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Royal Navy Merlins arrive at Yeovilton for Olympics duties

18 Jul 12

Royal Navy Merlins from 814 Naval Air Squadron have arrived at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in preparation for their key role in contributing to maritime security operations in support of the Dorset Police.

The squadron's personnel, usually based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Cornwall, have been preparing for their Olympics role for many months, and have already taken part in a series of demanding training missions, working alongside other Royal Navy and Royal Marines units and other government agencies.

In addition to conducting maritime surveillance in the Weymouth Bay area, 814 Naval Air Squadron crews, known as the 'Flying Tigers', will be on call to respond to any incident as directed by Maritime Force Commander Dorset, the Commanding Officer of HMS Bulwark.

The Merlin Mk1 is the world's most potent submarine-hunting helicopter, using state-of-the-art active sonar and passive sonobuoys, but is equally adept at a broad range of traditional maritime helicopter duties such as sea surveillance, search and rescue, and the transfer of passengers and equipment.

More specialist roles have also been added since the aircraft entered front line service in 2000, most notably maritime sniping, fast-roping, and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance. This combination of capabilities has made the Merlin Mk1 the aircraft of choice for this particular element of the Fleet Air Arm's support to the Olympics security plan.
The Commanding Officer of 814 Naval Air Squadron, Commander Christopher Stock, said:

"A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes by both my engineers and aircrew over many months to ensure aircraft and flying crews are ready for Op Olympics.

"The squadron has been liaising very closely with the police and other agencies, and conducted a comprehensive and dedicated work-up package so that the Flying Tigers can contribute to a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games."

The Merlins will be based out of RNAS Yeovilton for the duration of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and fly to and from HMS Bulwark, which is positioned in Weymouth Bay close to the Olympic Sailing Regatta. The move from Culdrose enables them to utilise the facilities available at the Somerset base and be closer to their operating areas.