Cornwall's navy sailors to join 'strike operation' in East Asia.
The Royal Navy has announced it is deploying 260 men and women from an airbase in Cornwall to East Asia for a strike operation.Sailors from RNAS Culdrose will join the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales later this spring, and are not expected to return until the end of the year.The navy said the aim was to work with allies around the world and strengthen the UK's relationship with them.Cdr Al Woodward, of 820 Naval Air Squadron, said he had waited "his entire career" for this moment.
"Firstly, it's a hugely important day for me as I've taken command of the squadron this morning," he said."It's something I've waited my entire career for and I've been preparing myself and get back into flying to join the squadron here ahead of our deployment."Cdr Woodward, who has lived in Cornwall since 2008, added: "There's the slight nervousness and anxiety because we're know we're away from home and loved ones for a significant time."But there's a huge buzz across the whole air station at the moment because a huge amount of work has gone into this deployment."We're excited to embark and join HMS Prince of Wales, to do the things we've trained to do for many years."
Lt Will Blunt, an observer for 820 Naval Air Squadron, said he is excited: "Trips like these come along every five years, and it's why I joined the Royal Navy."Professionally there will be lots of challenges, but there are rewards as well, like working and visiting foreign nations."Everyone's a little nervous because it was a long time to be away from family, where you grew up and what you know."But the apprehension pales in comparison to how excited we all are."
Taylor Kiltie, an aircraft engineer, joined the Navy in 2023 at the age of 16: "I was fresh out of school, just having finished my GCSE exams and went straight into the navy."Eventually I made it here and took my qualifying exam last year, and now I'm getting ready for a big deployment."I've been thinking a lot about it especially as the deadline was approaching, and it is scary but I'm willing to partake in whatever comes my way."Despite his nerves, the 18 year old will be making the trip with a familiar face."My dad is going to be on the trip with me and will be alongside me, which will be comforting," he said."My mum and younger siblings are a bit on edge about it but they support us through and through because this is what we're meant to be doing."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
11 hours ago
- BBC News
Darwen woman, 51, finally realises Lancashire firefighter dream
A 51-year-old woman who has just achieved her childhood ambition of becoming a firefighter has said "it is never too late to follow your dream". Sue Ward is proudly serving as an on-call firefighter for Lancashire Fire and Rescue at Darwen fire station, she said it was the best job she had ever is keen to prove that age should not be a barrier and encouraged others to apply to the fire service, adding she was "living my dream". Ms Ward said at age 17 when she first decided she wanted to be a firefighter there was a minimum height requirement and she was "too short to even apply". Undeterred, she channelled her ambition into joining the Royal Navy, where she served in the newly-formed women's firefighting branch for nine years. She later built a successful career in the fitness industry and said she opened the first-ever female fitness centres in Saudi Arabia. Despite her success she said her dream to join the fire service never faded. Years later, when she returned to the UK to support her daughter's education she found herself browsing the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service website and saw on-call firefighter recruitment was the age of 50, Ms Ward applied, completed her training and finally earned the title of firefighter."I never thought it was a possible reality for me," she said. "At first I worried I was too old, or not fit enough. "But there was so much support, from the Fit for Fire programme to my drill nights at Darwen." 'Go for it' She is now an integral part of the team at Darwen."I love being part of such a supportive crew," she said. "We train and respond just like wholetime firefighters, we attend the same incidents, complete the same training, and carry the same responsibilities."There's this myth that you have to be young to do this job. But if you're over 18, reasonably fit, and committed - you can absolutely do it. "I'm living my dream at 51."Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters and Ms Ward is urging others to apply. "If this has ever been your dream, go for it. It's the most rewarding thing I've ever done," she said. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
BBC News
20 hours ago
- BBC News
Divers honoured after Plymouth WW2 bomb bravery
Two divers who dealt with a huge World War Two bomb unearthed in a Plymouth garden have been honoured with bravery awards by King Charles Officer (PO) Craig Maddock and PO Paul Cartwright from Plymouth-based Bravo Diving Unit One neutralised a 500kg (1,100 lbs) bomb found at a property on St Michael Avenue in Keyham in February the bomb caused widespread disruption due to its location in the middle of a densely-packed residential pair have been named among those given Operational Honours, announced jointly with His Majesty's Birthday Honours. The Royal Navy said PO Maddock "first removed a large amount of earth and concrete by hand and used limited tools to access the explosive device".It added: "He accurately identified the fuses in very challenging conditions and when the bomb was moved to a safe area for transfer to a boat for disposal he led the task to de-sensitise the two live fuses."His colleague PO Cartwright volunteered to load and drive the extremely dangerous bomb through the city, planning the route to the Torpoint ferry slipway."The bomb was subsequently safely detonated at sea, in Plymouth Sound. 'Couldn't be prouder' PO Cartwright, who was awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery, said: "Whilst I am extremely honoured and humbled to receive this award, my contribution to the operation was no more valuable than that of all the military personnel and first responders that week."The most important thing is that the people of Keyham were able to go back to their homes once we had completed the operation."His colleague PO Maddock, who has been awarded the King's Gallantry Medal, added: "What was achieved that week was only possible because of the tireless professionalism, calm determination and teamwork shown by everyone involved."The divers of Bravo Diving Unit One, alongside emergency services and military partners, worked shoulder to shoulder under immense pressure to ensure the safety of the public. "I couldn't be prouder to have been part of such an outstanding team effort."
Leader Live
a day ago
- Leader Live
WATCH: HMS Dragon crew members parade through Wrexham
The crew of the Type 45 destroyer marched through the heart of the city centre before being hosted at an official reception to cement the bond. The ship was adopted by Wrexham last summer and civic leaders promptly bestowed their highest honour upon the Portsmouth-based warship and her ship's company. (Image: Newsquest) Their hectic schedule – which included a milestone first takedown of a supersonic missile by the Royal Navy during NATO exercises off the coast of northwest Scotland in May – has prevented the ship's company from exercising their right until now, although some sailors were able to take part in Wrexham's Remembrance events. Since then, when Dragon's demanding programme has allowed, the 200-strong ship's company had been preparing for the hometown visit, including undertaking specific drill training to reach the highest standards required for the march. 'Today is a proud moment for HMS Dragon and a fitting opportunity to demonstrate the professionalism of our sailors, marching in full ceremonial dress, with drums beating, flags flying and bayonets fixed, as a mark of respect and gratitude to the people of Wrexham." (Image: Newsquest) Gresford councillor Jeremy Kent said: "Today, we were incredibly proud to welcome 156 members of HMS Dragon's ship's company to Wrexham as they exercised their Freedom of the City and County Borough — an honour that reflects the deep and lasting bond between the Royal Navy and our community. "With bayonets fixed, drums beating, and colours flying, the parade through our city centre was a stirring sight and a powerful reminder of the dedication and service of our armed forces. (Image: Newsquest) MORE NEWS: "As a member of Wrexham County Borough Council, I was honoured to stand alongside residents, veterans, and fellow councillors to show our gratitude and respect." He added: "Thank you to HMS Dragon for your service — and for bringing such pride to Wrexham today." In being named Freemen of Wrexham, the sailors are in select company, including Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
