Captain pays an aerial farewell to his ship during exercise with RAF Search and Rescue Helo

HMS Cattistock, one of the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth based mine hunters conducted a winching exercise with a Royal Air Force (RAF) search and rescue helicopter from RAF Chivenor in Devon late last week.

HMS Cattistock was carrying out Maritime Security operations on passage to Bristol to take part in the 40^th Bristol Harbour Festival, when the RAF Sea King helicopter was exercising nearby.

Both units agreed they shouldn’t pass on an exciting training opportunity so they decided to carry out an impromptu winching exercise.

Two trainees from the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, on loan to the squadron , Ellen Mau and Patrick Tsang, were lowered onto the stern of the mine hunter along with the aircraft winchman and were given a quick tour of the 29 year old vessel.

Upon being presented with a Ship’s crest the two trainees were then able to assist in winching the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adam Northover and the Weapon Engineering Officer, Chief Petty Officer Mark ‘Bungy’ Edwards into the cabin of the Search and Rescue Sea King.   

Lieutenant Commander Adam Northover, in his last week of Command of HMS Cattistock was treated to a rare view of his ship before being lowered back onto the bow.   

Lieutenant Commander Adam Northover said;

“This great opportunity demonstrates the versatility of both services and how we are able to re-role at extremely short notice.”

“This was a fantastic way to end my Command with MCM2 Crew2".

"It has been a privilege commanding such a dedicated and fine crew for two years and I know they will continue to deliver the highest quality capability under their new CO.”   

The RAF Sea King returned to Chivenor on completion of the serial having gained valuable winching practice for their Hong Kong students on a Royal Naval Minehunter.