Families go behind the scenes at Yeovilton

Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton is one of the Navy's two principal air bases and one of the busiest military airfields in the UK.  It is home to more than 100 aircraft operated on both front-line squadrons and training units as well as 4,300 service and civilian personnel. 

One day a year the station provides a big thank you to those whose unfailing support allows RNAS Yeovilton personnel to deploy around the world on operations.  

RNAS Yeovilton’s Commanding Officer, Captain Duncan Thomas, said: “The Royal Navy would not be what it is without our personnel and the families which support them. 

“Families day is a chance for us to provide the families well-earned time off with their loved ones and an insight into the day-to-day lives of our personnel.”

Excited families waited patiently for the chance to fly in Merlin or Wildcat helicopters from Commando Helicopter Force and Wildcat helicopters from either Wildcat Maritime Force or 1 Army Air Corps. 

Families enjoyed exploring static aircraft displays where family members could get up close to some historic aircraft provided by Navy Wings, a historic aircraft charity based at RNAS Yeovilton. 

Throughout the day, family friendly activities were available including inflatable games, a commando village, an army village, and soft play area. 

The day ended on a high, treating the crowd to an aerobatic display from the ever-impressive Royal Navy Black Cats, 825 Naval Air Squadron’s Wildcat display team, alongside a flypast of Navy Wings historic swordfish aircraft. 

RNAS Yeovilton greatly values personnel families for standing by and supporting their loved ones.  Families day was a success with happy families gaining an insight into their loved one’s service life.

Captain Duncan Thomas added: “We would not be able to do our jobs without the support of our families with the demands, hours and separation the Service asks of our people.”

“It is with great pleasure we have the chance to give back and offer truly unique experiences to those who support us and help them understand what it is that their serving family member does in support of our nation.”