On this day 22 March 2003

At 0425 on the morning of 22nd March 2003 two Royal Navy Sea King Mk7 helicopters from A Flight of  849 Naval Air Squadron operating from HMS Ark Royal collided  over the Northern Arabian Gulf whilst on active duty as part of "Operation Telic" to liberate Iraq.  On board were six members of 849 Naval Air Squadron and one assigned US Navy Officer. There were no survivors.

RNAS Culdrose Memorial Garden is positioned beside the main gate. It is an area of quiet contemplation and remembrance for all and contains the memorial stone to the seven members of 849NAS who died.