Meet the admiral who flies himself to work, writes Peter Elson
REAR Admiral SImon Charlier, the Fleet’s Chief of Staff (Aviation), is a hands-on boss.
He flew himself on to HMS Illustrious and told the Daily Post the fly-past needed the highest skills.
“The Balbo formation is far more spectacular than a stream of planes going by.
“You have helicopters flying at 90 knots and also Harriers going at 420 knots with all else between. So they must take off at staggered times to arrive at once in formation over Illustrious at 14.00.
“It will be a phenomenal event to witness in sight and sound.”
He also said Cammell Laird’s will get work on the Navy’s two new carriers.
One of these, Prince of Wales, will be affiliated to Liverpool.
While, in Liverpool, Rear Admiral Charlier will see his mother Mary, and sister, Ruth Rawlings, a teacher, who both live in West Kirby.
