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Newly qualified Royal Navy engineers join elite Fleet Air Arm family
1 May 2018
Outstanding young service men and women recently marked the successful completion of their 55 weeks of training to become Air Engineering Technicians (AET’s) and Naval Airman (NA) SE (Survival Equipment) at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton.
Today this group of newly qualified young engineers join the trained strength of the Fleet Air Arm and embark on their careers in the Royal Navy during the Year of Engineering.
Commander (Cdr) Al Tracy, Commanding Officer of the Air Engineering Department (AED) at Yeovilton congratulated those qualifying and welcomed their friends and families to the parade.
He said, “It’s a real privilege and honour to be stood here today as you become part of the trained strength of the Royal Navy the most professional Air Arm in the World.
"You have undergone the finest air engineering training system in the world; we deliver first class engineers, second to none and you are 100% ready.”
You have undergone the finest air engineering training system in the world; we deliver first class engineers, second to none and you are 100% ready
During the Phase 2b of the 55 week course the trainees undergo 8 weeks of classroom instruction on mechanical and avionics systems, common practices and documentation processes for helicopters. The remaining time is spent on a training squadron where they are introduced to helicopter operations and maintenance practices.
The Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral Keith Blount CB OBE FRAeS, passed them for duty and presented their certificates.
In his addressed to the newly qualified Engineers he said, “On the 4 July 1986 I received my Pilot Wings and today is your equivalent. The sense of what you have achieved today many have not and this will be reflected with pride in your hearts. With it comes significant responsibility and I have climbed into aircraft based on trust that you have earned, our aviators place their lives in your hands every day.
"Your timing has been perfect as you start on the cusp of an exciting time in Naval activity with our two Aircraft Carriers at the centre of which you will be part. An exciting journey lies ahead and we are part of something special, I am very proud well done. To your families I say thank you for your role in supporting them and your love, you too are part of the Fleet Air Arm Family now and I welcome you.”
On completion of the parade and awards the happy, relieved and smiling newly qualified AET’s joined their families, instructors and industry guests to celebrate their success with a role demonstration from a Merlin Mk3i helicopter with Commando Helicopter Force followed by a celebration of their achievements with family and colleagues over lunch.
BZ to you all and welcome to the Fleet Air Arm Family.