Helicopters from 815 Squadron, the Navy’s front line Lynx squadron, are believed to be the first Naval detachment to visit the Czech Republic.

The helicopters – bringing 40 aircrew and maintainers – landed at the 6th Air Force base in Prague after a flight from the UK to eastern Europe which lasted more than six hours, and were greeted by the Chief of the Czech Air Force, the British Ambassador and the Assistant Defence Attache.

Also waiting were a national television crew and local media, who were keen to gauge the UK’s opinion of their own armed forces and their new role within the NATO alliance.

The visit gave a chance to exercise continental navigation training and self-deployment planning. It also allowed for two days of low-key exercises with members of the Czech Forces, based at Liberec in the north of the country, including mountain flying and troop drills.

In addition, officers and senior ratings, in conjunction with the British Embassy, held a well-attended reception on the Saturday evening.

Cdr David Salisbury, Commanding Officer of 815 Squadron, said: “The value of executing a detachment such as this cannot be underestimated in terms of striking the correct work-life balance within today’s dynamic Armed Forces.

“My team have participated in some real time work with our NATO partners in unfamiliar terrain and without the immediate backup of an easily accessible logistical chain.

“In addition with the help of the British Embassy staff we have achieved some sound defence diplomacy that will undoubtedly serve a purpose as we try and forge stronger links with our newer NATO members.

“Finally, and possibly most importantly, this was achieved whilst keeping the focus firmly on the ‘fun factor’ of such an opportunity.”

The media interest resulted in articles in national and local papers, and a slot on the national evening TV news.

To cap it all, the Rolling Stones arrived in town for Mick Jagger’s 60th birthday and performed in front of a massive crowd of 100,000 at an open-air concert. Needless to say, there were at least 40 people in the crowd who knew all the words...