Navy deserves big role in celebrations

HM Forces will play a major part in Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Fleet reviews may be history but there should always be ‘sea room’ for the Royal Navy at state events.

The RAF, which operates 75% of British military aircraft, closes the Queen’s Birthday Parade with a fly-past.

It is surely right for Fleet Air Arm aircraft, with Army Air Corps colleagues, comprising a very front-line 25%, to take part in flypasts, both along The Mall and at Armed Forces Day (Scarborough the national host this year).

The Fleet Air Arm and Royal Marines make it obvious that the Royal Navy is about more than ships and submarines.

Rear Admiral Jeremy Larken DSO, Captain Malcolm Farrow, Captain Colin Hamilton, Captain Gordon Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel Ewen Southby-tailyour, Commander Michael Bates, Commander Nigel Chilcott, Lieutenant Colonel Ian Berchem, Lieutenant Commander (SCC), Ivor Feist, Lieutenant Commander Lester May, Michael Shuttleworth (Royal Marines/fleet Air Arm pilot)