Cadets visit Commando Helicopter Force

845 and 847 Naval Air Squadrons of the Commando Helicopter Force hosted a visit for forty Sea and Army cadets from Yeovil, Castle Cary and Bruton, and members of the Wincanton and District Royal British Legion Youth section. 

With affiliations to the RBL and local branches of the Army, Navy and Air Cadets, the day was organised with the aim of giving the cadets an opportunity to learn more about the work carried out by CHF and the Royal Navy. 

The visit began with a briefing from Lt Philip Wray on the training, equipment and role of 845 NAS, followed by a look around the Sea King Mk4. With 845 NAS transitioning to the Merlin Mk3 helicopter in the near future, the opportunity to see the ‘King’ up close before it is retired from service meant a great deal to the aviation enthusiasts of the group. 

The cadets then moved to 847 NAS for a briefing from Lt James Nottingham on the role of the Squadron and the new Wildcat helicopters. After the briefing and with a new-found understanding of what the Wildcat can do, both at sea and on land, the cadets had a hangar tour and a chance to climb on board the Wildcat for a thorough look around. 

A tour of RNAS Yeovilton and an unexpected flying display from the Lynx Mk8 of 815 NAS and the Royal Navy Historic Flight rounded the visit off. The visit was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Lt Wray said, “The Wincanton and District Royal British Legion have supported 845 NAS and CHF over the years, particularly when we were in Afghanistan, so this visit was a great chance for us to say thank you. We were pleased to take the opportunity to also show the cadets what CHF does and give them a closer look at the Wildcat and Sea King helicopters. 

“Fostering interest in the Armed Forces and building on the close relationship CHF has with the local community is important to us and the cadets enjoyed the afternoon.” Lt Wray added.