27 April 2009

Fleet Air Arm Museum's Information Officer reunited with Sea Harrier

When John Brooks arrived in for work at the Fleet Air Arm Museum on Monday morning little did he realise that later in the day he would be reunited with one of the Sea Harriers he officially received on behalf of 899 Squadron some twenty eight years earlier.

Based at RNAS Yeovilton, it was John's responsibility to receive all new aircraft from the manufacturers as they were handed over for operational use and Sea Harrier XZ499 was one of many he received in the build up to the Falklands war.

The new Sea Harriers were flown into Yeovilton from the manufacturers British Aerospace in Dunsfold and a new unit called the Sea Harrier Support Unit was formed. On Arrival of the new aircraft, detailed checks had to be carried out to ensure all naval modifications had been fitted before they were entered into service.

John Brooks pursued his career within the Royal Navy spending time with 809 Squadron on HMS Illustrious visiting the Falklands and in 1985 he was transferred to 801 Squadron on HMS Invincible. Meanwhile Sea Harrier XZ499 entered service taking part in the Falklands conflict, and flying within a total of four squadrons before finally being received as one of the principal; exhibits in the new exhibition currently being developed at the Fleet Air Arm Museum to celebrate 100 years of Naval Aviation.

Now working within the Corporate Services team at the Fleet Air Arm Museum John says "I feel strangely proud that in some small way I have been connected with this important aircraft from its first day of service right through to its final resting place here at the museum."

Go to: www.fleetairarm.com for more information