Royal Navy crew reunite with families ahead of Christmas at RNAS Culdrose

Families gathered at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose today (8 December) to welcome home their loved ones from the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

More than 200 men and women from 820 Naval Air Squadron spent seven months onboard the Royal Navy’s flagship for the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 2021 deployment to the Far East.

Returning to the air station at Helston in Cornwall, with their seven Merlin Mk2 helicopters, were around 60 aircrew and engineers from the squadron, while the others have returned separately.

It was emotional reunion as family members eagerly awaited the arrival of their loved ones.

One mother said: "We haven't had a deployment of this length, ever. Yes, they do go away. But this has been a tough one. So, we're so pleased to have him back. Especially before Christmas!"

There were emotional scenes at RNAS Culdrose as families were reunited after seven months apart. Credit: ITV West Country
Credit: ITV West Country

The Carrier Strike Group 2021 has included nine ships from various allied countries, one submarine, 32 aircraft and more than 3,700 personnel. 

The deployment has been a significant milestone in establishing the UK’s global capability to operate F35 jets as part of the UK’s conventional deterrent.

It has also served as an ideal opportunity for the UK to work with its NATO allies and partners, with visits, air exercises and operations. The group has worked alongside ships from Canada, Denmark, France, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea and the US.

Ian Varey, the commanding officer of 820 Naval Air Squadron, said: “We’ve been away from home for the more than half a year and it is wonderful to be back at our Culdrose base again.

“Taking part in a deployment like this, in terms of its significant scale and global reach, has been a great opportunity for all my personnel.

"It’s been a memory-forming deployment as we have lived and worked on the fleet flagship, contributing to the Royal Navy’s firm expression that carrier strike is back in business.

“I am deeply honoured to have led the men and women under my Command during this historic deployment and I know they will all be looking forward to some well-earned leave with their loved ones over Christmas.”

The 820 Naval Air Squardron were onboard the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth. Credit: ITV West Country

Also taking part in the deployment were more than 40 sailors from RNAS Culdrose’s 1700 Naval Air Squadron. This included aviation officers, aircraft handlers, weapons engineers, air engineers, medics, logistical personnel, and other support personnel.

Lieutenant Commander Maxine Burgess, the commanding officer of 1700 Naval Air Squadron said: “Personnel from 1700 NAS have been heavily involved in this deployment, serving on the carrier itself and her support ships, and working alongside our Royal Fleet Auxiliary colleagues.

“I am very proud of all those personnel deployed, and also the team that support them, to ensure this deployment has been a success. This has been one of the largest concentrations of naval power in a decade, and my personnel have worked alongside navies around the world. It’s been a great achievement for all involved.”