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Air branch reservists celebrate 45 years of commitment as HMS Pegasus marks birthday
8 April 2025
Forty-five years of supporting naval aviation was celebrated at RNAS Yeovilton as the Fleet Air Arm’s reservist branch celebrated its birthday.
Personnel gathered to mark the occasion – and celebrate the accomplishment of two shipmates – in the presence of Guest of Honour Commodore Jo Adey, Commodore Maritime Reserves, who thanked them for their contribution to Service.
The Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch was established in 1980 and was reorganised in 2022 as HMS Pegasus.
It counts Yeovilton as its HQ with the Somerset air station and Culdrose being the two focal points – though air branch reservists can be found across the UK Armed Forces from Navy Command on Whale Island, through the specialist engineering unit 1710 NAS in Portsmouth, the home of air engineering training HMS Sultan, HMS Gannet at Prestwick, PJHQ headquarters in Northwood, the Fleet Hydrographic and Meteorological Unit, the Defence SERE Training Organisation (to help downed aircrew evade capture), Plymouth naval base, and RAF Marham and Wittering.
Pegasus’ Commanding Officer and Head of the Air Branch, Commander Louis Wilson-Chalon, expressed his pride at the achievements of the unit over the past 45 years and stressed that its relevance had never been greater.
Reverend Josh Bell led a service of thanksgiving and prayers for reservists lost since 1980.
And after the obligatory cake-cutting ceremony, two of Pegasus’ ship’s company received awards recognising decades of dedication.
Lt Cdr Jonnie Barnes-Yallowley – who joined the RN the year the RNR Air Branch was founded – was awarded The Sir Donald Gosling Plate for his outstanding contribution to front-line operations, chiefly naval aviation/carrier strike.
Beginning as a Sea King pilot he has gone on to develop naval aviation doctrine and carrier strike capability, serving as an aviation watchkeeper during major operations such as Cold Response, Operation Achillean, and Neptune Strike.
He has also worked on the QE-class carrier design, warfare training, and air operations strategy, making a lasting impact on the Royal Navy’s future air power.
“I feel very humbled that anyone thought I deserved to have my name put forward. I am honoured to be recognised and delighted that my experience is still of value to the Royal Navy,” he said.
Also singled out was CPO Robert Cresswell received a Commodore’s Commendation (Muriel Hocking Trophy).
He’s served as long as Pegasus has existed, a pillar of excellence in air engineering and operational support at Yeovilton with his 45 years of expertise spanning contract management, fuel systems, risk assessments, and mission-critical aviation operations. More recently he’s become Pegasus’ public relations officer, strengthening the unit’s engagement with the local community and beyond.
“Serving in both the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve has been a privilege, and I take great pride in promoting and supporting the Fleet Air Arm and wider Royal Navy, he said”
The celebration continued into the afternoon with a light lunch and entertainment by The Wafus, a band comprised of serving and retired members of the RNR Air Branch.