A Culdrose naval airman has become one of the Royal Navy’s most experienced helicopter pilots after completing his 7,000th flying hour.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew “Tank” Murray, aged 47, hit the milestone in a Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control Mark 7 helicopter while flying with 857 Naval Air Squadron in March.

His most challenging role to date came while at the Fleet Air Arm’s search and rescue squadron based in Prestwick, Scotland.

While here, the UK’s busiest search and rescue (SAR) unit, he was awarded a prestigious Air Force Cross (AFC) for gallantry while flying.

His AFC citation read: “Murray demonstrated outstanding leadership and selfless courage. Allied with his exceptional flying skills, his contribution as pilot and aircraft commander of a SAR helicopter was invaluable in the success of their missions.”

During his career, Tank has achieved many milestones, including completing more than 1,000 flight deck landings, travelling to over 20 per cent of the world’s countries and flying in almost all marks of Sea King helicopter.

Having joined the Royal Navy in 1986, Tank gained his “Wings” in September 1988 and in under a year he was flying on the frontline.

He has flown in other military aircraft including Gazelles, Chipmunks and Bulldogs but “flying the Sea King is what I love,” he said.

“It is an excellent aircraft and provides so much. I want to fly the Sea King until it retires. At this rate I may well break the 8,000 flying hours mark this year.”

Tank will return to Helston this month to spend time with his wife Tania and boys, George and Thomas.

When not flying he enjoys gardening and herpetology – the study of reptiles and amphibians. He also plans to return to his roots by visiting his family in Farnborough, Hampshire.