One hundred and twenty Royal Navy sailors from RNAS Culdrose are preparing to step up and help the community in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

The sailors, from across the Cornish air station, have been busy getting their kit together and making sure their training is up to date. They are on notice to respond as they continue their normal duties – Culdrose continues to provide helicopters and personnel for its defence responsibilities.

Staff at the medical centre have advised the teams on how to correctly put on and take off masks, aprons and gloves to avoid contamination. They have also produced training videos on these safety procedures to avoid unnecessary social contact as they continue their briefings.

These teams are in addition to the air and ground crews of Culdrose’s 820 Naval Air Squadron, which has three of its Merlin Mk2 helicopters on notice to deploy as air ambulances in support of the NHS across the south west.

Commander Martin Barlow, the air station’s executive officer, said: “This is all part of a wider commitment on behalf of the military to support the invaluable work of the NHS as they save lives during the coronavirus pandemic. As an air station, we have taken steps to prepare our personnel to meet any challenge required of them.

“As always, the Royal Navy is ready to respond to whatever is required of us, totally reliable in a time of crisis and utterly committed to everything that we do.”

Meanwhile, 53 sailors from Culdrose’s 1700 Naval Air Squadron, including aircraft handlers, flight deck officers, medical and catering staff, have just left on board RFA Argus for the Caribbean.

They will work alongside their Royal Fleet Auxiliary colleagues and helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton to supply hurricane and coronavirus support to the UK’s overseas territories.