Engineering Excellence award for Base Aviation Specialists

Feats of engineering across the globe have earned 1710 Naval Air Squadron the Fleet Air Arm award for engineering efficiency.

The award was instigated by Rolls Royce to recognise the close working relationship it has with naval aviation and went to the HMNB Portsmouth-based tri-service and civilian team for their work. 

As well as dealing with all the new obstacles posed by Covid-19 controls, such as quarantining personnel and working remotely, the squadron continued to innovate to overcome them and to improve the service they provided.

Commodore of the Fleet Air Arm, Cdre Nick Walker, said to members of the squadron as he presented the trophy: “This is very much an award that reflects the efforts and impressive work you’ve been able to do over the last year despite Covid and working through all the extra tribulations that has brought to continue to deliver and improve where you can.

“Everywhere I go I receive praise for what 1710 does, for the products that you do, for the innovation you provide, for the services you provide across all the departments.

“It is a great award, you should feel very proud of the fact you’ve won it. It is a truly collective effort and a great reflection on what 1710 is and what 1710 does.” 

The squadron supports worldwide helicopter operations ashore and afloat, lending their expertise in repair and recovery of aircraft, modifications and materials support.

Commanding Officer, Cdr Paul Barker, said: “We are a squadron full of unique capabilities, but we work much better together, so we should take all of these opportunities that present to us to bring us all together.”

There was also a celebration of a personal achievement for RAF Sergeant Mike Jefferson was presented with his Long Service and Good Conduct medal clasp by Commodore Walker to mark 25 years of service. 

He is currently serving with 1710NAS having served as an engineer in Kosovo, Gibraltar, Falklands, the Gulf and Estonia working on Harriers and Tornados in the early part of his career, and latterly Chinook and Puma helicopters. His wife and son were at the 1710 Naval Air Squadron offices to see the presentation.