The Leonardo Armed Forces Network Group members joined representatives from the NavyWings charity, which we are proud to support, to reflect on Victory in Europe Day.
Based at RNAS Yeovilton, one of the UK’s busiest Fleet Air Arm bases, The Fly Navy Heritage Trust is the charity behind NavyWings, which works to preserve Britain’s extraordinary naval aviation heritage. Amongst the aircraft kept and maintained at NavyWings are the Swordfish, Seafire, Wasp, Sea Fury and Sea Hawk. The Westland Wasp is a heritage product of Leonardo, and was a first-generation jet engine helicopter built specifically for the Royal Navy, based on an original concept of a light utility helicopter for the British Army, the Scout AH1, first introduced into service in 1964.
Leonardo Programme Manager Michael Schunke, who is a veteran and leads the Leonardo Armed Forces Network Group in Yeovil commented, “A lot of people who work at our Yeovil site are ex-military. There is often an unspoken bond of trust between former members of the Armed Forces, as you have an instinctive understanding of each other’s experiences and mind-sets. I left the Royal Navy about ten years ago, so I’ve been a civilian longer than I’ve served in the military and for me it is about supporting others in making the transition into industry and helping them to navigate what I experienced a decade ago so they can fulfil their full potential at Leonardo.
“We have developed a specific support mechanism for veterans being inducted into the company, as it can sometimes be a shock to the system transitioning out of a long military career. Sometimes it is as simple as having a chat, or helping colleagues navigate company processes and IT systems, right through to days like today which highlight the importance of the military in protecting our freedoms in a world full of uncertainty.”
Several of the Leonardo delegation formerly worked at RNAS Yeovilton during their military careers, so it was a chance for them to reconnect with former colleagues at the naval air station. They also had the opportunity to learn how the NavyWings pilots and engineers maintain and operate Royal Navy historic aircraft based at RNAS Yeovilton, which are often used in air displays, by film and TV crews for historical dramas and documentaries.
Michael added, “Right now I’m working on the next generation of advanced, uncrewed rotor-craft and you can see how much we owe to the evolution of historical aviation designs that NavyWings protects and celebrates. Thinking about VE Day really brings to the front of your mind how important it is to continue to retain valuable technical skills, whilst also pushing the boundaries to innovate with new technologies that will provide our military with the best capability right when they need it the most.”