| One year after the accident that
claimed the lives of seven Naval aircrew from 849 Naval Air
Squadron, a ceremony of remembrance has been held on board
the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible.
Currently deployed to the Arctic off northern Norway, Invincible
is supporting 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, who are taking
part in Exercise Joint Winter, a large-scale NATO exercise
held in conjunction with the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Taking part in the exercise with Invincible are helicopters
from 815, 845, 846, 847 and 849 Naval Air Squadrons, as well
as 27 Squadron RAF.
Many of the aircrew of these squadrons and members of Invincible’s
ship’s company were involved in last year’s war
in Iraq, where two Sea King helicopters of 849 Squadron A
Flight collided over the Gulf, killing all seven crew members.
Colonel ‘Buster’ Howes, Commanding Officer of
42 Commando, Royal Marines, remembered his unit’s part
in the hostilities: “The Royal Marines were in a difficult
position in Iraq and the dedication of Naval helicopter crews
was a lifeline.
“In particular, the abilities of 849’s Airborne
Surveillance and Control helicopters to look into the battlespace
gave us an awareness of what we might be facing before we
committed men into the battle.”
Routine flying operations came to a halt on board the carrier
while Royal Marines, sailors, Navy and RAF aircrew came together
as prayers were said and candles were lit to remember each
of the seven men who died.
Lt Cdr Alan Salmon, Commanding Officer of 849 B Flight on
board Invincible, said: “Joint Winter has brought together
many of the forces involved in Operation Telic last year,
and it was overwhelming to see so much support from the other
units involved in the exercise, many of whom also lost friends
and comrades during the conflict.”
After Joint Winter, Invincible returns to home waters for
Easter leave before once again sailing to carry out training
in the United States as the UK’s high-readiness aircraft
carrier.
This will ensure that she continues to be ready to carry
out military, peacekeeping or humanitarian operations anywhere
in the world at short notice. |
