Twelve naval aviators are ready to fly Commandos into combat wherever they’re needed in the world after earning their wings during a gruelling week-long test.

Commando Helicopter Force must be able to carry out sorties anywhere across the globe, providing critical aerial support to the Royal Marines as they operate in extreme environments – from the Arctic to desert and jungle.

To ensure they are ready for their daring missions, students, instructors, engineers and survival equipment specialists from 846 Naval Air Squadron deployed to Okehampton battle camp, on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, for an intense week of rapid planning and real-time tasking with three Merlin Mk4 helicopters.

The squadron specialises in training pilots and aircrew for the front line and, for some of Commando 4 Operational Conversion Flight course, this final test comes at the end of more than seven years of flying training. 

Exercise Merlin Storm puts students into a melting pot of relentless operational sorties, testing their skill, determination and cunning as they navigate ever-changing scenarios.

Not only that, but they are personally put through the wringer, living out of rudimentary accommodation in the form of two tents atop a hill battered with near gale-force winds – having to establish a forward operating base from scratch themselves.

Lieutenant Commander Tom Morris, 846’s Warfare Officer, said: “Sometimes you’ll find yourself briefing off scribbles on the back of a cigarette packet after plan A, B and C have fallen apart. As Junglie pilots and aircrew, it is paramount to know no plan survives first contact and oftentimes some infamous Junglie cunning must be applied in order to make a sound plan and achieve the task at hand.”