AIR Engineering Trainees (AET’s) based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton have joined together to celebrate completing the final element their Royal Navy Air Engineering Technician’s Course with the presentation of course awards and certificates.
Phase 2B Class 1504/1505 paraded proudly in the presence of VIPs, family and friends to receive their course completion certificates from Captain Ivan Finn DACOS AE RN after completing the final part, a gruelling 23 weeks module of intense training.
Prior to the formalities the young engineers, alongside friends and families were invited to watch 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) conducting their famed ‘Role Demo’, which comprises of Royal Marine Commandos and Merlin Helicopters on a mock aerial assault.
The 24 newly graduated Air Engineering Technicians will now begin the next chapter in their Fleet Air Arm careers.
They will join the Commando Helicopter Force’ Naval Air Squadrons (NAS), or the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force’ Squadrons at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, where they will put all their hard training into use on frontline operations.
AET Harry Tansey from Torquay, who recently won an award competing with RNAS Yeoviltons Judo Team, was also part of Class 1504/1505.
“It was a challenging 23 weeks; especially when on top of this I was part of the Station’s Judo Team so was juggling my studying with Judo Competitions.
“The course was thoroughly enjoyable and a good experience prior to joining a real Squadron.
“I am now looking forward to joining 846 NAS, with my aspiration in the future to get a commission to become an Officer in the Royal Navy.”
AET Ellie Burn from Sheffield was the youngest on course and was awarded the Lynx Wildcat Maritime Force (LWMF) Academic Award for achieving the highest average score throughout.
“It was fantastic to know that I had achieved this award, especially given how challenging the course was.
“The best bit is knowing I have now successfully completed my training and will join LWMF with my aim to join a frontline Ship as soon as possible.”
AET Matthew Summers from Bristol was awarded the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) Core Ethos award for all round achievement and going above and beyond what is required of him during the course.
“I was completely surprised and unaware that not only had I be nominated, but won the Core Ethos Trophy.
“Although challenging, I have thoroughly enjoyed this course making new friends along the way.
“I am not only looking forward to joining 845 NAS, but hope in the very near future to take my All Arms Commando Course to be able to work alongside the Royal Marine Commandos.”
The newly qualified engineers will be based at RNAS Yeovilton but they have the flexibility to deploy anywhere in the world at very short notice.
With the introduction of the new Aircraft Carriers and the need to respond to any event that threatens our security or national interests course members could find themselves utilising their professional expertise and flexibility not only over the next few months but for the rest of their Royal Naval careers.
Congratulations and best of luck to you all!
