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Helicopter Pilot "AJ" honoured
Alastair Thompson (AJ), an Old Crosbeian (now aged 28), and his colleague"Taz" were serving on the naval replenishment vessel RAF Wave Knight, operating the ship's Lynx helicopter. They were called to give humanitarian assistance to the Dominican Republic when Hurricane Noel hit about a month ago, leaving thousands stranded without food or shelter.
They helped transport vital supplies to mountain villages cut off by landslides and flooding. Flying more than 33 hours and delivering seven tonnes of food, water purification devices, hygiene kits, clothing and bedding, they managed to fly more hours and shift more supplies than any other crew, despite the Lynx being one of the smallest aircraft used.
AJ and his youngest brother, currently at Stanfield
They were awarded the Order of Merit from the Dominican Air Force, and an official commendation from the US Government Military Assistance and Advisory Group.
The story has been in both the local and national press.