750 NAS students fly past HMS Queen Elizabeth
Students and Staff instructors from 750 Naval Air Squadron has paid a visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier inScotland, while working with Edinburgh’s University Royal Naval Unit (URNU).
Trainee Observers from the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Squadron and their mentors flew to RAF Leuchars near the University town of St Andrews on the East Coast of Scotland, in their King Air 350ER ‘Avenger’ aircraft. Whilst in the area, they managed to kill two birds with one stone and strengthened links with the Squadron’s affiliated URNU, HMS Archer based in Edinburgh.
The Crew of Archer and URNU Cadets alike were treated to some Fleet Air Arm hospitality and air experience flights in the ‘Avenger’, managing a ‘Unique Flypast’, (albeit from a short distance away) of Rosyth dockyard where the Royal Navy’s Super Carrier is taking shape. In return, the Cornish flyers were given an exclusive guided tour of HMS Queen Elizabeth ahead of its naming ceremony by Her Majesty The Queen in July this year.
“The whole visit was a great way to combine essential staff training, seeing the future carrier in build and strengthening ties with our affiliated URNU,” said Lieutenant Rich Thorpe, Staff Instructor on 750 NAS and organiser of the visit. “Thanks must also go to our hosts at Leuchars for allowing us to operate from their airfield for the duration of our Northern excursion.”
Warrant Officer 1 Mick Davidson of HMS QueenElizabeth’s Air Engineer department hosted the group and gave a tour which focussed on much of the aviation infrastructure the aircrews can expect to encounter when embarked.
“The future Carrier is simply awe inspiring, you can’t imagine the size of it until you’re actually up close and personal”, said Student Observer Sub Lieutenant Ben Selwood. “I can’t wait to continue my aviation training in the knowledge that I will operate from her one day.”
Commanding Officer 750 NAS Lt Cdr Chris ‘Snips’ Barber rounded off by saying: “It was great for the Students to get an early glimpse of HMS Queen Elizabeth; it makes their efforts in flying training thus far that bit more tangible. We are grateful for the opportunity and thank those who made our visit possible.”