The Christmas season is here! After seven months of being at sea, helicopter crews return to their families. One even proposes!

  • Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group Members returned home to an open welcome at RNAS Yeovilton
  • Soapy Watson, an air engineer technician, proposed to Erica Clayton shortly after landing. 
  • HMS Queen Elizabeth is the Task Group’s leader. The Task Group supports and conducts exercises with partners nations.
  • RNAS Culdrose was also packed with hundreds to celebrate the CSG-21 820 Naval Air Squadron’s Return. 

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The Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group received a hero’s welcome to the UK at Christmas, seven months after their departure. One of them proposed.

RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset was filled with emotion as the three returned Merlin MK4s, two Wildcats, and the two additional Merlin MK4s, arrived back together.

Soapy, an engineer in the air, proposed to Erica Clayton shortly after his arrival. 

Air engineering technician Soapy Watson got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend Erica Clayton, who said yes

Soapy, an engineer in the air industry, proposed to Erica Clayton. Erica accepted.

Air engineering technician Soapy Watson proposed to his girlfriend as members of the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group were given a heroes welcome back to the UK in time for Christmas after seven months away

Soapy Watson, an engineer in air technology, proposed to Soapy. Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group members received a hero’s welcome back to the UK right before Christmas.

RNAS Culdrose hosted hundreds of people for CSG 21-820 Naval Air Squadron’s return. The squadron members had been in deployment to the Far East, Indo/Pacific area since May.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is the Task Group’s leader. The Task Group supports and executes exercises with partners nations.

Operations have been conducted in the UK, Mediterranean and South China Seas, as well as the Pacific.

CSG 21 Elements are making their Christmas return to South Coast Royal Naval Base Ports or Fleet Air Arm Air Stations.

RNAS Culdrose saw around 200 families arrive today in support of the 7 helicopters.

The happy couple hug at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, after the three returning Merlin MK4s that were on the deployment, plus two other Merlin MK4s and two Wildcats arrived back in formation

The happy couple hug at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, after the three returning Merlin MK4s that were on the deployment, plus two other Merlin MK4s and two Wildcats arrived back in formation

Senior pilot Ben Curley is welcomed home by his son seven year old son Jacques and his wife. He arrived back after seven months at sea

Ben Curley, a retired pilot and pilot, was welcomed home by his 7-year-old son Jacques (and his wife). He arrived back after seven months at sea

Daniel Bassett is welcomed home by his wife Abigail and their children Felicity and Selina. The task group have carried out operations around the UK, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, South China Sea and the Pacific

His wife Abigail, and their two children Felicity and Selina welcome Daniel Bassett home. Operations were carried out by the task team in various locations around the UK and Pacific, including the Indian Ocean, South China Sea, South China Sea, and the Pacific.

Leftenant Emma Turner embraces her boyfriend Jack during emotional scenes at RNAS Culdrose, in Cornwall, as service personnel were given heroes welcomes home

Emma Turner, leftenant, embraces Jack in the heartwarming scenes at RNASCuldrose (Cornwall), as heroes were welcomed home by service personnel

Sophie Meter and her son Ian aged two, welcome back Ian's Dad at RNAS Culdrose. The crew was welcomed home in time for Christmas

Sophie Meter, aged 2, and Ian Meter, her 2-year-old son, are back at RNAS Culdrose to welcome Ian’s father. Crew members were received home just in time for Christmas

Hundreds of people also gathered at RNAS Culdrose for the return of CSG 21 820 Naval Air Squadron whose members have been deployed to the Far East and Indo/Pacific region since May

RNAS Culdrose also hosted hundreds of people for CSG 21-820 Naval Air Squadron’s return. The squadron has been in deployment to the Far East, Indo/Pacific area since May. 

Before the squadron disembarked, it flew in formation and landed before they were reunited with their loved ones.

RNAS Yeovilton had additional helicopters that allowed the entire 845 NAS personnel to be retrieved in one operation.

Crews exited helicopters once engines were shut off. The barriers then opened for family members to cross the bridge to see the crews.

845 Naval Air Squadron, a Royal Navy squadron, is part of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.

It is part of the Commando Helicopter Force and is a specialist amphibious group operating the AgustaWestland Commando Merlin HC4 helicopter. They also provide troop transport support and load lifting support for 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.   

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