RNAS Culdrose has refused to rule out the possibility that Air Day might never be held in Helston again following an announcement that this year’s event was cancelled.

The naval base issued a statement to say that due to “operational commitments” no Culdrose Air Day would be held in 2017, adding: “In future years, one possibility is to combine the Yeovilton and Culdrose Air Days to create one South West Fleet Air Arm event.”

Speaking at a meeting of Helston Town Council the following day, Culdrose’s executive officer was unable to comment on the long-term future of the event.

In response to a question from councillor Mike Thomas, Commander Ian Fitter told the town council: “I know the captain said he wouldn’t predict 18 months ahead, he was only going to predict six months ahead.

“There has not as yet been a final decision made. I’m not going to conject on what goes on in the future.”

Mr Thomas had described the news as “a double whammy,” adding: “We were all used to the occasional cancellation of Air Day. That has happened in the past and it’s been one of those things we have accepted. I think what was slightly devastating was the suggestion there will never be another Air Day and the possibility of there being a south west day somewhere.”

Commander Fitter did reassure members, however, that the Freedom of the Borough parade would still take place this year, with the base currently looking at a date in June subject to town council permission.

He said he also wanted to address concerns about the future of the base itself.

“It’s very easy to conclude that with 771 [search and rescue] ending and now we sit in front of you saying that Culdrose won’t have an Air Day, what will this meant for Culdrose? Absolutely nothing.

“The future of Culdrose is extremely secure,” he confirmed.

He said £269million was being invested into new technology for naval helicopters that will make Culdrose “absolutely secure.”

“There is no doubt that Culdrose’s future is secure and our link with you will remain very close,” he added.

The decision not to hold an Air Day this year was taken due to the commitments Culdrose is facing.

Already 80 per cent of frontline aircraft and personnel are serving on operations, or at very high readiness to deploy anywhere in the world, and 2017 will also see new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth sail into Portsmouth – for which Culdrose is providing all helicopter capability.

Culdrose commanding officer Captain Dan Stembridge said: “We have had to make the regrettable decision to not hold an Air Day this year in order to focus our resources on delivering our primary roles; to protect the strategic nuclear deterrent, support counter terrorism and be ready to defend the Royal Navy’s carrier task groups.”

“HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Nation’s new flagship, will sail into Portsmouth Harbour this year. It is essential that RNAS Culdrose is fully prepared to support the aircraft carriers when they deploy with trained personnel and aircraft. Indeed one of my squadrons will provide the very first aircraft to land on her deck. This significant milestone will be a proud moment in history for Culdrose, Helston and the county of Cornwall.

“The Air Day decision has involved much deliberation and we appreciate that many will be disappointed, however operations must come first. There is a lot of work to be done to deliver air power from our nation’s new carriers; and we must be ready.”