1943 to 2020


united kingdom 849 Squadron

Fleet Air Arm

849 NAS 849 Naval Air Squadron







849 Squadron
Formed in 1943 in the USA, after training in torpedo bomber techniques, it returned to Cornwall in Apr 1944 under RAF Coastal Command. In Sep 1944, it embarked in HMS Victorious (38) for the Far East, returning via Australia after WWII. It disbanded in Oct 1945.
Its most recent role as an Airborne Early Warning unit began when it reformed from 778 Squadron at RNAS Brawdy in Jul 1952 with Skyraiders, operating in several Flights. These were exchanged for Gannets from Sep 1959 and by Dec 1960 the AEW.3 version had been introduced. It operated from various aircraft carriers until it disbanded at Lossiemouth in Nov 1978.
The units HQ Flight reformed from a nucleus of 824 Squadron D Flight with Sea King AEW.2 on 1 Nov 1984 at RNAS Culdrose.  A Flight (airframes carried an Aardvark badge) followed on 31 May 1985 for a commission on HMS Illustrious and B Flight (airframes carried a Bee badge) for a tour on HMS Ark Royal, on 3 Mar 1986. Towards the end of Jul 1986, A Flt embarked on HMS Illustrious for a delayed GLOBAL 86 deployment. The Eyes of the Fleet were back in business.
During the early part of 1993, B Flt was deployed to the Adriatic in support of the UNPROFOR mission to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Its 3 Sea King AEW.2 operated amongst HMS Ark Royal, FNS Clemenceau, USS Theodore Roosevelt and the shore.
On 13 Dec 2006 in a ceremony at RNAS Culdrose, A Flight (Aadrvarks) and B Flight (Bees) which had been integral parts of the unit since 1953 and 1952 respectively were each elevated to full Squadron status, with 3 Sea King ASaC.7 airframes apiece. A Flight became 854 Squadron and B Flight became 857 Squadron.
Re-absorbed 854 NAS in Dec 2014 to become Normandy Flight when they rejoined the Eyes of the Fleet. On 11 Dec Normandy Flight deployed to the Gulf to relieve 857 NAS on RFA Fort Austin. 849 NAS is the last unit in the UK military to operate the Sea King (as the ASaC.7) until Sep 2018, when it will be withdrawn from service. The role is due to be replaced by the Crowsnest-equipped Merlin, which as of Sep 2018 is not yet ready for service; and 849 NAS disbanded in Apr 2020.



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Structure


Normandy Flight
Okinawa Flight
Palembang Flight






  News about 849 Squadron


Sea King Flypast Ends 49 Years of Service

Sea King Flypast Ends 49 Years of Service

25-Sep-18 - Royal Navy retires their last Sea King, the Mk7 ASAC, with a 849 Squadron 3-hour flypast. Will be replaced by the Merlin Crowsnest next year #SeaKing
Exercise Deep Blue II in the Mediterranean

Exercise Deep Blue II in the Mediterranean

20-Jul-16 - UK, US and France ships leaded by HMS Ocean helicopter carrier took part of antisubmarine exercise Deep Blue II in the Mediterranean. First time since 2012 HMS Ocean embarked an entire air group


  Locations


YearsLocationICAO/FAA
1984-    RNAS CuldroseEGDR




helicopter   Models


Years Models
2002/18 Sea King ASaC.7
1984/03 Sea King Sea King AEW.2




  849 Squadron Operations


Dates Operation
2017-mar-262017-apr-06 Exercise Joint Warrior 17-1
2017-jan-312017-feb-02 BH Exercise Unified Trident
2017-jan-202017-feb-03 FR Operation Skinners Gold
2016-oct-062016-oct-21 Exercise Joint Warrior 16-2
2011-oct2011-oct Staff College Sea Days 2011
2010-may2010-aug US Exercise Auriga 2010
2006-oct2006-nov SL Operation Vela (Green Eagle)
2006-jul2006-jul LB Operation Highbrow
2003-jan-112003-may-17 IQ Operation Telic
2000-may2000-jun SL Operation Palliser
1998-aug-281998-aug-31 International Festival of Sea
1995-jul1995-dec BA UNPROFOR
1993-jan1993-jul BA UNPROFOR
1988-sep-271988-oct-04 AU Fleet Review: Australia Bi-centennial Naval Salute
1977-jun-251977-jun-28 Fleet Review: Silver Jubilee of HM The Queen
EG Operation Musketeer
1953-jun-151953-jun-15 Fleet Review: Coronation Review of the Fleet





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