845NAS win Breitling Trophy for Second Time

On 25th May it was announced that 845 NAS, based at RNAS Yeovilton, have been awarded the Breitling Trophy, for the second time since 2010. This prestigious award is presented annually to the Naval Air Squadron achieving the best overall assessment during a Naval Flying Standards inspection. It recognises the professionalism and excellence within the squadron, marking them out as the best in the Fleet Air Arm. To win it twice in such a short period of time is a stunning example of continued work and an exemplary ethos within the unit.

845 NAS was inspected at Yeovilton shortly after removing 4 aircraft and 50 personnel from Operation Herrick, in Afghanistan. After several years of constant rolling deployments to both Herrick and the still continued detachment at Kandahar, the squadron was adjusting to the increased manpower in the UK and the award of this trophy is testament to the high level of flexibility demonstrated by all members. Professionalism and skill was clear across a broad range of flying and ground disciplines, and it was clearly evident, despite the distractions of pre deployment training, that their individual and collective preparation had been of the highest order.

The Commanding Officer of 845 NAS, Commander James Newton DFC RN said ‘As an ex officer from Naval Flying Standards I am acutely aware of the competition and the standards that need to be achieved to be awarded the Breitling trophy. The award is made even more special when I consider the tempo and commitments the Squadron currently holds; it is an amazing achievement.’