HRH The Princess Royal visits HM Coastguard Training Centre

by Samantha Sinclair / MCA on 15 Jul 2017 HRH The Princess Royal visited HM Coastguard’s search and rescue helicopter base at Lee-on-Solent and HMCG technical training centre at Daedalus yesterday to mark 100 years of flying at the site. Her Royal Highness was welcomed to the helicopter base by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Lindsay Fox and taken on a tour of the base by Richard Parkes, Director of Maritime Operations for the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

During her 40 minute visit, the Princess Royal was introduced to the Chief Pilot and duty aircrew on shift before touring the new AW189 helicopters to learn about the helicopters’ capabilities and ground-breaking technology, which are designed to undertake long-range, high endurance search and rescue missions in demanding operational and environmental conditions.

Her Royal Highness then had the opportunity to watch a cliff rescue class at the Daedalus multi-purpose training centre - where the Coastguard Rescue Teams are technically trained for mud, water, cliff, and rope rescues. Later in the day, the Princess Royal presented Coastguard volunteer of 46 years, Mike Saunders with the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award at the Innovation Centre in Fareham. During his extensive time with HM Coastguard, Mike has responded to around 3,000 incidents and saved numerous lives.

Mike said of receiving his award: ‘I am delighted and extremely proud to receive this award. I consider it a great honour to be recognised for my work with the Coastguard Rescue Service. I wear the uniform with pride and I feel privileged that my work in this area makes a difference. I receive this award on behalf of my loyal wife Eileen and my two daughters Rachael and Katrina, my team, colleagues and all volunteers who give so much to make the Coastguard Rescue Service such a success.’

Speaking after the event, Richard Parkes, Director of Maritime Operations said: ‘We were delighted to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the Lee-on-Solent Coastguard helicopter base and HM Coastguard's Daedalus Training Centre. This was a brilliant opportunity for our helicopter crews and Coastguard Rescue Teams to showcase their dedication and skill, affirming that Her Majesty's Coastguard, recognised as one of the best in the world, continues to deliver a remarkable search and rescue service.

‘A perfect example of this remarkable dedication was the presentation of the 'Volunteer of the Year' award to Mike Saunders. With 46 years of service under his belt with Southampton Coastguard Rescue Team, he is an inspiration to everyone at HM Coastguard, working tireless to help protect the lives of many members of the public and to uphold the high professional standard for which Her Majesty's Coastguard is recognised. This award is extremely well deserved and we are very lucky to have Mike serving with us.'