The new team. which will be taking over search and rescue operations for the south west. Credit: PO Paul A’Barrow
Having carried out over 40 years of rescue operations from RNAS Culdrose, conducting over 9,000 jobs and saving over 15,000 lives, 771 Naval Air Squadron today ended its UK search and rescue (SAR) role.
Lt Cdr Dick Calhaem (Commanding Officer of 771 Naval Air Squadron) tells the Squadron that they have been ‘stood down’ from their search and rescue role Credit: PO Paul A’Barrow
At 0900 on 1st January 2016, the squadron was officially ‘stood down’ from its SAR responsibilities and the baton passed on to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency contractor Bristow Helicopters, which will be based at Newquay airport.
Since 1974, 771 Squadron has delivered search and rescue coverage across the south west 24 hours a day.
The last duty crew - Lt Jonathan 'Stretch' Hounsome, WO Andy Penrose, Lt Cdr Andrew 'Tank' Murray and Lt Cdr Richard Calhaem
The Culdrose crew worked right until the end of their final 24 hour watch.
Lt Cdr Dick Calhaem hands over the ‘Ace of Clubs’ badge to Mark Coupland from Bristow Helicopters Credit: PO Paul A’Barrow
The base has been working with the new Bristow Helicopter team at Newquay, many of whom are ex-771 personnel. Today the Commanding Officer handed over the squadron badge, the Ace of Clubs in the hope it would bring them luck on their missions.
Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will continue to train crews in search and rescue as it is an essential skill for aviation at sea.
The future for the Air Station remains bright. As a ‘Core Base’ for Defence, RNAS Culdrose will continue to provide aviators and helicopters for front line operations within the Royal Navy. It also has a vital training role.
