RNAS Culdrose, known officially as HMS Heron, is a Royal Navy Air Station located near Helston in Cornwall, England. It is the largest helicopter base in Europe and serves as the primary training establishment for Fleet Air Arm aircrew, as well as a key operational hub for maritime patrol and search-and-rescue missions. The station operates a range of military rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. It plays a critical role in UK maritime security, supporting NATO operations and providing search-and-rescue coverage across the South West of England and surrounding waters. Culdrose is a military installation and is not open to civilian commercial air traffic. It does, however, host an annual air day that attracts large public audiences and showcases both military and civilian aircraft.