Pilots flying high after royal honour

By pburton

Royal Navy helicopter pilots and ground staff based at Yeovilton in Somerset who have served in Afghanistan received their campaign medals from the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall yesterday.

The Servicemen and women from the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) were presented with their military honours at the royal couple's London home Clarence House.

All three of the CHF's front line squadrons – Sea King helicopters from 845 and 846 Naval Air Squadrons (NAS) and Lynx helicopters from 847 NAS – have been deployed in the Middle East country during recent years.

The Servicemen and women provide aviation support essential to UK forces fighting in Afghanistan's Helmand province and Nato troops in surrounding areas.

Yesterday 122 members of the three squadrons marched through London in brilliant sunshine to Clarence House for the presentation ceremony that was watched by their friends and families.

Captain Jon Pentreath, commanding officer of the CHF, said after the event: "Today has been an emotional rollercoaster for the men and women of the Force.

"The occasion will be remembered with great pride and much fondness."