Father of three was valued in the forces

TRIBUTES have been paid to a Somerset sailor, described by colleagues as “an incredibly valued member of the squadron family,” following his sudden death while on duty.

Father-of-three Daniel Cussans, 44, lived a stone’s throw from RNAS Yeovilton airfield where he was based, in the village of Yeovilton.

He joined the Royal Navy in 2008, initially as part of the warfare branch at the age of 29 but his career aspirations shifted to becoming an Air Engineer and he quickly qualified on the Sea King Mk4 in 2010.

Serving on all three Commando Sea King Squadrons (845, 846 and 848) Dan was identified as being an exceptional engineer and was rapidly promoted to Leading Hand in 2013, following his qualifying course.

He qualified as a Landing Point Commander enabling him to run a team of individuals providing secure locations for aircraft. In 2018 he was assigned to an annual exercise supporting Joint Helicopter Command training, 200 miles inside the Arctic Circle.

He was promoted to Petty Officer in 2020 and returned to Squadron 846 as an avionics trade supervisor on the Merlin Mk4 helicopter.

An avid motorbike rider, Dan was a member of the Royal Navy Motorcycle Club. When not spending time on his bike, he could be found in the gym weightlifting or pounding the streets on a run.

A spokesperson for Daniel Cussans’ family said: “Dan was larger than life in both physical presence and character.

“He was fun, compassionate, determined and unique. Dan was a devoted, caring husband and father to his three children and the best son, brother and friend you could wish for.

“Dan was always true to himself and followed his dreams. He inspired us, supported us, and made us laugh; we will always treasure our memories together. Dan touched the lives of so many, and it is our greatest privilege to have known him. Dan, you will be eternally missed and forever in our hearts.”

Cdr Richard Bartram, Commanding Officer, 846 Naval Air Squadron, said: “Dan was an incredibly valued member of the squadron family. Whether it was fixing helicopters, renovating houses or taking apart and putting back together car engines, it is fair to say that Dan had an enviable ability to turn his hand to anything he set his mind to. However, this does not paint the full picture of Dan.

“There are countless examples of his kindness and positivity, of the time and care he invested in others both and of how he genuinely influenced lives for the better. He was a very special person and I know I speak for the entire squadron when I say that he will be missed very much.”