The Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral at RNAS Culdrose

The Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin praised Lieutenant Commander Alastair ‘Bouncy’ Castle and Lieutenant Commander Ian ‘Nursey’ Mailes, who have retired from the Royal Navy.

Admiral Radamin and Lt Cdr Castle had severed together in 1990 as lieutenants on their first ship, the Falkland Islands Guard Ship HMS Leeds Castle, and have remained good friends ever since.

Admiral Radakin and Lt Cdr Castle had served together in 1990 as lieutenants on their first ship, the Falkland Islands Guard Ship HMS Leeds Castle, and have remained good friends ever since (Image: Royal Navy) Lt Cdr Castle then trained as a pilot in Sea King and Merlin helicopters and has spent most of his career at the base in Cornwall. One career highlight was taking part in the handover of Hong Kong in 1997.

He has served on both 820 and 814 Naval Air Squadrons, and most recently as an instructor with 824 Naval Air Squadron.

Lt Cdr Castle, described as one ‘of the nicest people in NATO’ by Culdrose personnel, said he chose his 36-year career to stay in flying roles.

“I am going to miss being in the Navy and flying,” he said. “I will enjoy it as much as when I started.

Lt Cdr Castle pictured on his final flight over the iconic St Michael's Mount (Image: Royal Navy) Lt Cdr Mailes – known as ‘Nursey’ because he qualified as a nurse before joining up served as a helicopter observer in Sea King and Merlin aircraft, based mainly out of RNAS Culdrose.

“I’ve just been very fortunate to have that length of service and on two occasions, very lucky to still be here,” said Lt Cdr Mailes.

“It was just over 30 years ago that I was involved in a helicopter crash. The aircrewman, Leading Aircrew Jim Scott, who was next to me, didn’t survive.

Admiral Radakin and Lieutenant Commander Ian ‘Nursey’ Mailes (Image: Royal Navy) Lt Cdr Mailes has served on several Fleet Air Arm squadrons over the last 34 years and admitted his favourite was The Flying Tigers. He added: “814 Naval Air Squadron became my main frontline squadron, eventually I served three tours on there, the last in 2016. I was even a temporary senior observer in 2006.

"I’m a proud Tiger!”