Prince Charles at Culdrose

Prince Charles takes to the wing in a Sea King

Prince Charles takes to the air at the Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose near Helston on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall. Aka HMS Seahawk, RNAS Culdrose is the largest military helicopter operating-base in Europe using Sea King and Merlin helicopters. It is also the home to the Royal Navy’s search and rescue teams. Prince Charles takes to the wing in a Sea King in front of the throngs of people gathered for the annual Culdrose Air Day held at the end of July.

In 1970, a £3.5 million rebuilding programme regenerated the airfield culminating in the opening of the Duke of Cornwall building in May 1972. In 1975, Prince Charles was stationed RNAS Culdrose having completed his training at RNAS Yeovilton. From 1971 to 1976 Prince Charles served with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.