HMS GANNET SAR HELICOPTER CREW AWARD

That this House honours the outstanding courage, team-work and professionalism of the crew of Search and Rescue Helicopter R177 from HMS Gannet, comprising of Lt Lewis (Observer/SAR Cdr), Lt Cdr Fuller (P1/Handling Pilot), Lt Hammond (P2) and POACMN Henson (Aircrewman) who recently received the Prince Philip Helicopter Rescue Award in recognition of their incredible bravery and persistence in rescuing two missing climbers on 17 January 2015 from 3800' on Tower Ridge, Ben Nevis at night, in the depths of the Scottish winter, flying at low-level (<500') through continuous snowstorms, freezing temperatures and very low visibility; acknowledges the skill of Lt Cdr Fuller, who has piloted numerous night transits in the most dangerous weather, and was most ably supported by his co-pilot Lt Hammond, which enabled winchman Henson to bravely exit the aircraft in appalling conditions and recover the climbers; and recognises that the leadership of Lt Lewis in calculating the risks to herself and her crew to rescue the climbers who were in significant danger was exemplary and that R177, as a crew, demonstrated determination and tenacity until ultimately the climbers were rescued.