A new commanding officer has taken over at RNAS Culdrose.

Captain Adrian Orchard, OBE, brings with him a wealth of operational expertise and takes up the reins at an important time for the Helston air station.

With aircraft and personnel currently deployed around the world and the latest version of the Merlin helicopter to put through its paces, Captain Orchard said he was expecting his time at Culdrose to be demanding and fulfilling.

He said: “It is an honour to be given command of RNAS Culdrose. Culdrose has an excellent team and a reputation for delivering capable personnel and aircraft to support the Royal Navy on its operations across the world.

“It is the largest and busiest air station in the Navy and we have some very interesting times ahead. I can’t wait to get started.”

Captain Orchard, who takes over from Captain Mark Garrett, added that in addition to the testing of the Merlin Mk2, the submarine hunting aircraft, the base is also preparing to support the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carrier and celebrate the role of 771 Squadron before it hands over search and rescue duties at the end of the year.

He is also looking forward to a reunion with an old friend during his new role – the Sea Harrier aircraft. |Used for flight deck training, the Helston air station has several |non-flying Sea Harriers, the aircraft |in which Captain Orchard began his Naval flying career.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1986 and qualified as a pilot in 1990. He brings with him a wealth of frontline experience as well as flying in operations during the Balkan Wars and the second Gulf War. He has also |served on exchange with the US |Marine Corps and been appointed to |the Pentagon.

Leading 800 Naval Air Squadron and as the Joint Force Harrier deputy |force commander, Captain Orchard completed several successful operational tours in Afghanistan and was awarded the OBE in the 2008 Queen’s Honours List for his leadership abilities.

He hung up his operational flying boots after 3,000 hours flying Harriers, and was promoted to Captain in 2011.

His involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter project and his most recent |role as the ‘Fixed Wing Advisor’ at the Naval Command Headquarters in Portsmouth should prove invaluable as the “Fixed Wing” force grows within the Fleet Air Arm.