Two Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopters will be arriving in Jersey and Guernsey this weekend in a visit that will see crews undertake training and strengthen existing relationships with the islands’ governments, emergency services and local cadet forces.
One helicopter was due to land on the rugby pitch at Grainville School this morning, with the other due at the Port Soif playing field in Guernsey before later departing to Sark and Little Sark.
In Jersey, there will also be an opportunity for troop training for the Jersey Field Squadron.
The helicopters, which will be here until Sunday, are from 846 Naval Air Squadron.
Historically an amphibious assault squadron, it has provided battlefield support across the globe, including operations in the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is affiliated with Elizabeth College in Guernsey and Victoria College in Jersey.
Channel Islands emergency planning officer Kevin Murphy described the visit as a “great training opportunity for the aircraft crews”.
“We’re keen to stress guidance for pet and livestock owners, who live near the vicinity of Grainville due to the noise the helicopters can create,” he added.
“We are grateful to pet and livestock owners in the area for their understanding while this important training takes place.”