The HMS Seahawk Field Gun Crew have been crowned as champions after lifting the coveted Brickwood’s Trophy for the second time in two years.

The crew from RNAS Culdrose crossed the line first in a closely fought final with field gun crews from across defence at HMS Collingwood on Saturday, July 1.

Number one trainer Chief Petty Officer Luke Retallack reflected on their victory and said: “We are now back-to-back champions. That’s something Seahawk has never achieved in the history of the competition.”

Falmouth Packet: RNAS Culdrose pipped RNAS Yeovilton by just over a third of a second RNAS Culdrose pipped RNAS Yeovilton by just over a third of a second (Image: Keith Woodland)

The RNRMC Field Gun Competition is a true test of dedication, strength and teamwork as the 18-strong crew fire, manoeuvre and reassemble their field gun and limber at break-neck speeds.

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HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose), pipped sister air station HMS Heron (RNAS Yeovilton) by just over a third of a second - the final running times were Seahawk 1:19.12 and Heron 1:19.47.

“Any field gun run is always hard, you can go up as a good crew but, once you get into the final, one little mistake can cost you,” said CPO Retallack. “Last year we won by half the length of a gun. This year was half a wheel length.

Falmouth Packet: The team working together The team working together (Image: Keith Woodland)

“We had phenomenal support from back home with many people making the trip up. The support from the families was fantastic and meant so much and the crowd was immense.”

CPO Retallack adds: “None of this could have been achieved without the extremely hard work and dedication of all 29 crew members including support staff, spare numbers, judges, and timekeepers. 

“This year we had six newbies to the crew, and they did exceptionally well to deal with the pressure.

Falmouth Packet: An incredible achievement An incredible achievement (Image: Keith Woodland)

“The whole experience is like a rollercoaster, not only physically but mentally as well. It’s hard to have a perfect field gun run. There’s always something that can go wrong. We had a slightly stuck wheel and a dropped pin but, the depth of experience within the crew combined with the determination and understanding of what we were capable of achieving made the difference. 

“Every member of the crew was totally focused, and we had belief in ourselves.”

It was also a special moment for Lieutenant Dave Robson, this year’s field gun officer. He won the competition as a crew runner in 1993 and has now lifted the trophy again 30 years later.

Falmouth Packet: The crew celebrate winning the trophy for a second year The crew celebrate winning the trophy for a second year (Image: Keith Woodland)

He thanked the crew’s sponsors Avanti Communications, Hot Draw UK, ShredRope, Cockpit Coffee, Hooky’s Bar, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity for their continued support.