Aircraft Handler
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The Aircraft Handler's branch of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy was formed in 1945, and the duties of Aircraft Handlers were performed by members of all other branches of the Royal Navy, many of whom transferred to the new branch upon its formation.
- "Specialist aircraft handling, crash rescue and fire fighting are required at sea on all ships with aircraft embarked. These skills are provided by aircraft handler ratings who are also employed ashore for fire fighting duties, principally at Royal Naval Air Stations. The branch's Air Traffic Controllers provide services ashore at the Royal Naval Air Stations and afloat in warships and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, air safety in maritime exercises and the tactical control of maritime aircraft together with embarked anti-submarine and anti-surface aircraft." — MOD(Navy)
Some 10,000 men have served in the branch since its formation in 1945, and many of them are still scattered around the country and worldwide. Only about 10% of these are members of the Aircraft Handlers Association.
