dad does at work can be a real eye opener for our partners and children” a mother of one; “this day gives them a chance to share an insider’s view of life on the Station”

Civil Servant and Grandfather Andy Jackson who attended with two of his grandchildren said;

“You work within the Services; in this case the Fleet Air Arm, with the buzz of rotary aircraft all day long. You forget that the family doesn’t really know how complex and fine-tuned the whole intricate mechanism has to be, and what our part in it all is – this gives everyone an opportunity to have a peek inside the workings”

A big thank you to the people who offer the vital support and encouragement that enables our flying fighting force to deliver.