What skill? What a lack of sanity and airmanship, I'd suggest!
What was the operational necessity?
What was the value of standing off over a seriously pitching deck only to 'land on' on what was a relatively flat calm platform in the end.
Training value! Nope, I disagree, hval. Please tell us what training value there is in looking at a seriously pitching deck other than to realise that there is no point in attempting it!
If he had departed that deck previously, where was the diversion?
If there was no diversion, why did he launch?
Crass stupidity if you ask me (but you didn't)!
Diversion???
I confess that ship does appear tpo be close to land but when far out to sea or operating in areas where the nearest land is not a place you would want to 'land' then diversion is NOT an option.
I have regularly witnessed Westland Wasp's landing on deck in similar if not worse conditions. I guess the very worse I have personally witnessed was on the deck of one of Her Majesty's finest in very similar if more severe conditions...
The ship was involved in operations off the coast of Iceland and
needed to refuel. This meant men on the upper deck in storm to violent storm force conditions and being exposed to a huge risk of being washed overboard in the freezing winter seas. (The decks\superstructure of the warships are coated in grease to prevent the ship icing) Having a helicopter taking station off the ship's quarter might be symbolic but by crikey it is reassuring to those risking their own lives on the upper deck.
The pilot on the relevant ship who was on attachment refused to launch, stating conditions were far too hazardous, the senior ship's pilot carried out the task and at the same time collected mail plus other correspondence from the ship that was running on fumes. Amazing flying skills and credit to the deck crew that had to run out and very quickly lash the thing down.
I understand criticism of attempting this for no apparent good reason but how do we gain this type of skill? Special Forces are landed from warships and it is much better to sneak them in when the wind is a blowin' and the rain is a rainin' and the opposition is taking shelter from the elements.
Is it wise to have not trained for this and just hope you can manage to put the thing down and there will be times when it will be at night with little or absolutely no deck lighting..
Much respect to our Fleet Air Arm pilots and of course all those from other Navies that perform these hazardous tasks.