The team joined HMS Liverpool in February 2011 as part of the UK maritime commitment, but received a short notice change to their planned programme and were required to leave to support Operation Ellamy (the UK's name for its contribution to Unified Protector).
Lieutenant Al Crawford (32) from Yeovil said:
“217 Flight and HMS Liverpool made a vital contribution to Operation Unified Protector, always at the forefront of helping to protect Libyan civilians and just show the flexibility of the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm.”
Petty Officer Paul Perry (33) from Worcester said:
“I am proud to have had the opportunity to help the Libyan civilians and put my years of experience to the best possible use. Medals are nice but that is the real reward.”
They formed part of the high profile NATO task force to provide Maritime Embargo Operations and to control the No Fly Zone to help protect the Libyan civilian population.
The Flight were pivotal to the success of the maritime operation as they provided surface search and routine maritime patrols to counter the threat posed by Pro-Gaddafi forces in laying mines in the vicinity of Libyan ports.
They also provided the airborne observation platform during Naval Gunfire Support against shore battery targets and logistical support for the NATO task force.
On one of the oldest warships in the RN, the team of aircrew and engineers regularly operated at a high readiness, which required them to be on standby at 15 minutes to launch over many nights, and all this achieved in spite of the sustained exposure to the harsh environmental conditions.
Despite all of the problems they encountered through these conditions, their aircraft flew over 270 hours in support of the NATO mission including 75 hours in August alone.
Throughout their high profile 8 month operational deployment, 217 Flight continually demonstrated an unquestionable commitment in support of the overall Task Group output.
The engineering effort was pivotal to the exceptional aircraft availability enjoyed by HMS Liverpool’s Command. The small group of engineers that is 217 Flight epitomises the professional ethos of the Fleet Air Arm.
