Two sailors from 824 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at RNAS have been honoured for outstanding achievements by attending a formal mess dinner on board HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson’s Flag Ship. Petty Officer Aircrewman (POACMN) Tony Nairn and Leading Air Engineering Technician (LAET) Andrew Kiltie both attended the dinner to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar and the Memory of Lord Nelson.

POACMN Tony Nairn is a highly regarded and successful leadership and adventurous training instructor. He works with Royal Navy students from Culdrose and across the wider Royal Navy, including air engineers and trainee aircrew. Additionally, he volunteered to lead a team of sailors during the clear-up operation after the recent floods in Coverack.

LAET Andrew Kiltie is a real team player at 824 NAS. He helps with the training of Royal Navy students on the squadron and also looks for ways to improve the efficiency of engineering practices. Unit cohesion is an important part of RN ethos as far Andrew is concerned and he is always looking for ways to develop this such as organising Squadron adventurous expeditions.

Tony and Andrew enjoyed an excellent dinner where the guest of honour was Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, the second most senior person in the Royal Navy. The Admiral congratulated the sailors on their achievements and also spoke about the true naval ethos and spirit shown by Nelson at Trafalgar and how important such qualities are today.

It was not all serious. The sailors sang sea shanties and even took ‘selfies’ with the Admiral. A great night was had by all, celebrating a momentous occasion with people who embrace the core values of the RN.

Tony’s and Andrew’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ian Fraser, was very proud of his sailors’ achievements.

“I am delighted that POACMN Nairn and LAET Kiltie were selected to attend the recent all ranks dinner on-board HMS VICTORY. Their exemplary commitment and professionalism is not only representative of the culture and strong Naval ethos of 824 Squadron personnel, but also that of the Fleet Air Arm and wider Royal Navy”.