The task force includes three Merlin Mk2 helicopters and their crews from 820 Naval Air Squadron. Credit: Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy has assigned three helicopters from Culdrose airbase to support the NHS during the Covid-19 crisis.

The task force includes three Merlin Mk2 helicopters and their crews from 820 Naval Air Squadron. The helicopters will be used as ambulances and for transporting supplies and personnel across the South West region.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

As part of the move, the submarine-hunting equipment from the helicopter cabins were removed to accommodate several stretchers, passengers and goods. This will also help the helicopters to fly longer distances.

820 Naval Air Squadron Commanding Officer Commander Chris Knowles said: “This is very different from our ordinary role, but jobs like this are in our DNA. We are helping out the nation and the National Health Service during these testing times, it’s a real moment for everyone to pull together.

“It demands a real team effort for us here at Culdrose in terms of getting the aircraft and the crews ready, getting all the logistical support in place, providing air traffic controllers, meteorological information, so that we can operate 24 hours a day.”

The commander added that precautionary measures are being taken to protect the crew from the infection.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

This is the second time in the last five years that the squadron has been called to support a medical emergency, after it assisted in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa over the winter of 2014-15.

Commander James Hall, in charge of the Maritime Merlin Force, said: “We are very aware that we have an important role to play in supporting the nation at this difficult time; we will make every effort to provide this contribution and make a difference in our region.”