The Princess of Wales visits RNAS Yeovilton

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The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, near Yeovil…

The Princess of Wales has visited Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, one of the Royal Navy's two principal air stations, and one of the busiest military airfields in the UK.

RNAS Yeovilton is home to a number of front-line squadrons and training units, including the Wildcat Maritime Force.

The visit follows the recent announcement that His Majesty The King has appointed The Princess, Commodore-in-Chief, Fleet Air Arm (FAA).

During the visit, Her Royal Highness spent time in the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, where she met ATC staff and spoke with an airborne Wildcat crew.

The Princess of Wales during a visit to the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, near Yeovil

Following this, The Princess had the opportunity to visit a hangar to engage with personnel and hear about different operations within the Fleet Air Arm. Her Royal Highness met with Royal Navy Survival Equipment (SE) Technicians who provide specialist training and equipment to protect and enhance the Fleet Air Arm’s aviation operations.

The Princess then met servicemen and women and viewed two helicopters - the Merlin MK2 and MK4 - before visiting to the Wildcat Training Centre, to meet the loading team who are trained to fit a variety of weapons to the Wildcat MK2 helicopter.

Finally The Princess then piloted a Wildcat MK2 in a simulator which allows aircrew to practice flying over land or on to ships.

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