This week saw a landmark moment for the team whose work at RNAS Culdrose allows squadrons to fly, when they too became a squadron in their own right.

The Maritime Aviation Support Force, or MASF as it is more commonly known, has become 1700 Naval Air Squadron once again, more than seven decades after it was disbanded.

The unit, which has personnel serving on operations around the world, including delivering disaster relief in the Caribbean, makes flying at sea happen across the world.

Based in Helston, it provides tailor-made teams - from two to more than 50 personnel - of flight deck crews, firefighters, meteorologists, physical trainers, military police officers, survival specialists, aircraft controllers, logisticians, engineers and medics.

Lieutenant Commander Chris Roberts, commanding officer of the new squadron, said the re-commissioning of MASF as 1700 Naval Air Squadron was a “significant step forward” in improving awareness of its work.

He added: “It has been a privilege for me to have commanded MASF for over two years, and I am extremely proud to become the first commanding officer of 1700 NAS since it was disbanded 71 years ago.

“As an organisation, we look forward to better integration within the Fleet Air Arm, and in particular RNAS Culdrose, working closely to deliver the ever increasing requirement to support RFA [royal fleet auxiliary] operations and maritime aviation support to the fleet.”

A formal commissioning ceremony will take place at the end of the month.

On Monday, however, a more informal, truly Cornish celebration took place – in the form of a giant, celebratory pasty.