Two NHIndustries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) from 860 Squadron, Royal Netherlands Navy deployed to Royal Navy Air Station Yeovilton, Somerset during the first three weeks of October. The amphibious mission training exercise was conducted in preparation to take on the mission from 300 Squadron’s AS.532U2 Cougar Mk2s.
The pair, deployed from Naval Air Station De Kooy near Den Helder, were joined by around 75 personnel, comprising four aircrews plus logistical and engineering support. The rotary wing duo flew primarily in and around the Dartmoor training area performing Mission Qualification Training for co-pilots, Tactical Qualification for Pilots in Command (PIC), and Section Lead Qualification for PIC in the amphibious mission.
Exercise Guardian Defender involved many multi-ship training missions and co-operation with Yeovilton-based Leonardo Wildcat AH1s and Merlin HC4s from 847 and 845 squadrons, respectively. In addition, 860 Sqn worked with 48th Fighter Wing Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles which provided top cover and close air support during several scenarios.
An example of these units working together was taking on an Electronic Warfare (EW) Node. A Dutch Korps Mariniers (Marine Corps) Ground Commander devised a pl…
