Alex Candlin – 12th July 2024 at 2:10pm
The Wildcat is a versatile helicopter, being able to take on multiple tasks including battlefield utility, search and rescue and troop transport duties (Picture: Royal Navy/POPhot Lee Blease)
Commando Helicopter Force’s 847 Naval Air Squadron has been working alongside other elite forces in an intense week of training on Exercise Emerald Razor.
The specialist helicopter force worked with personnel from the Royal Marines and 29 Commando across the south coast to complete a four-aircraft aviation raid before moving on to Joint Personnel Recovery serials.
Lieutenant Commander Gregory Edens of 847 NAS said: “To be able to provide a critical, general aviation asset to our Commando Forces is one of 847 NAS’s primary roles.”
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“Working with Commando Forces on Exercise Emerald Razor highlights the range of expertise that 847 NAS holds.
“Within one week we operated by day and night as part of a mixed-type, four-aircraft formation to conduct an aviation raid, conducted Joint Personnel Recovery and completed heli-casting training for more than 30 troops.
“This exercise proves the squadron can not only fulfil these duties, but excel at them.”
During the exercise, helicopter crews and ground forces were given the chance to practise coordination to ensure safe and efficient extraction of the personnel in need of rescue – all while under “attack” from enemy forces.
Bad weather conditions were thrown in, but troops were able to push through regardless of the situation.
This important training exercise comes as the Yeovilton-based unit 847 NAS prepares for exercises in the United States later in the year.
