Fly Navy Heritage links together the Fleet Air Arm Museum, the Swordfish Heritage Trust and St.Bartholemews, the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Church.
The launch of this federation took place before what was possibly one of the largest gathering of members of the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association since the Grand Reunion at HMS Daedalus on 1st September 1995 which was to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of VE and VJ Days at which HRH The Duke of York was present.
FAAOA members (including FAA Squadron members) arrived in aircraft or car by 1130 and assembled in the Swordfish Room for coffee and biscuits. The proceedings were opened by a welcoming address from Rear Admiral Scott Lidbetter (FOMA).
Graham Mottram, the Director of the Fleet Air Arm Museum then gave an intro-duction to the theme of the day - 'The Aircraft Carrier and its Aircraft - Past, Present and Future'. He took us through a history of the Fleet Air Arm from the earliest days, through the present fundamental changes to "jointery" with the other two services and on to the future which is built around the two new large carriers equipped with the Joint Strike Fighter. Graham exhorted us all to support in every way we can the future of this vital arm of the Service. It is to be hoped that the politicians will follow through on their promises and start laying the keels without delay to maintain the proud heritage of 1000 years of naval tradition and protection for this country.
Lunch and general chat followed, - it is always a delight to meet up with contemporaries whom one has not met - in some cases for nearly fifty years. Is it not amazing how YOUNG Admirals seem to be these days compared to a youthful era as Midshipmen quaking in their shoes when in the presence of the likes of Admiral Sir Caspar John or Admiral St.Vincent Sherbrooke VC ?
After lunch the assembly was split into Naval Parties One and Two - the better to be conveyed by coaches to the other day's events, without congestion.
We arrived at the Historic Flight hangar where Bryan Shaw entertained us and intro- duced the new Historic Flight Swordfish pilots (who are much to be envied !)
This was followed by a visit to St.Bartholemews our FAA Memorial Church. The little cemetery is well worth a visit to see the many naval gravestones in the peaceful pastoral surroundings.
On next to the Royal Navy Presentation Team who brought us up to date on what is happening in the Fleet Air Arm today and the effects of "jointery" with the RAF and the Army, and the phasing out of the only Fleet fighter protection for a period of six years.
It was interesting to hear WHY the Sea Harriers will be phased out with regard to the engines and airframe limitations (not to mention age as well). Interesting to hear too about the future configuration of the Harrier GR9 which with all the upgrades will be a highly efficient and almost new aeroplane and the young naval pilots flying it towards the end of this decade are much to be envied.
However it is still very worrying about how the Fleet is to be protected without the Sea Harrier FA2 with its excellent radar and AMRAAM radar controlled missiles, not to mention the lack of long range Airborne Early Warning.
It is earnestly hoped that a lot of careful thought will go into the planning of how to fill this gap in our defences - after all six years was the length of World War II !
The Treasury really must be reminded of our un-preparedness before the last war and not to let it happen again, by false economies. The British tax payer has the right to expect efficient and well equipped forces for the Defence of the Realm.

Report and pictures by Ron Dobree-Carey.

The views expressed in the above report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Fleet Air Arm Squadron or of the Fleet Air Arm or of the Royal Navy generally.