Capital Welcome For Fleet Air Arm Sailors

There was a standing ovation from the tourists and well wishers as they lined the Mall and the gates of Buckingham Palace to cheer 122 Sailors and Royal Marines from the Commando Helicopter Force march to Clarence House, London.

On their arrival they were each presented with their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals from HRH The Prince of Wales. For many of the hardened Service men and women it was a milestone in their career.

Lt Jonathan Crawford a Mobile Air Operations Team leader explained;

“Today has been a fantastic occasion. Marching down the Mall in front of cheering and appreciative crowds was a wonderful feeling and to be then presented with my Operational medal by Prince Charles in the garden of Clarence House with my partner looking on was an extremely proud moment, something I will remember for ever.

"Prince Charles was really interested in my experiences in Afghan and I told him that as part of a CHF unit I lead a small 4 man team that is part of a ground troop which selects helicopter landing sites and coordinate the extraction of ground troops by Helicopter.”

CPO Colin Harvey an aircraft engineer on 845 Naval Air Squadron was also asked about his experience in Afghanistan and replied;

“Being in charge of a large number of sailors is quite a responsibility, but we all feel a great sense of pride and achievement knowing that our efforts were keeping the aircraft serviceable 24-7.

"A normal day at work ranged from basic flight servicing and daily maintenance tasks, to big jobs such as double engine changes.

"The aircraft required considerable care due to the harsh environmental conditions and occasional bullet holes from enemy ground fire. However I was more nervous about marching down the Mall than being in Afghanistan. "

This will not be the end of operations in Afghanistan as a small contingent of Sea King helicopters remains in this hostile Theatre of Operations and will be followed in the New Year by the Lynx aircraft of 847 Naval Air Squadron.

The Commanding Officer CHF, Captain Matt Briers RN added;

“Today has been a tremendous occasion for all CHF personnel and especially their families, some of which have travelled from as far as Ireland and the north of Scotland.

"To see the pride and emotion in their eyes as their loved ones received their medals was very emotional.

"His Royal Highness has taken a great interest in what we have achieved in Afghanistan and was keen to speak to both service personnel and their families ”