Personnel at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton came together to parade and recognise the efforts and achievements across all aspects of UK naval aviation.
With all the pomp and ceremony and the accompaniment of HMS Heron Band, Royal Navy Personnel were joined by the Army ( an integral part of RNAS Yeoviltons establishment) to parade in front of the Guest of Honour Rear Admiral (RAdm) Keith Blount OBE (ACNS A&C) and welcomed by the Stations Commanding Officer Commodore Nick Tindal.
The Rolls Royce Efficiency Trophy is awarded annually by ACNS A & C to the Naval Air Squadron (NAS), Ships Flight or Fleet Unit judged to have achieved the best overall standards of engineering efficiency and effectiveness.
This year it went to 815 NAS who in the last 12 months has undergone a once in a generation transformation from a Lynx Mk 8 Squadron to a Wildcat HMA Mk2.
During he whole transformation the team consistently provided operational capability to Commanders via globally deployed Lynx and Wildcat flights all possible thanks to the commitment, professionalism, initiative and drive of the engineering team.
Accepting the award from Rear Admiral Keith Blount on behalf of 815 NAS engineering team was Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Kirsty Marlor , AEO (Air Engineering Officer) on 815 who said: “There are very few Squadrons in recent memory who have successfully operated 2 different aircraft types simultaneously in such dispersed and challenging environments.
"Our engineers have proved themselves highly capable and an effective team able to respond to a demanding transition phase yet still safely meet the demand for operational output.
"I feel immensely proud of the team and all we have achieved.”
The Sopwith Pup Trophy for the ships flight that achieves and maintains the highest degree of operational capability over the year was awarded to 204 Flight of HMS Daring, by RAdm Blount to Lt Andrew Henderson who was delighted with the recognition of 204’s hard work.
Lt Henderson said: “The operational success we enjoyed is testimony to the dedication, teamwork and commitment of 204 Flight despite many challenges, I’m really proud.“
Following the presentation of several other awards the band began to play once more and it was eyes right past RAdm Blount.
A vast amount of aviation training happens at RNAS Yeovilton and an event like this provides an ideal opportunity to acknowledge personnel’s achievements across all departments of a very busy air station recognising the exceptional contribution of an individual or team to UK maritime aviation.
