Visit to HMS Gannet
Cadets from 449 Lanark Sqn Air cadets recently enjoyed a trip to HMS Gannet, which is located at Prestwick airport in the west of Scotland. The base provides 24 hour search and rescue cover for Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland.
On arrival the Cadets were given a tour of the facility where they were free to ask questions and soon discovered that the base covered an area of approximately 81,000 square miles and carried out a number of tasks including Air sea rescue, mountain rescue, air lift as well as military Search and rescue. The cadets were surprised to learn the diversity of operation that the crews had been on and realised that no two days are the same for the crew members.
Once the tour was completed the cadets got a little time to relax before being surprised to find out that their trip would end with a flight in one of the three Sea King MK5’s helicopters based there.
Once all the formalities had been completed and the cadets were strapped in they were treated to a 20 minute flight along the Ayrshire coast. This flight was the first helicopter flight for most of the cadets and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
The cadets had a great time and would like to pass their thanks to all involved.