RNAS Culdrose
RNAS Culdrose is a significant base for the Royal Navy's maritime Merlins. As one of Europe's largest helicopter bases, it employs 3,000 people and is a major contributor to Cornwall's economy, injecting £100m annually.
Role of the base
Commanded by Captain James Hall RN, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is the home base for the Merlin Helicopter Force, the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. It is also a major training establishment for the Fleet Air Arm.
Training school
New Merlin Mk2 aircrew and engineers are trained at 824 Naval Air Squadron before joining one of the frontline squadrons of Merlin Helicopter Force. The air station also includes a substantial Air Engineering Training School which includes the Survival Equipment Section.
RNAS Culdrose also has the Royal Naval School Of Flight Deck Operations, the centre where all aircraft handlers receive their training. From naval airmen to flight deck officers, aircraft handlers operate the flight decks of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers as well as support ships.
Base sports facilities
We have several fitness suites including:
- Cardiovascular (CV) centre
- Strength and conditioning room
- CrossFit area
- Spinning suite
- Private fitness suites
The centre also offers a 24 hour CV suite and weights room.
Our main indoor gymnasium at RNAS Culdrose can facilitate a range of indoor sports and activities, including:
- Five-a-side football
- Basketball
- Volleyball
- Hockey
- Cricket
A state-of-the-art climbing wall is also available.
Our boxing gym has a smaller scale ring which is suitable for training. Numerous bags are also fixed to the walls, while a ready to use store equipped with gloves and head guards is also provided.
We're equipped with two indoor squash courts, both of which have spectator facilities ideal for coaching, viewing competitions or watching your crewmates.
A range of outdoor areas for sport and recreation are available at Seahawk, including:
- Three football pitches
- One 3G football or hockey pitch
- Two tennis courts
A multi use games area (MUGA) is also available, which can be used for an extensive range of activities, team sports and training sessions.