Royal Navy sailors from RNAS Culdrose have embarked on the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth in preparation for a major NATO exercise.

Aircrew, engineers and logistics personnel with six Merlin Mark-II helicopters from the Helston air station have joined the ship for the autumn group exercise, called Groupex.

Four helicopters are from 820 Naval Air Squadron – the carrier’s dedicated squadron – and two are from 824 Naval Air Squadron, the Merlin training unit with student aircrew undergoing their conversion to role training.

After several days preparation at sea last week, the ship is back in Portsmouth this week (September 14) to take on F-35B Lightning jets. The helicopter crews will support the ship and her task group through a range of realistic combat scenarios in UK waters.

Falmouth Packet:

Commander Ian Varley, the commanding officer of 820 Naval Air Squadron, said: “As the next step towards operational effectiveness of the carrier and supporting units, I am looking forward to operating from sea again.

"For several, this is their first time onboard – the excitement and trepidation is clear on their faces. We are well prepared and, as the tight knit family we are, 820 Naval Air Squadron personnel will all make sure that we make the most of our time onboard in a safe and encouraging environment.”

Keeping the sophisticated Merlin flying is no small task.

Air Engineering Technician Joshua Leigh, who has works as part of a team of dedicated aircraft engineers, said: “The run up to a major training exercise is a busy period for us. The aim is to keep these aircraft capable of flying around the clock ensuring we can always support the strike group.

Falmouth Packet:

“Our number one priority is to keep the aircraft and its crew safe and that means we need to be meticulous in our aircraft maintenance as any mistakes could be costly. It’s hard work but a job I really enjoy doing.”

Recently qualified pilot Lieutenant Ben Houghton added: “I’m really looking forward to building on the experience I gained from my first deployment on HMS Queen Elizabeth and I can’t wait to go away with the ship for her first operational deployment next year.”