Commando Helicopter Force HQ
The four squadrons of the Commando Helicopter Force are the wings of the Royal Marines, providing crucial aerial support to the green berets be they at sea in an assault ship or in the sand and dust of Afghanistan.
Commando Helicopter Force – known throughout the Navy as CHF – comprises three front-line and one training squadron flying Sea Kings and Lynx. 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons with their distinctive green Sea Kings are heavily committed in Helmand in support of the Allied peacekeeping mission.
At home in the UK, the Sea King training squadron, 848, ensures air and ground crew are ready for the marines’ global mission.
847 Naval Air Squadron completes the CHF quartet, operating Lynx Mk9 helicopters in an aerial reconnaissance and ground support role.
They too are heavily in demand in Afghanistan where, among other duties, they provide aerial cover for convoys moving between Allied bases.
COMMANDING OFFICER
Once the planned transfer of the Merlin Mk 4 and the introduction of Wildcat to the Commando Helicopter Force is complete the aircraft will be key enablers in the insertion and sustainment of a Commando Group ashore.
Captain Matt Briers Royal NavyMatt Briers
- RANK:
- Captain
- JOINED:
- 1984
- SPECIALISATION:
- Warfare Pilot
- PREVIOUS UNITS:
- 845 NAS, 849 NAS, 847 NAS
Military experience
A specialist in commando aviation, Captain Matt Briers Royal Navy joined BRNC Dartmouth in 1984 as a General List Seaman Officer and was awarded a Queen’s Telescope in 1986. Following training in HM Ships Cottesmore and Sirius, he was appointed to HMS Dumbarton Castle for a 6 month South Atlantic patrol. This was followed by an appointment in the Hong Kong Squadron as Gunnery and Correspondence Officer in HMS Plover, engaged in anti-smuggling and illegal immigration patrols.
He commenced flying training in 1990 and was streamed as a commando pilot joining 846 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Yeovilton for a diverse tour involving 2 Arctic deployments, several amphibious exercises and 6 tours in Northern Ireland.
Leaving as the Operations Officer and Flight Commander in 1995, he next joined 849 Squadron B Flight as Senior Pilot flying the AEW Sea King from HMS Illustrious.
In 1998 he attended the Principal Warfare Officers course before joining HMS Argyll as PWO (A) and Operations Officer for a South Atlantic deployment which was modified to include a 4 month deployment to West Africa in support of operations in Sierra Leone.
In 2000, he converted to the Lynx Mk 7 and Gazelle with the Army Air Corps, before taking up an appointment as the Senior Pilot of 847 Naval Air squadron in the anti-tank/armoured reconnaissance role.
Appointed in Command of 845 NAS in October 2006, he has flown the Sea King Mk4 helicopter and seen operational service in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, and Iraq with 845 Squadron and concurrently Commanded the Joint Helicopter Force (Iraq) before his Squadron was deployed to Afghanistan. He subsequently served as the Military Assistant to the Chief of Joint Operations in Northwood.
Promoted Captain in September 2009, he returned to the MOD as Assistant Head of UK Counter Terrorism within the Operations Directorate. He assumed Command of the Commando Helicopter Force on 07 September 2011.
OPERATIONS
Exercise Cold Response
CURRENT STATUS: COMPLETED
Cold Response is a multinational exercise led by the Norwegian Armed Forces. While current operations are focussed on Afghanistan, it is vital that the Royal Navy maintains its amphibious capability in a cold weather environment. Cold Response brings together the Royal Marines, assault ships and other Fleet assets, and the helicopters of the Fleet Air Arm.
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TAKE A LOOK
Image Gallery
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Just desert for naval aviators in world’s toughest race
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Just desert for naval aviators in world’s toughest race
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Just desert for naval aviators in world’s toughest race
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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Exercise Scottish Lion
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CHF Commemorate Falkland Conflict
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CHF
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CHF
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Elements of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) arrive on HMS Illustrious
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Elements of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) arrive on HMS Illustrious
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Elements of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) arrive on HMS Illustrious
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Elements of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) arrive on HMS Illustrious
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Elements of Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) arrive on HMS Illustrious
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Special deliveries for Junglies in Afghanistan
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Jill Love (top), Samantha Chatfield (middle), with (L to R) CPO Justin Blackford, Cpl Daniel Hall RM & PO Marc Jones
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Scram book presentation
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Scram book presentation
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Scram book presentation
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise ClockworkCombined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Combined Helicopter Force Operating In Exercise Clockwork
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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Commando helicopters come through harsh Arctic training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out a load lifting exercise as part of their arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway. The JHC base known as Clockwork provides survival and operational training and support facilities to enable aviation capable arms to survive, operate and fight in extreme C2 environments.
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CincFleet Receives Warm Reception In The Arctic
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Captain Matt Briers RN Commanding Officer CHF (Right) having lunch in a survival shelter with CINCFLEET (2nd from the right) during the Admirals tour of JHC Clockwork.
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CincFleet Receives Warm Reception In The Arctic
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Admiral Zambellas (Left) at the controls of a CHF Sea King Mk4 helicopter during a flight over the Bardufoss training areas.
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CincFleet Receives Warm Reception In The Arctic
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Admiral Zambellas (Left) walking out onto the flight line at Bardufoss airfield.
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Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway.
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Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway.
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Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway.
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Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway.
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Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway.
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Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 helicopter pilots and aircrews from Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) carry out Arctic flying training, the training takes place some 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle at the Joint Helicopter Command (JHC) base near Bardufoss, Norway.
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Rescue Team LtoR: Major West RM, Cpl Mark Haffenden RM Lt Cdr Neil Davidson RN (Aircraft Captain), C/Sgt Shane Knight RM
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Natalie being presented with her Wings by Rear Admiral Cunningham
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Natalie preparing for a mission on 846 Naval Air Squadron
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The damaged Sea King in Afghanistan
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The damaged Sea King in Afghanistan
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CPO Neil Copeland in repaired ZA 298 [Photo: Francis Stothard/Western Daily Press]
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CPO Neil Copeland admires the work of Vector Aerospace [Photo: Francis Stothard/Western Daily Press]
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Capt Matt Briers CO CHF escorts HRH from the medals presentation
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Prince Charles chats with Lt Crawford
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Prince Charles presents CPO Harvey with his medal.
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CHF personnel marching down the Mall to the grounds of Clarence House.
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Lt Cdr Birchall and Lt Cdr Milne leap out of a Sea king Helicopter from the Commando Helicopter Force
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Lt Cdr Birchall and Lt Cdr Milne ready for the challenge
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Naval Officers ready for gruelling Sahara Marathon
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One of the last flights of the SeaKing in Afganistan took place today over Mount Juno, Just outside Camp Bastion.
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One of the last flights of the SeaKing in Afganistan took place today over Mount Juno, Just outside Camp Bastion.
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Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 Helicopter above Camp Bastion Helmand Province Afghanistan
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ISAF personnel from 20 Armoued Brigade and 3 Commando Brigade boarding a Royal Navy Sea King Mk4 Helicopter at the passenger handling facillity at Camp Bastion
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CHF personnel in Wootton Bassett March Past
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Sea Kings Mk4 leave Afghanistan
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Sea Kings Mk4 leave Afghanistan
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Sea Kings Mk4 leave Afghanistan
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