Royal Air Force Chinook crews and support personnel embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth (QNLZ) to undertake Exercise Hathi Pol, a key maritime aviation training activity that sustains critical operational capability for future global missions.
Led by 27 Squadron, with support from personnel from 7 Squadron, the exercise saw two RAF Chinook helicopters and 80 personnel operating from the Royal Navy's flagship in the Western Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic region.
The training focused on delivering Deck Landing Qualification (DLQ) and Embarked Aviation Qualification (EAQ) training, enabling aircrew to gain or revalidate the specialist qualifications required to operate safely and effectively from maritime platforms.
The exercise provided valuable opportunities for engineers and support personnel to develop and maintain the unique skills needed to sustain aviation operations at sea, strengthening the RAF's ability to deploy rapidly alongside our partner services wherever required.
Operating a large support helicopter from a moving aircraft carrier presents a distinct challenge, demanding close integration between RAF and Royal Navy personnel. Through joint planning, flying and engineering activity, the exercise enhances interoperability between the Services and reinforces the UK's ability to project air power from the maritime domain.
Memorably, Ex Hathi Pol coincided with the (221st) anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. On 21 October, QNLZ was sailing approximately 100 miles west of Cape Trafalgar, close to the waters where Nelson secured his famous and final victory in 1805.
"27 Sqn’s deployment on Ex Hathi Pol marked a significant milestone for both the Sqn and HMS Queen Elizabeth. Chinooks from 27 Sqn were the first embarked aviation to operate from QNLZ in over two years, providing an important opportunity for aircrew and Ship’s Company to work together and refresh their embarked maritime experience.
Departing the familiar training areas of the English Channel, QNLZ sailed south towards Gibraltar. During the passage, Chinook aircraft were dispatched ashore to embark the essential equipment required to support at-sea replenishment from a UAS, the first fixed-wing aircraft operated by the ship since her return to sea."
Squadron Leader Grahame, Deputy Officer Commanding 27 Sqn RAF Odiham
Detachment Commander on Ex Hathi Pol
The recent embarked training contributes directly to maintaining Defence readiness for a range of future operations, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions, Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations and wider contingency tasks around the world.
The activity reflects the RAF commitment to maintaining a Warfighting Ready force, investing in its people and strengthening the UK's integrated Defence capability through close collaboration with the Royal Navy.
By training in the maritime environment, Chinook crews gain experience operating from sea-based platforms, extending the flexibility and reach of the UK's heavy-lift helicopter force.
The exercise reaffirms the RAF remain ready to respond to emerging crises and support operations across the globe, demonstrating the value of a highly trained, adaptable and integrated Joint Force capable of delivering effect wherever and whenever required.
