Britain's only female Royal Navy commando among three killed in Devon helicopter crash
Defence Secretary John Healey described the loss of the Royal Navy members as "truly devastating".
The three Royal Navy officers who were killed in a helicopter crash in Devon have been named as Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher and Petty Officer Owen Green.
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed on Thursday that the trio from the 845 Naval Air Squadron died during routine a training activity on Tuesday, June 3.
The Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed into a field during a training exercise just before 4am on Wednesday near Sourton Down near Okehampton, with images from the scene showing the aircraft completely destroyed.
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher, 31, grew up in Virginia Water, Surrey and became a poster-child for the Royal Navy, amassing thousands of followers on social media after becoming the first female to pass commando training.
Lieutenant Commander Chris Gayson, 42, joined the RN as a Warfare (Pilot) Officer in Sep 2008 after studying for a Masters in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bath and had a brief spell as an accountant with Deloitte.
Gaining his wings as a “Junglie” in October 2012 - the famous nickname given to Royal Navy commando helicopter aviators - he served with 845 NAS flying the Sea King Mk4, which included flying in Norway, Jordan, Afghanistan and Embarked Operations.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in 2020.
Read more: Royal Navy helicopter crashes in Devon sparking major emergency services response
Lieutenant Lily-Mae Fisher attended Imperial College London to study for a Masters in Geology, graduating in 2016.
Sporty and active from a young age, she competed for her regional Netball team, and represented England in Junior Lacrosse and Pole Vault. At university she joined the Officer Training Corps and University Air Squadron where she discovered a passion for flying.
During a break in flying training, she attended the All Arms Commando Course, becoming Britain's only serving female Royal Navy Commando.
The MoD described her death as a" huge loss to the Royal Navy, Force, and Squadron."
It said in a tribute: "She has been an inspiration to countless people, particularly young women, encouraging them to achieve their dreams and it is clear that she had a very bright future as a Naval Aviator ahead of her."
Petty Officer Owen Green, 24, joined the Royal Navy in January 2022, beginning initial training at HMS Raleigh.
He demonstrated "a consistently high level of professional competence and dedication throughout his career as an Aircrewman with 845 Naval Air Squadron," the MoD said.
It added: "Throughout his service, he consistently demonstrated technical proficiency, operational effectiveness, and a commitment to continuous professional development, making a significant contribution to squadron capability and mission success."
Tributes have flooded in for the trio following their deaths.
Commander of Joint Aviation Command, Air Vice-Marshal Lee Turner RAF, said: “The loss of three deeply capable and professional aviators during the tragic incident yesterday is the cause of profound sadness across the Joint Aviation Command and the Commando Helicopter Force in particular.
“They will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with the families and all those affected.”
Commanding Officer of Commando Helicopter Force, Colonel Will Penkman, said: “It is a tragedy that we lost three members of the CHF family yesterday.
"Cherished members of the force with bright futures ahead of them, they were all highly committed professionals infused with the Junglie spirit of the force.“Their loss leaves a terrible gap in our hearts and my thoughts go out to their family and friends who dearly loved them.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said:“The loss of Lieutenant Commander Gayson, Lieutenant Fisher and Petty Officer Green is truly devastating. They were dedicated and highly valued members of their squadrons who embodied the best of our Armed Forces.
"Their deaths are a profound loss to all who knew them. My thoughts are with their families, loved ones and those who served alongside side them at this deeply tragic time.”