A man with family roots in Cornwall has taken over as commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose-based 824 Squadron.
Commander Nick Gibbons is a helicopter tactical maritime observer. He joined the Royal Navy in 1988 and has spent the majority of his career flying with Culdrose-based squadrons.
Having recently completed staff appointments in Portsmouth and a period deployed in support of Middle East maritime operations, Commander Gibbons is taking over at the Merlin helicopter training squadron.
He is doing so at a time when the Merlin helicopter is undergoing a significant mid-life upgrade and is looking forward to the challenge of bringing in this new capability.
He said: "I am proud to be taking command of 824 Squadron at such a key time. The Merlin Mark 1 provides us with an excellent capability, but time is marching on and we are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of the Merlin Mark 2."
He added: "824 Squadron will be key in ensuring that all aircrew and engineers, whether they are converting from Merlin Mark 1, or new staff completing training, become proficient in the operation and maintenance of the Mark 2 aircraft."
Commander Gibbons's grandparents lived in the Porthleven area and he has relatives on St Agnes, Isles of Scilly.
His son attends a local school and he said he and his family were delighted to be back in Cornwall, where they played a full part in community life.
