Forget reindeer, it was Flying Tigers that accompanied Santa on a visit to young patients at the Royal Cornwall Hospital last week.
More used to hunting submarines, this time the members of 814 squadron at RNAS Culdrose, as they are also known, were on the lookout for children who deserved an early Christmas treat.
They took their Merlin Mark 2 helicopter to visit youngsters currently receiving treatment in the Harlyn, Fistral, cancer and leukaemia wards.
Personnel and families of Culdrose have been donating gifts during the run up to the festive period in preparation for Santa’s visit. An additional store of presents was delivered for those who will be at the hospital on Christmas Day itself.
When not working with Santa, the Flying Tigers are busy conducting core anti-submarine warfare training with aircraft onboard HMS Sutherland, Northumberland and St Albans. They are also deployed in Prestwick developing flag officer sea training with ships and submarines.
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