RNAS Yeovilton says a big thank you on Families Day

The gates of RNAS Yeovilton were opened to loved ones to give them a glimpse of what mum, dad, brother or sister gets up to while serving at the air station.

It is the one day in the station calendar dedicated to those whose unfailing support allows our people to realise frontline capability.

The air was charged with excitement amid the whir of helicopter rotors blades as families and partners of everyone working on board at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton attended ‘Families Day’.

Commodore Nick Tindal, Commanding Officer of RNAS Yeovilton said, “Today's Air Station Families Day, including the opportunity to fly in one of our helicopters, has been our small way of saying thank you to the families of those who work at Yeovilton; they endure much with long hard working hours and lengthy periods of separation.

"We are incredibly grateful and could not do the important work we do without their help. We hope that they have enjoyed their day.” 

The Air Station was alive with the noise and scent of burning aviation fuel provided by the Merlin and Wildcat from the Commando Helicopter Force, 825 and 815 Naval Air Squadrons fired up their Wildcat HMA2 helicopters alongside those from the Aviation Reconnaissance Force, the Army Air Corps.

There was a guest Puma from RAF Benson and a Merlin courtesy of our sister station RNAS Culdrose.

Inside the aircraft weren’t the usual loads, Marines or soldiers, today it was the families and on the ground the units and elements that contribute to make this busy Station function set up hands-on displays and activities.

There were things to climb in, sit on, and drive in with plenty of fun, games and entertainment.

A very big thank you to our families.