John Brooks of the Fleet Air Arm Museum with a Sea Harrier he worked on 28 years ago.
A recent arrival at the Fleet Air Arm Museum has reunited an historic aircraft with the man who helped bring it into service for the Royal Navy some 28 years ago.
John Brooks arrived for work at the Fleet Air Arm Museum last Monday to be reunited with one of the Sea Harriers he officially received on behalf of the 899 Squadron in 1981.
Based at RNAS Yeovilton, it was Brooks' responsibility to receive all new aircraft from the manufacturers as they were handed over for operational use, and Sea Harrier XZ499 was one of many he received in the build up to the Falklands war.
The new Sea Harriers were flown into Yeovilton from manufacturers British Aerospace in Dunsfold, forming a new unit called the Sea Harrier Support Unit.
Brooks now works with the Corporate Services team at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.
On arrival of the new aircraft, detailed checks had to be carried out to ensure all naval modifications had been fitted before they were entered into service.
Sea Harrier XZ499 entered service taking part in the Falklands conflict, flying with a total of four squadrons before arriving at the Museum as one of the principal exhibits in a forthcoming major exhibition to celebrate 100 years of Naval Aviation.
John pursued his career with the Royal Navy, spending time with 809 Squadron on HMS Illustrious in the Falklands, and in 1985 he was transferred to 801 Squadron on HMS Invincible.
Brooks now works within the Corporate Services team at the Fleet Air Arm Museum. "I feel strangely proud that in some small way I have been connected with this important aircraft from its first day of service right through to its final resting place here at the museum," he said.
