A deployment on board the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle gave personnel from 849 A Flight the chance to see how another navy operates – and a possible taste of things to come.

Two Mk 7 Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) helicopters embarked on the Charles de Gaulle off Toulon in the Mediterranean, leaving the pride of the French fleet off Normandy.

The intervening 11 days saw the 40 or so British sailors – and 849’s French-speaking exchange pilot, Canadian Capt Erik Weigelin – immersed in the life of a large carrier operating a mix of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

The Sea Kings took part in a range of missions alongside French Super Etendards of 14F Squadron, E2C Hawkeyes of 4F Squadron and Dauphin and Cougar helicopters.

They also crossed swords with Spanish AV8 Harrier jump jets, and conducted anti-surface warfare exercises with British destroyer HMS Gloucester and the FS Cassard.

Other military experience gained included night and day flying, electronic warfare and force protection. In the case of the latter, it was for real, as the task group passed through the Straits of Gibraltar bottleneck, an area with potential for would-be terrorists.

On most flights the British helicopters, normally based at RN air station Culdrose in Cornwall, were able to take additional passengers, from both the ship’s company and French squadrons, to demonstrate equipment and to familiarise them with Royal Navy procedures.

One of the A Flight helicopters also became involved in a humanitarian operation when it was hauled off a routine sortie to help find a small Gemini-type craft thought to have broken down.

The boat was found drifting with a failed engine, crammed with 31 people believed to have been travelling illegally from North Africa to Spain, and the 849 crew subsequently received a note of thanks from the Spanish coastguard.

The occupants of the boat were picked up by Spanish customs craft and taken to Spain.

British sailors also took part in ceremonial divisions on the flight deck for the D Day commemorations.

French hospitality was well received – “very French food and wine – lots of seafood and steak and cheese, even wine with lunch!” was one summary – and the success of the integration was a testimony to the strength of Entente Cordiale.

Lt Becca Steadman, of 849 A Flight, said: “It was a very valuable exercise for A Flight in terms of training achieved.

“It as interesting to see how another Navy functions, and how they overcome problems that we may encounter with our new carriers.

“It is a very aviation-focussed ship, with very professional ship’s company and squadrons.”

Lt Steadman also said it was “exciting to be on board for catapult launches and arrester recoveries.

All pictures from Capt Erik Weigelin CF, Canadian exchange pilot with 849 A Flight.