Cornwall's navy sailors to join 'strike operation'

The Royal Navy has announced it is deploying 260 men and women from an airbase in Cornwall to East Asia for a strike operation.

Sailors from RNAS Culdrose will join the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales later this spring, and are not expected to return until the end of the year.

The navy said the aim was to work with allies around the world and strengthen the UK's relationship with them.

Cdr Al Woodward, of 820 Naval Air Squadron, said he had waited "his entire career" for this moment.

"Firstly, it's a hugely important day for me as I've taken command of the squadron this morning," he said.

"It's something I've waited my entire career for and I've been preparing myself and get back into flying to join the squadron here ahead of our deployment."

Cdr Woodward, who has lived in Cornwall since 2008, added: "There's the slight nervousness and anxiety because we're know we're away from home and loved ones for a significant time.

"But there's a huge buzz across the whole air station at the moment because a huge amount of work has gone into this deployment.

"We're excited to embark and join HMS Prince of Wales, to do the things we've trained to do for many years."

Lt Will Blunt, an observer for 820 Naval Air Squadron, said he is excited: "Trips like these come along every five years, and it's why I joined the Royal Navy.

"Professionally there will be lots of challenges, but there are rewards as well, like working and visiting foreign nations.

"Everyone's a little nervous because it was a long time to be away from family, where you grew up and what you know.

"But the apprehension pales in comparison to how excited we all are."

Taylor Kiltie, an aircraft engineer, joined the Navy in 2023 at the age of 16: "I was fresh out of school, just having finished my GCSE exams and went straight into the navy.

"Eventually I made it here and took my qualifying exam last year, and now I'm getting ready for a big deployment.

"I've been thinking a lot about it especially as the deadline was approaching, and it is scary but I'm willing to partake in whatever comes my way."

Despite his nerves, the 18 year old will be making the trip with a familiar face.

"My dad is going to be on the trip with me and will be alongside me, which will be comforting," he said.

"My mum and younger siblings are a bit on edge about it but they support us through and through because this is what we're meant to be doing."

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