Tributes are pouring in for Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, a respected Royal Navy pilot from Somerset who recently passed away. Lt Cdr Gayson served for 15 years as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer and instructor, flying operational missions and training pilots across the UK Armed Forces.
Decorated Naval Aviator
Chris Gayson joined the Royal Navy in 2008 after earning a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bath and working as a Deloitte accountant. He completed the elite ‘Junglie’ pilot course and earned his wings in 2012, flying the Sea King Mk4 with 845 Naval Air Squadron on missions in Norway, Jordan, and Afghanistan.
Leader In Air Safety
In 2015, Lt Cdr Gayson became Air Safety Officer for the Commando Helicopter Force, responsible for risk management and promoting safety culture across the fleet.
Expert Instructor at RAF Shawbury
Returning to flying in 2017, he qualified as a helicopter instructor at RAF Shawbury, training new pilots from all three Armed Services. Promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 2020, he served as Senior Pilot of Sixty Squadron, delivering advanced training for RAF and Commando pilots.
Final Role And Legacy
In March 2023, Gayson took on a vital role within the Joint Aviation Command, focusing on collective training objectives. He was preparing to join 846 Naval Air Squadron as Operational Conversion Flight Commander on the Commando Merlin helicopter.
Family Tribute
“Chris was an extremely kind and gentle family man who loved his entire family dearly. He was also passionate about and dedicated to his job in the Royal Navy.”
His leadership and professionalism have left a lasting impact on the Royal Navy, with many describing him as an exemplary commander and a significant loss to both his squadron and the wider military community.
