Royal Navy forced to cancel Cornwall air show due to lack of personnel
THE Royal Navy is so overstretched that it has had to cancel its biggest air show.
The Royal Navy has cancelled their annual Air Day due to lack of personnel
Around 80 per cent of the aircraft and personnel at the Culdrose base in Cornwall are already taking part in operations or at a high level of readiness to deploy around the world.
The Royal Naval Air Station’s annual Air Day is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to see what goes on behind the scenes at the base near Helston. However, commanding officer Captain Dan Stembridge said it simply wasn’t possible this year.
“We have had to make the regrettable decision to not hold an Air Day this year in order to focus our resources on delivering our primary roles – to protect the strategic nuclear deterrent, support counter terrorism and be ready to defend the Royal Navy’s carrier task groups,” he said.
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Captain Stembridge said delivering the “high operational tempo,” protecting Royal Navy ships and submarines above, on and below the waves, took much training, planning and effort.
We appreciate that many will be disappointed, however operations must come first
RNAS Culdrose Air Day is one of three military air shows staged in the UK which draw a huge number of visitors to witness aerial acrobatics and see military hardware and staff.
An airshow is also held by the RAF at their Cosford base in Shropshire, while the other Royal Navy air show is at Yeovilton, which this year will open its doors on July 8.
A spokeswoman for RNAS Culdrose said that in future years, one possibility being considered was to combine the Yeovilton and Culdrose Air Days to create one South West Fleet Air Arm event.
Around 80 per cent of the Culdrose personnel are currently deployed or stationed elsewhere
RNAS Culdrose is playing a vital role on board the new Royal Navy flagship the Queen Elizabeth and Captain Stembridge said personnel need to be ready for this significant event.
He said: “HMS Queen Elizabeth, the nation’s new flagship, will sail into Portsmouth harbour this year.
“The carriers are the most powerful ships ever built by the UK and will have a lifespan of 50 years.
The staff need to be present at the launch of HMS Elizabeth, the UK's new aircraft carrier
“They will be capable of high-intensity fighting and global counter terrorism through to defence engagement, disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
“It is essential that RNAS Culdrose is fully prepared to support the aircraft carriers when they deploy with trained personnel and aircraft.
“Indeed one of my squadrons will provide the very first aircraft to land on her deck. This significant milestone will be a proud moment in history for Culdrose, Helston and the county of Cornwall.”
The base commander indicated that the cancellation was a difficult but necessary decision to make
He said the decision to cancel the Air Day was difficult because everyone was keen to build bridges with local people but insisted that defence of the realm must come first.
He said: “The Air Day decision has involved much deliberation and we appreciate that many will be disappointed, however operations must come first.
“There is a lot of work to be done to deliver air power from our nation’s new carriers and we must be ready.”