SAILORS from 771 (Search and Rescue) Naval Air Squadron will take pride of place as the lead platoon of RNAS Culdrose’s Freedom of Helston Parade on 18 June.

The Squadron, who recently celebrating their 76th birthday will march with HMS Seahawk’s Volunteer Band and a ceremonial Guard of Honour, made up of personnel from across the Fleet Air Arm’s West Cornwall Base.

771 NAS are the Royal Navy’s only Search and Rescue Helicopter Squadron, operating their distinctive Grey and Red Sea Kings 24 hours a day 365 days a year. They provide search and rescue cover for the Western Approaches, across the Cornish peninsula, Isles of Scilly and the Atlantic/Channel to a distance of 200 nautical miles.

2015 will see the final days of the venerable Sea King and subsequently the Squadron will hand over its Search and Rescue duties on 31 December to a civilian contractor.

They are one of the busiest and most highly decorated helicopter Squadrons in the UK, being called out an average of 250 times per year. Individual awards and honours have included 4 George Medals, 3 Air Force Crosses, 7 Queen’s Gallantry Medals and 15 Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.

"As Commanding Officer of the Squadron it’s a great privilege to be allowed by the Mayor of Helston to be leading platoon on the Freedom of Helston parade,” said Lieutenant Commander Richard Calhaem, Commanding Officer 771 (SAR) NAS. “It will be a very proud moment to lead my sailors through the streets of the town that a lot of us call home. This will be a very special day for all those personnel who have served on 771 NAS at RNAS Culdrose, since 1974. We must also not forget the essential role played by our loved ones and it’s fantastic that the Squadron will be parading in front of their families in Helston."

The Parade will set off from Trengrouse Car Park at 1100 on 18 June. Then march down Meneage Street before passing the Guildhall and along Coinagehall Street, where they will salute the Mayor of Helston and the Commanding Officer RNAS Culdrose, Captain Adrian Orchard OBE. In the air a formation of Sea Kings 771 NAS will flypast.