Prince William Awarded Operation Captaincy on Sea King SAR Helicopters

Prince William Awarded Operation

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, cleared his captaincy tests on RAF Sea King Mk3 Helicopters flying SAR missions on May 29, 2012.
The Prince has been flying as co-pilot on Sea King Helicopters operating with C Flight, 22 Squadron RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales since September 2010.
The captaincy test covers scenarios such as searching for a yacht, searching for people in the water and extinguishing a simulated fire aboard a survey vessel.
The Duke is known as Flight Lieutenant Wales in the RAF.
Wing Commander Mark Dunlop, Officer Commanding 22 Squadron, said in a statement, "Flt Lt Wales demonstrated the required standards needed for the award of Operation Captaincy. Due to the nature of search and rescue operations, the required standards are always set at a very high level. Operational Captaincy carries the overarching responsibility for the safety of the aircraft, its crew and any casualties."
The Duke completed his training as a RAF Search and Rescue (SAR) pilot on September 17, 2010. The usual length of time officers serve is 30-36 months after successful completion of training.
The Duke has yet to take a decision whether to enroll in the RAF for another tenure or take on his Royal Duties full time.
On Tuesday, William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, joined other Royal family members wrap Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee celebration.