Sub Lieutenant Jon Hounsome, a Royal Navy officer from Helston, was presented with his Observer "Wings" at a ceremony held at RNAS Culdrose.

The Wings parade was a major milestone in Jon's career, marking the successful completion of his observer training course - a course which is recognised as one of the most intense and demanding in the Royal Navy.

Jon, 38, joined the Navy as a Junior Seaman (Sonar Operator) in 1981, serving in General Service in a number of ships before transferring to the Fleet Air Arm and qualifying as a Leading Aircrewman in 1989.

Front line and second line tours of duty with Culdrose-based squadrons including 814 and 771, and advancement through the ranks to Chief Aircrewman, followed before Jon was selected for officer training in 2002.

On completion of officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, he was promoted to Sub Lieutenant and began his observer training course at Culdrose with 750 Squadron.

He is now back serving with 771 Squadron as a maritime observer in search and rescue.

Jon is married and he and his wife, Pettina, have two children - Grace, who is six and attends St Michael's School, Helston, and Harry, aged two.

A keen sportsman, Jon plays football for Culdrose Old Boys and has played both football and cricket for St Ives.

Keeping it in the family, Jon's brother David also serves in the Royal Navy. He is a Chief Petty Officer (Survey Recorder), currently serving as part of the Naval Survey Party embarked in MV Marine Explorer.