There will be no Culdrose Air Day in 2017

Credit: PA

There will be no Culdrose Air Day in 2017 as the RNAS puts its focus on defence operations.

The Air Day was the only day of the year when the public could experience the sights and sounds of a working military Naval Air Station.

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is home to a variety of military aircraft including Merlin and Sea King helicopters, Hawk Jets, and the King Air 350 Avengers.

The Royal Navy released the following statement about the cancellation of the air day:

"2017 promises to be a very important, and busy, year for Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose."

"80% of the Air Station’s front line aircraft and personnel are already serving on operations or at very high readiness to deploy all around the world."

"This year will see a new era of ‘Carrier Aviation’ when HMS Queen Elizabeth, the first of the Nation’s two new aircraft carriers, sails into Portsmouth."

"RNAS Culdrose has a vital part to play on board this new flagship, and personnel need to be ‘carrier ready’ for this significant event. Therefore due to this focus, and existing operational commitments, RNAS Culdrose will not hold an Air Day in 2017."

The Commanding Officer of Culdrose, Captain Dan Stembridge ADC said: “We have had to make the regrettable decision to not hold an Air Day this year in order to focus our resources on delivering our primary roles; to protect the Strategic Nuclear Deterrent, support Counter Terrorism and be ready to defend the Royal Navy’s Carrier Task Groups.”

"Culdrose remains one of the largest single site employers in Cornwall and has a very bright future. Our unique relationship with the people of Cornwall is hugely important to us, and provides essential support to our families during periods of separation. The Air Day decision has involved much deliberation and we appreciate that many will be disappointed, however operations must come first. There is a lot of work to be done to deliver air power from our nation’s new carriers; and we must be ready.”