Port Talbot lifeboat man heads to war

The RNLI crew at Port Talbot will be a volunteer short this Christmas, as Aaron Morris, 20, heads to Afghanistan.

Aaron, a Senior Aircraftman Firefighter based at St. Athan, near Cardiff joined the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service two years ago. RAF personnel from St. Athan are regularly deployed on Out of Area (OOA) operations working on front line and supporting roles worldwide.

Robbie Harris, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager at Port Talbot says: ‘Aaron became a volunteer with the Port Talbot Lifeboat Station six years ago. Two years later he became a crew member and has been to sea on many rescues. He is a much valued crew member and everyone here will certainly miss him, during the four months, whilst he is away.’

Being stationed at St. Athan has meant Aaron could continue in his volunteering role with the RNLI when he was not on duty, by staying with his parents, Roger and Karen Morris of Little Warren, Port Talbot. They have been happy to support him juggling his two challenging roles.

Mrs Morris says: ‘We are very proud of Aaron. Everyone will miss him, especially over Christmas, however, we are sure he will make the most of where ever he is and of course we will be looking forward to having him home.’

Commanding Officer, MOD St. Athan, Commodore Anthony King, added, ‘Aaron Morris is representative of many of the Service Personnel from St Athan currently serving in Afghanistan. His consummate professionalism in both his working and volunteering roles underlines his commitment to the Service and others. He along with many of our other young Servicemen and women will be missed by their families over the festive season. Our thoughts will be with them all and I personally look forward to their safe return in the New Year.'