Diamond supports Wildcat deck landing training

A New Year, a new challenge, and the new next generation multi-role helicopter, ‘Wildcat’ ‘Landed on’ as Diamond put to sea for the first time in 2016.

Deck landing training was conducted throughout the day and into the night for a 2 week period in January. 

The aim was to support 825 Sqn’s trainee pilots and observers, allowing them to put into practice the reality of aviation at sea; a very different world from the steady and controlled environment of a shore aerodrome. 

This busy time also enabled further aviation training for Diamond’s bridge teams, aircraft controllers, and flight deck crews operating in the challenging weather conditions day and night.  

Aircraft Controller Laidlaw, who achieved his first live control certification during the training, said “The last two weeks have been demanding but a really exciting and rewarding experience. 

“It has been great working with the new Wildcat helicopter for the first time and getting my certification”. 

Across the rest of the ship training continued at pace with the professional trainers from the FOST organisation assessing and improving Diamond’s ability to deal with fires in the galley and Steering Gear Breakdown, or to conduct Replenishment at Sea to prove Diamond’s ability to deploy and be sustained at sea.

At every turn Diamond’s sailors responded with their customary enthusiasm and growing confidence in their abilities. 

Executive Officer Lt Cdr Hugh Botterill commented “Working on-board an operational warship does bring pressure, but that often brings the best from people; we’ve risen to the challenge and succeeded”.