Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, UK. 31st December, 2015. After over 40 years of providing Search and Rescue' operations from RNAS Culdrose, the four duty crew of 771 Naval Air Squadron have started their last 24 hour shift. Over the years, personnel from 771 Naval Air Squadron have saved countless lives, whilst risking their own, in some of the most hazardous conditions imaginable. It is estimated that they have carried out over 9000 rescues and saved over 15,000 lives since 1974. Credit: Bob Sharples/Alamy Live News
After over 40 years of providing Search and Rescue' operations from RNAS Culdrose, the four duty crew of 771 Naval Air Squadron have started their last 24 hour shift. Over the years, personnel from 771 Naval Air Squadron have saved countless lives, whilst risking their own, in some of the most hazardous conditions imaginable. It is estimated that they have carried out over 9000 rescues and saved over 15,000 lives since 1974. With that in mind, today, on their last full day of operation, it is business as usual for the four man crew - Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Richard Calhaem, Lt Cdr Andrew 'Tank' Murray, Lt Jonathan 'Stretch' Hounsome and WO Andy Penrose. The experienced team have many flying hours between them; indeed three of them have carried out almost 400 rescues each. With a cabinet full of honours and awards, the four individuals have taken part in some major rescues from the Spanish Trawler Presca Verdes Tres in 2008, Boscastle in 2004, FV Le Sillon in 2014 and the Panamera in 2013. ‘Search and Rescue’ will continue for the Royal Navy - it is essential to flying operations at sea - but from January 1st 2016, the baton of responsibility for the provision of UK civilian search and rescue will be handed to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency contractor Bristow Helicopters, based at Newquay airport. Before handing over to the MCA and Bristow, Commanding Officer of 771 Naval Air Squadron, Lieutenant Commander Dick Calhaem explained that the squadron would not be slowing down: “It will be business as usual for 771, right up until the moment we pass the baton on to the Bristow team at Newquay. The weather is not looking great, so let’s see what the next 24 hours bring!” Image: 771 helicopter on dispersal on final day of SAR responsibility
Size: 4473px × 3280px
Location: RNAS Culdrose Helston Cornwall UK
Photo credit: © Bob Sharples / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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