Security fencing around naval airbase replaced

It took 10 months to install nine miles of new security fencing around RNAS Culdrose

A new security fence has been installed at a naval airbase in Cornwall.

The project to replace nine miles (14km) of fencing around the perimeter of Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Culdrose in Helston took 10 months to complete, project leaders said.

As well as the fence, which includes new red and white panels to mark the approach to each runway for incoming aircraft, several new gates were installed and 6,600 trees planted on land away from the airfield, they added.

RNAS Culdrose is the home of the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Merlin Mk2 helicopter force, which is tasked with protecting UK waters and the navy’s carrier strike groups.

Commanding officer Stuart Irwin thanked Jason Thorpe of Littlewood Fencing, along with (left) Neil Howe, head of infrastructure at RNAS Culdrose and VIVO project manager Gareth Payne and VIVO regional project lead Terry Grimes

The work was carried out by Littlewood Fencing Group in a project with defence and naval infrastructure teams.

The station's commanding officer, Capt Stuart Irwin, congratulated the project team on overcoming challenges the works posed and said: "This investment demonstrates the importance of RNAS Culdrose as the home of the UK’s maritime Merlin helicopter fleet.

"It recognises that the air station continues to play a central role in the defence of our nation."

The air station also trains aircraft handlers, aircrew in fixed-wing Avenger aircraft, and tests and evaluates drones for use by the navy.