Crowds descended on Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose as the base hosted the spectacular Air Day 2013, with over 14,500 visitors captivated by displays on the ground and in the air.
Keen aircraft enthusiasts queued from the early hours to get prized picnic locations near the runway, meters away from the aircraft displays.
With the famous Red Arrows had to canel their show due to low cloud, the baton was picked up by a very entertaining Dutch Air Force Apache. The Flare-firing attack helicopter twisted and rolling across the Cornish sky, leaving crowds awe struck.
The Fleet Air Arm war planes from yesteryear and today’s modern equivalents were also on good form. The Majestic Sea Vixen stealing the show, with the 50 year old veteran carrier strike aircraft carving stately loops across the sky.
Thrill-seekers were not only entertained skywards. A large selection of helicopters and jets both old and new were on display for visitors who wanted to get up close and personal.
Also on the ground in a specially designed Arena the Plymouth Band of HM Royal Marines performed to the obvious delight of the public, in addition an exciting Field Gun competition. A HMS Seahawk crew locking horns once again with their Fleet Air Arm rivals from Yeovilton HMS Heron, and putting on a strong show and some true grit for the day.
“A lot of planning goes into putting on a fantastic day like this”, said Commander Peter Munro-Lott, Commander Air and Flying display director. “It’s a whole station effort and our chance to let the public in and see what we do at Culdrose.”
The Air day theme for 2013 was, “Culdrose on the front line”, with displays from Fleet Air Arm aircraft and personnel showcasing the Royal Navy’s Cornish Air Station with a range of family-themed attractions on the ground complemented by the airborne excitement. Visitors of all ages enjoyed a thrilling and memorable day out.
Captain Mark Garratt, RNAS Culdrose Commanding Officer said, “It’s been an absolutely fantastic day. Culdrose has been on display to the public, sailors are always happy to showcase their capability. I’m proud of everyone and the public have gone home happy”.
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