Royal Navy Observer reaches 4000 hours

A Royal Navy Observer of 824 Naval Air Squadron has reached two significant aviation milestones simultaneously, having flown 2000 hours in Merlin helicopters and achieving a grand total of 4000 flying hours.

Lieutenant Commander Rich Carne joined the Navy as a helicopter Observer in 1985. He originally flew in Sea Kings and served with 826 and 820 Naval Air Squadrons (NAS) before a tour with 750 Squadron in the Jetstream T2 aircraft.

After a period instructing in the Sea King simulator he became one of the Royal Navy’s first crews to fly the Merlin Mk1. Currently serving with 824 NAS as an Observer Instructor he will help to transition the Squadron aircrew onto the new Merlin MK2, a significant midlife upgrade to the Culdrose fleet of current Merlins which is due to enter service with the Royal Navy by the end of the year.

Richard said:

“ I have enjoyed flying in a wide range of aircraft in my career so far, and now look forward to helping my colleagues get familiar with our latest highly capable equipment.”

From a long established Cornish naval family Rich has lived near Truro for many years. The son of a Sea Vixen pilot and with several other naval officer uncles, he is proud to continue the family tradition of naval aviation based in Cornwall. A member of the Cornwall Hockey Association and appointer of hockey umpires in his free time, he also enjoys his commitment to the local community.