Episode 053

LAEM(WL) Ian “Mac” McKeachan

Ian joined the Royal Navy in 1975, and served for 16 years as part of the Fleet Air Arm (FAA), reaching the rank of Leading Aircraft Engineering Mechanic (Weapons Electrical) (LAEM(WL)).

In this episode Ian talks about his journey in joining the Royal Navy, and what it was like being one of the last courses to go through basic training, at HMS Ganges. He also shares some insights into life at RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), and deploying on HMS Sirius (F40).

Ian also discusses what it was like preparing some of the Navy’s aircraft for the Falklands War, prior to being stood down himself, and not deploying. He moves to RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey), before being deployed on HMS Glasgow (D88). After this deployment and attending career courses, he spends some time as part of an Aircraft Maintenance Group (AMG), before seeing out his last 6 months within Edinburgh’s Careers Office.