Royal Naval Aviator flying high at 1000 hours

Royal Naval Aviator Lieutenant (Lt) Thomas ‘Tug’ Wilson, who is the Flight Commander of 203 Flight embarked in HMS Montrose, hit the magical 1000 flying hours whilst conducting a flying sortie in the North Sea last week.

Landing on the flight-deck of HMS Montrose from the routine sortie, he was greeted by his Flight and the Ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Conor O’Neill. On Congratulating Lt Wilson, Commander O’Neill said; “This is a proud moment for any aviator, and we are delighted to share it with him. 203 Flight and their Wildcat have been fundamental to HMS Montrose’s recent operations, and we are very glad to have them as part of the team.”

Lt Wilson, an Observer from a busy frontline Squadron, 815 Naval Air Squadron at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, has conducted numerous flying operations during his 8 year flying career in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Lt Wilson said; “Achieving my 1000th flying hour whilst conducting operations is something I will remember throughout my career in the Royal Navy.”

The Commanding Officer of 815 NAS, Commander (Cdr) Jaimeson Stride also commented on Lt Wilson’s milestone in his career.

“Reaching 1000 hours is a key milestone in any aviator’s career and it is pertinent that Lt Wilson is reaching this while embarked in HMS Montrose since this is the natural environment for any member of 815 NAS.

“Lt Wilson is a dedicated and professional Observer who has now been operating Wildcat for a little over a year and has been Flight Commander of 203 Flt for 6 months.

“Reaching 1000 hours sets him up well for his forthcoming deployment in HMS Montrose.”

203 Flight, part of the Wildcat Maritime Force based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, embarked in the Type 23 Frigate from Plymouth three weeks ago, when the Ship was activated at very short notice to protect UK waters.

The 10 strong Flight under the command of Lt Wilson with their state of the art maritime helicopter, have conducted training and operational sorties to ensure not only that they remain an effective force and provide the Ship with operational capability.