Young Royal Navy sailor from Chesterfield to serve on new aircraft carrier

Owen Eyre, 19, will now go on to serve on the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.

He has qualified to become a naval airman after intensive training at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Helston, Cornwall.

Aircraft handlers have a dangerous job working on exposed flight decks in all weathers to manoeuvre aircraft. They also train in rescue and firefighting in case of emergencies.

Naval airman Eyre, a former pupil of Netherthorpe School and student at Chesterfield College, said: “I joined the navy to best life experiences and create a future for myself, including when I eventually move back into civilian life.

“For me, the best part of my training course would be seeing myself develop as a leader and prove to myself that I can conduct myself as a professional.

“My next deployment will be to the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier and I am looking forward to meeting new people and travelling the world.”

A special ceremony was held at the air station on Friday, June 26, where 16 successful students passed into the ranks of the Aircraft Handlers’ Branch to begin their careers on front-line service.

Lieutenant commander Billy Benton, the commanding officer of the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the men and women of this qualifying course who have shown the determination and qualities to become an aircraft handler.”