Osprey Trophy awarded for FAA excellence

The outstanding operational effectiveness of a Royal Naval Lynx helicopter Flight embarked in a French Warship was recognised on Friday 26 July 2013 when they were awarded the prestigious Osprey Trophy.

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff Sir George Zambellas presented the trophy that is awarded annually to the front-line Lynx Flight that has contributed most to the ethos, reputation and standing of the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force over the previous year. The First Sea Lord said, “This is a chance to reflect on courage and dedication.”

The Osprey Trophy was awarded to 217 Flight of 815 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, home of the Fleet Air Arm. It was given in recognition for their work in preparing for and executing a Deployment embarked in FS Surcouf in support of International Counter Piracy Operations. During their embarkation 12 suspected pirates were intercepted and subsequently prosecuted! 

217 Flight received the Osprey Trophy commissioned in 2007 for the second year running and following on from their successful multinational Libya operation. Lieutenant (Lt) Mike Curd RN, Flight Commander was delighted and extremely proud to accept this commemorative Trophy on behalf of his Flight from the First Sea Lord. Diverse and demanding challenges, not to mention learning to speak French were met by 217 Flight.

Lt Mike Curd said “It’s the recognition of all that the team has done and how we pulled together in very different and at times difficult circumstances. It was a challenge and we couldn’t have done it without the whole team which is what makes the recognition of the Osprey Trophy so important. I really enjoyed every aspect of the deployment although at times demanding it was a great experience.”

The Osprey Trophy was commissioned in 2007, in memory of four members of HMS Portland’s Flight who lost their lives in a Lynx helicopter that crashed off the Lizard peninsula in December 2004. The Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force was delighted and honoured to be joined by family members of HMS Portland’s Flight.