Defence Online

Exercise Barbary Commando 16 flies into Gibraltar

Air September 1, 2016

On 18th August the Royal Marines’ flying wing took part in Exercise Barbary Commando 16, training students from the Operational Conversion Flight to complete one of the final elements they need to become qualified Commando Merlin pilots and aircrew.

Pilots, aircrew and engineers left their base at RNAS Yeovilton for a day-long journey to Gibraltar via France, Spain and Portugal with two of the green Merlin Mk3 helicopters of 846 Naval Air Squadron (NAS).

While in Gibraltar, the Junglie squadron also teamed up with the Gibraltar Boat Squadron for some winching training.

HMS Scimitar, her sister ship Sabre and three Pacific Rigid Inflatable Boats crewed by Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Naval Reserve personnel together make up the Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron. They are tasked with protecting the seas surrounding Gibraltar and supporting exercises and operations in the area.

Detachment Commander Lieutenant Commander Alex Hampson said: “This has been yet another first for the Commando Merlin. We have proved the utility of range and speed available with Merlin by deploying at short notice to an airfield over 1400 flying miles away with just two stops for fuel in a single day.”

Image: © Crown Copyright

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846 Naval Air Squadron Exercise Barbary Commando 16 Gibraltar HMS Scimitar Merlin Mk3 helicopters MOD RNAS Yeovilton Royal Marines Royal Naval Reserve Royal Navy Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron UK

Post written by: Julie Shennan

Features Editor of MOD DCB Magazine and MOD DSS Yearbook. Content Marketing Executive at BiP Solutions (Defence Online's sister company). Editor and founder of Artsnfaffs Online Magazine.