Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > Somerset > Ilchester
Hot and cold spells for the Commando Helicopter Force in 2007. 16th January 2007
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Armed Forces
Hot and cold spells for the Commando Helicopter Force in 2007. 16th January 2007
Pictured is a Sea King MK4 flying over a Norwegian mountain range as part of navigation training in the Arctic conditions for pilots. At 2, 000 feet, the temperature had plummeted to minus 28 degrees Celsius.
On Tuesday 16th January 2007, five Commando Sea King MK4 helicopters from 845/846 Naval Air Squadrons, and three Lynx MK7 Attack helicopters from 847 NAS, arrived at RNoAF Bardufoss, a Norwegian Air Force base located 160 miles inside the Arctic Circle.
All aircraft from RNAS Yeovilton, Ilchester, Somerset, arrived to begin a busy programme of cold weather and mountain warfare training know as Clockwork.
Each of the three services will venture out into the harsh Arctic conditions to put man and machine through the cold weather conditions.
This year, the lead squadron is 846 NAS, under the Command of Commander Mario Caretta (Royal Navy). He is tasked to over see an intensive five week training programme to train ground personnel and aircrew in Artic survival, flying training and aircraft maintenance techniques in preparation for a final operational deployment exercise known as a Forward Operating Base Exercise (FOBEX). This is when ground and aircrew undertake flying and ground training within a tactical situation, with aircraft and ground personnel operating from a FOBEX, in temperatures dropping as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.
The Commando Helicopter Force has been operating in the Norwegian Artic environment since 1969. Many of the techniques used to operate effectively in the Artic are relevant to other operational conditions including Iraq and Afghanistan, with CHF operating in Iraq since early 2003.
This image won the Navy News Award in the Royal Navys Peregrine Trophy Photographic Competition 2008
The British Army protects the United Kingdom's interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper
Credit: Crown Copyright/MoD
Media ID 15226676
© Crown Copyright
Arctic Helicopter Joint Helicopter Command Sea King Mk4 Snow Survival
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Armed Forces
> Navy
> Asia
> Afghanistan
> Related Images
> Asia
> Iraq
> Related Images
> Europe
> Norway
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Somerset
> Aller
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Somerset
> Ilchester
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Somerset
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Somerset
> Yeovilton
> Services
> Royal Navy
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the extreme conditions faced by the Commando Helicopter Force during their training in 2007. The image showcases a Sea King MK4 helicopter soaring over a breathtaking Norwegian mountain range, as part of navigation training in Arctic conditions. At an altitude of 2,000 feet, the temperature had plummeted to a bone-chilling minus 28 degrees Celsius. On January 16th, five Commando Sea King MK4 helicopters and three Lynx MK7 Attack helicopters arrived at RNoAF Bardufoss, deep within the Arctic Circle. This marked the beginning of Clockwork, a rigorous cold weather and mountain warfare training program for ground personnel and aircrew from RNAS Yeovilton. Commander Mario Caretta led this year's intensive five-week training program aimed at preparing them for an upcoming Forward Operating Base Exercise (FOBEX). The FOBEX would simulate operational deployment in harsh temperatures dropping as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. Operating in the Norwegian Arctic environment since 1969, the Commando Helicopter Force has honed techniques that are applicable not only to similar environments like Iraq and Afghanistan but also other operational conditions worldwide. Their expertise has been crucial during their operations in Iraq since early 2003. This remarkable photograph captured by LA (PHOT) Paul A'Barrow won the prestigious Navy News Award in the Royal Navy's Peregrine Trophy Photographic Competition of 2008. It serves as a testament to both the bravery and skill exhibited by these pilots while enduring such challenging circumstances.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
