Her Majesty's Top Gun - Her Majesty's Top Gun

These photographs provide some insight into the exciting world of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and the long journey of the author from schoolboy to Top Gun. One could say they reflect a Hornblower mentality: one of complete dedication to the Service and the Monarch – but searching constantly for adventure.

Author & Artist Leanne Gilroy

Reading School Captain

BRNC Gun Room

HMS Woolaston

Passing Out of Basic Flying Training

A proud new beginning

Sea Vixen over Lilstock

One of the many Lt Ian Sutton Royal Navy

The Holy Grail

Sea Vixen II refuelling a new 767 Phantom

The young Sharkey 1972

Promises - Promises — Promises – Promises

Navy pilots provide Guard of Honour

The young AWI

With Desmond 892 Phantoms - 1972 — With Desmond 892 Phantoms – 1972

Ark Royal Air Group

Flying Stations

Fair weather

or Foul

Ready for launch

Down the cat

Airborne

Up and away

2-inch rockets

Coming to get you

Air refuelling

Nearly home

Photo by Keith Abnett