An Inverness woman has followed in her grandfather’s footsteps by completing the tough training needed to serve on the flight deck of Royal Navy warships.
Tiffany-Jo Murray, 27, has now qualified as a naval airman and will go on to serve on the assault ship HMS Albion.
The former Fortrose Academy pupil said: “My grandfather was an aircraft handler and I’ve always wanted to join the Royal Navy. I know my family are very proud and they have been very supportive of me throughout my training.
“I am looking forward now to being an aircraft handler on the frontline.”
Despite the old-fashioned job title, airmen can be both men and women in today’s Royal Navy.
Their job is on the flight deck, helping secure, manoeuvre and manage the ship’s aircraft. Airmen are also trained in firefighting and emergency rescue in case of crashes.
Working on exposed decks at any time of the day and night, and dealing with live aircraft is arguably one of the most dangerous jobs in the navy.
In total, 11 men and women recently completed their training at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, at Helston in west Cornwall.
Friends and family were invited to a special ceremony where they were handed their certificates and naval airmen badges by Commodore David Elford.
It means they officially pass into the Royal Navy’s Aircraft Handlers’ Branch, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.