Congratulations to Ascent instructor Gary Clark, a Royal Naval Reservist F-35B Lightning pilot attached to HMS Pegasus, who has been awarded one of the Fleet Air Arm’s highest honours, for his outstanding contribution to maritime aviation aboard Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.
Gary has received the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Sword, presented annually to the individual who has made the most significant impact on the delivery of carrier-based air power. The award recognises Gary’s pivotal role in developing and refining the embarked procedures between the Lightning Force and the Royal Navy’s flagship carriers.
“It was a great honour to help develop the embarked procedure between the Lightning Force and QEC carriers,” said Gary.
“As a naval aviator, it was my dream to embark on a Royal Navy carrier as part of a fixed wing squadron, and to now be recognised with such an award is an enormous privilege.”
The award was approved by Rear Admiral Anthony Rimmington, Director Force Generation and Rear Admiral Fleet Air Arm, as part of the Fleet Air Arm Honours and Awards for outstanding efforts and contribution to Naval Aviation. A formal award dinner is scheduled for later in the year.
Gary joined Ascent as a Fast Jet QFI, based at RAF Valley, in December 2024. RAF Valley General Manager, Andy Cooper, said: “It is a pleasure and an honour to have Gary as part of our FJT QFI Team here at 4FTS RAF Valley, delivering what we do as part of the UKMFTS enterprise, training the military pilots of the future with our partners.
“Well done Gary. To see this recognition of your aptitude is excellent, congratulations and thanks for being part of our team!”
Originally a Regular in the Royal Navy, Gary transferred to the Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch in February, bringing with him a wealth of operational experience and instructional pedigree. He is expected to support Exercise Falcon Strike later this year, continuing his contribution to the Lightning Force.
Career highlights
Gary’s early career saw him selected as a ‘Creamie’ (RAF slang for those chosen straight from advanced flying training to become QFIs) at RAF Valley Creamies are considered the best of their cohort, and Gary went on to serve five and a half years on the F-35B Lightning, including as a 4 Flight Lead and Frontline Instructor Pilot on 617 Squadron.
In his role as Command Landing Signals Officer (LSO) for the Lightning Force, Gary was responsible for all embarked procedures and carrier qualifications, ensuring safe and effective integration of fast jet operations at sea. His final year as a Regular saw him take on the mantle of Role Demonstration Pilot, showcasing the capabilities of the Lightning Force to audiences across the UK and abroad.
Now back at RAF Valley, Gary continues to shape the next generation of fighter pilots, while serving part-time with the RNR Air Branch.
