High flying achievements recognised at Wings parade
In the presence of the First Sea Lord, the award of Wings, certificates and trophies were made to successful students along with recognition of long and distinguished service in the Royal Navy.
Admiral Sir George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff joined family friends and distinguished guests at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton at the Presentation of Wings, Lynx course 2/12.
2/12 course has had a distinct and uniquely international feel to it, consisting as it has of three UK pilots, two observers from the Danish Navy and an observer from the French Navy.
Commanding Officer of 702 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) Commander Anthony Rimington said “Being awarded ones Wings is without doubt, the most significant day in the professional life of a young Naval Aviator. We are here to recognise the achievement of those pilots and observers as they join formally that elite group we call the Fleet Air Arm. For all of them, UK, Dane or French the path to get to this day has been a particularly lengthy one and indirectly for family and friends who’s support really matters”.
It seemed appropriate that the Royal Navy’s Senior Aviator, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas awarded Wings. The First Sea Lord appears in the log book of Jim Wells, father of Lt Anthony Wells. In May 1985 Jim Wells and the First Sea Lord flew sorties together on 829 Squadron based at RNAS Portland when Lt Anthony Wells would have been just 4 months old and now receiving his Pilot Wings!
Pilot Wings were awarded to Lieutenant (Lt) Anthony Wells, Lt Oliver Broadbanks and Lt Jonathan Hamlyn, Royal Navy. Observer Wings to Lt Jes Bjork Thrane, Lt Jacob Aulbjerg Nielsen, Royal Danish Navy and SubLt Thomas Ribot from the French Navy.
Lt Oliver Broadbanks said “it’s a very special day and worth all the hard work, I’m so glad my family are here to share it with me”. Oliver’s Mother Alice Broadbanks said “I am incredibly proud of Oliver it’s been a lot of hard work and a long journey, now we can celebrate”
Long Service awards were given to WO1 Barry Trapnel for 30 years continuous Royal Naval service and CPO Dave Archard for 40 years service. WO Archard joined the Royal Navy in 1972 leaving in 1995 and joining the Royal Naval Reserves.