Sultan gives aircraft dedication to engineer with MND
PERSONNEL from 760 Naval Air Squadron (NAS), Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival Equipment School (RNAESS) at HMS Sultan gathered at a recent event that unveiled the names of former crewmates on aircraft ZD259; the base using the chance to show a gesture of solidarity, admiration and lasting respect for a colleague facing one of life’s most challenging diagnoses.
Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician (CPOAET) Jon Over was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Despite the devastating circumstances of his diagnosis, Jon, alongside his family, friends and colleagues, has embarked on a remarkable fundraising mission in support of the MND Association (MNDA).
ZD259 made her first flight on 1 June 1983 and went on to serve with numerous flights and ships throughout a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. From service in the South Atlantic during the 1980s to operational deployments in the Adriatic and beyond, the aircraft built a proud history through the people who flew and maintained her including Jon Over.
In recognition of Jon’s dedication and the many years he spent maintaining aircraft throughout his Royal Navy career 760 NAS joined RNAESS in supporting the addition of his name to ZD259, which is currently used as a training aid within the squadron at HMS Sultan. Jon served alongside then Flight Pilot, Lieutenant (now Lt Cdr) Jim Fraser and Observer, Lt (now Commander), Alex Sims, aboard HMS Iron Duke, and both were present to support the event,.
They will now have their names added to the aircraft as a reflection of the enduring bonds forged between those who serve together. As he was unable to attend in person, Jon was represented by his parents, Rose and Eddie Over, who performed the unveiling. Speaking at the event, Lt Cdr Andrew Hall, Executive Officer of RNAESS, said:
“As engineers and aircrew, we understand that names painted on aircraft are never just names. They represent the people who kept those aircraft flying and the teams that delivered operational effect. As we gathered memories for this occasion, one thing became very clear: while there are many stories about ZD259, there are even more stories about Jon. His professionalism, his leadership, his humour and his willingness to help others clearly spread far and wide, whether on squadron, on deployment, at HMS Sultan, or simply among friends.
He continued: “Jon is clearly one of the Fleet Air Arm’s best. By painting his name back onto ZD259, we are recognising his contribution as an air engineer and ensuring that his connection to the Lynx Force remains visible to future generations who will train and work alongside these aircraft here at Sultan for years to come. It is a small gesture, but a meaningful one.”
Supported by his friends, Jon has set a target of raising £100,000 for MNDA. Six contributors have so far raised over £49,000 at the time of writing and this included running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon in April, something that Jon did using a specially modified pushchair. More challenges may be coming up in the coming months and readers can help the cause by making a donation by visiting this link.
PICTURED: Eddie and Rose Over unveil the name of their son, Chief Petty Officer Air Engineering Technician Jon Over on aircraft ZD259 at Stephenson Hangar, based at HMS Sultan in Gosport.
