Prestigious prize for RNAS Culdrose photographer

A photographer based at RNAS Culdrose at Helston has been named Royal Navy Photographer of the Year for his pictures of life at sea.

Leading Photographer Kyle Heller, from Plymouth, was on hand to capture images of jets and sailors on the carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, for he also shared the navy's photographic award, the Peregrine Trophy.

Sailors from the air station play a central role in the carrier force with Merlin helicopters from 820 Naval air Squadron protecting the ship and aircraft handlers trained at Culdrose manning her flight deck.

LPhot Heller said:

"This is a job like no other – it sounds clichéd, but it's true. I'm still trying to get my head around winning the award, in all honesty. I'm not one for the plaudits at all and for me, it's about the opportunities, experience and variation that you get with this job. There really is nothing like it.

"Life is never dull and you're there as part of history in those big moments. Seeing the Lightning jets land for the first time in that part of history you're there for and won't forget. I've seen so much around the world as a photographer and I'm very thankful for those opportunities. This is a proud moment for me."

Kyle joined the Royal Navy in 1998 aged 17 and served on HMS Beaver, Sheffield and Cornwall, before becoming a photographer in late 2009.

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