A Royal Navy serviceman killed when a helicopter ditched in the Channel has been named as 31-year-old Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon.
The aircraft came down on Wednesday during night-flying exercises alongside aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Three people were on board the Merlin Mk4 when it ditched off the Dorset coast.
"Rhod was so immeasurably loved by his parents, siblings, partner, friends and family and he was devoted to them. Our lives will never be the same without him," said a family statement.
"We are all so very proud of the talented, passionate, strong and loyal man he was. We will always have him in our hearts. Our wonderful boy."
Lieutenant Leyshon was a "shining light with a bright future", said commanding officer Colonel Mark Johnson, from Yeovilton airbase in Somerset.
"He epitomised our team spirit and his loss leaves a huge hole in all our hearts," he added.
The other two crew were rescued and taken to hospital but their injuries are not serious, the Ministry of Defence said.
Tracking data showed two Merlins from Yeovilton operating off Dorset on Wednesday, with both airborne at 8.40pm but disappearing by 8.52pm.
An investigation into the incident is under way.
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