847 NAS handover of command

Major David Sutton MBE RM assumed command of 847 Naval Air Squadron on Thursday 7 July from Commander Graeme Spence RN.

847 NAS are currently deployed on EX Wildcat Raider in Arizona conducting Desert Environmental and USMC interoperability training and the first time the Wildcat BRH has been taken to a desert environment.

Over the last month the squadron has completed day and night dust landings, mountain flying, and interoperability training with UK F-35 Lightening II, USMC V-22 Osprey, AH-1Z Cobra and UH-1Y Huey. 

On completion of the exercise the squadron will take some well-earned summer leave before conducting consolidation training in the Autumn at RNAS Yeovilton.  

Major Sutton has served on 847 NAS in numerous roles including Operations officer and XO, upon assuming his command he said, “It is an absolute honour to become CO 847 NAS and the culmination of a life-long ambition. 

“847 NAS is a unique and exciting unit which holds a very specialised role within Defence, we are the first Squadron to operate the Wildcat Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter frontline and can do so either embarked or ashore in any environment the world has to offer.

“The Sqn is full of talented, professional and enthusiastic people and I am thoroughly looking forward to what will be the best job I ever have.”