Families come together at HMS Gannet

Although it was a fun day for close family members to go along and visit the Prestwick search and rescue base, it was also an opportunity for those who work there to explain more about the work they do and the many groups they work with – some of which were also represented.

And, for young visitors particularly, it was a chance to catch up with mummy or daddy at work, as well as to get up close and personal with one of the unit’s three Sea King Mk 5 helicopters.

But this emergency rescue service works closely with many other groups and agencies and Glasgow Prestwick Airport Fire Service, the Scottish Ambulance Service, Trossachs Search and Rescue Team and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency also went along to explain more about how they all work together to save lives.

And, to add a little more fun, there was also a display by the West of Scotland 16 MM Narrow Gauge Group, Cumnock and District Aero Modelling Club and Ayrshire Falconry.

“The whole day, despite a little bit of rain, was a great success,”

said Lieutenant Commander Andy Drodge, HMS Gannet’s Commanding Officer.

“It’s not often that we are able to give our families this kind of view into what we do at work.

“And I would like to thank all the groups and agencies who we work with for giving up their time to come along and explain more about their work – it’s very rare that we have a call out which involves only us and these groups and authorities do amazing work; we couldn’t do our job without them.”