Thousands flock to naval air day

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Thousands flock to naval air day

More than 40,000 people visited the annual air day at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, organisers say.

The Duke of York was among the visitors to the air day - which also marked the 100th anniversary of the Fleet Air Arm.

A display by the Red Arrows was abandoned after a couple of minutes because of the low cloud.

"When you are a few feet apart - you cannot afford to take risks with that kind of thing," Rear Admiral Simon Charlier said.

'Great pals'

Falklands War veteran David Morgan, who flew Harriers out of Yeovilton, was among the crowd. He said much had changed over the past 25 years.

"I now have lots of friends in Argentina including one that watched me shoot down two of his wing men - we're great pals now."

Visitors to the air day were treated to about 100 static ground displays and hours of aerial activity.

RNAS Yeovilton is home to Royal Navy (RN) Lynx Helicopters and RN Commando Helicopter Force.

The base operates more than 100 aircraft in four different categories and is staffed by around 1,675 service and 2,000 civilian personnel including MoD employees and permanent contractors.