Young people in Long Eaton Air Cadets and Sea Cadets met six squadron members from 814 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) when they visited Erewash recently.
It was the first visit to the borough since Erewash Borough Council became affiliated to the squadron, which is based at the Royal Navy Air Station at Culdrose in Cornwall.
The NAS representatives were welcomed over two days to give local cadets an insight into military life. A further visit to the borough to meet Ilkeston cadets will be arranged shortly, while the council plans to forge further civic links and visits with the squadron.
814 NAS is a front-line anti-submarine squadron operating Merlin Mk2 helicopters from frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers. The squadron – known as the ‘Flying Tigers’ – primarily protects the naval fleet from surface and underwater threats but also supports maritime security operations and helps in search-and-rescue missions.
Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: “Our affiliation to the Flying Tigers is a great honour and a demonstration of our long standing support for the armed forces community. We are delighted this visit was organised, giving our air and sea cadets a great opportunity to find out more about military life from squadron members that have a direct link to Erewash. We look forward to further strengthening our ties, including hosting more visits to our borough.”
The council confirmed its affiliation to 814 (NAS) towards the end of 2019, but arranging the first link-up was delayed due to the onset of the covid pandemic.