Personnel from Commando Helicopter Force’s 847 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) have completed a week of rigorous training, focusing on raid, insertion, and rescue techniques, according to a press release.
“Working with Commando Forces on Exercise Emerald Razor highlights the range of expertise that 847 NAS holds,” said Lieutenant Commander Gregory Edens, ops officer at 847 NAS, quoted in the news release.
The exercise featured a Wildcat helicopter from 847 NAS and Chinooks from 7 Squadron RAF, which were used for an aviation raid near Goodwood and helicasting off Portland.
Despite poor weather conditions that hindered the aviation raid, the scenario served as a valuable training opportunity, say the force. The formation commander’s decisions and the handling pilots’ skills were tested as they navigated through heavy rain under a low cloud base at dusk.
Next, according to the Royal Navy news release, the team conducted helicasting in Portland, where UK Commando Forces practised insertion techniques at sea before being recovered by boats. This involved Commandos from M Company, 42 Commando, leaping from helicopters into the ocean and being retrieved by small boat teams. Personnel from 148 Battery and 29 Commando also participated, jumping into Portland Harbour and continuing their training ashore.
The training concluded with a Joint Personnel Recovery exercise at Mutters Moor, Devon. Royal Marines retrieved two downed pilots from 847 NAS, employing a Wildcat helicopter as part of the rescue.
The downed aircrew practised survival skills, such as creating covert lay-up positions and using emergency radio/navigation equipment. This exercise allowed the squadron to practise coordination with the marines, ensuring the safe and efficient extraction of personnel under simulated enemy attack.
“To be able to provide a critical, general aviation asset to our Commando Forces is one of 847 NAS’ primary roles, and this exercise proves the squadron can not only fulfil these duties but excel at them,” Lt. Cmdr. Edens noted in the press release.
This training session is part of 847 NAS’s preparations for upcoming exercises in the United States later this year, showcasing their readiness and capability in providing critical support to Commando Forces.
7 Sqn are specialists at this sort of thing.
Just read in a telegraph online article of a Chinook sitting in a field in Dorset after a technical issue, having taken part in exercises with 6 other helicopters along the South coast.
So, assume a part of this exercise in the article.
Interesting that, in the photos, the front end is tarped up. Can i speculate if that’s to hide anything on the front end that the press may photograph? Considering that the article mentioned 7 Sqn, who are in JSFAW.
I don’t think 7 Sqn get the budget for the bells and whistles 160th SOAR over in the states have to modify their chinooks, I’ve seen plenty of images of tarped cabs on Apache/Merlin fleets sitting on the deck at Middle Wallop/Yeovilton which I’ve often wondered why. My best guess would be protect the cab from elements
Ok, thanks.
I thought I’d read the Chinooks in our SF Flight did have some mods, don’t recall which. The SF Hercs were the same.
Nothing that sensitive then.
Bet they know to shoot for the centre of mass…
Bad taste.
Not even faintly.
That explains all the helos doing low level runs in and around Credition last week. Was back in the UK visiting the new Grand daughter and watching them fly up the valley opposite her house.