Royal Navy sailor earns his ‘wings’

A Royal Navy sailor from Sleaford has earned his ‘wings’ after four years of study and will now serve with the UK’s new aircraft carriers.
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A Royal Navy sailor from Sleaford has earned his ‘wings’ after four years of study and will now serve with the UK’s new aircraft carriers.

Lt William Tupholme, 27, has completed his training to become a helicopter observer – a position that combines the roles of mission commander and weapons officer.

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It means he will fly as part of the four-strong aircrew team on the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 helicopters, used for hunting submarines or identifying possible threats on the sea and in the air.

Having qualified for frontline service, he will now join the navy’s 820 Naval Air Squadron, the helicopter force dedicated to protecting the UK’s new carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales.

He said: “It was an absolute relief to finally finish training after four years. I joined the Royal Navy because I have always had a sense of adventure. I believe the navy provides me with such a varied career with so many opportunities, if you are willing to challenge yourself. Also, you meet and work with fantastic people across the world.”

Lt William Tupholme is pictured with Commander James Taylor, of 824 Naval Air Squadron, during a low-key socially distanced ceremony, held in one of the hangars at RNAS Culdrose for six students who have all completed their training. Picture: Royal Navy.