800 Naval Air Squadron

800 Naval Air Squadron
source
Unit name	800 Naval Air Squadron
Caption	Vought Corsair of a Fleet Air Arm squadron aboard HMS Illustrious (R87) during World War II
Dates	1933–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Role	Naval aviation
Command structure	Fleet Air Arm
Garrison	Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton
Nickname	"Naval Fighter Squadron"
Motto	"Fortis et Fidelis"
Notable commanders	Eric "Winkle" Brown, Philip Joubert de la Ferté

800 Naval Air Squadron is a carrier-based unit of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy with a lineage dating from 1933. The squadron has operated a wide range of aircraft types from biplanes to jet fighters and has taken part in major 20th-century conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Falklands War. It has served aboard fleet carriers such as HMS Ark Royal (91), HMS Victorious (R38), and HMS Ark Royal (R07), and has been associated with air stations including RNAS Yeovilton and RNAS Culdrose.

History

Formed in 1933 at RNAS Lee-on-Solent the squadron initially flew Fairey Flycatcher and Hawker Nimrod types, deploying aboard HMS Furious (47) and HMS Eagle (1918). During the interwar period it converted to monoplanes such as the Gloster Gauntlet and Hawker Fury before re-equipping with Fairey Fulmar and Supermarine Seafire types at the outbreak of World War II. In the Mediterranean theatre the unit supported operations around Malta, Sicily Campaign, and the Siege of Tobruk. Post-war the squadron transitioned to jets including the de Havilland Sea Vampire, Supermarine Attacker, and Hawker Sea Hawk and saw action in the Korean War operating from HMS Theseus (R64).

During the Cold War 800 Squadron participated in NATO exercises in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization sphere and the Suez Crisis operations around Egypt aboard HMS Albion (R07). In 1982 aircrew and aircraft elements were involved in the Falklands War operating from HMS Hermes (R12) in support of operations around San Carlos Water and Port Stanley. The squadron later converted to the McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2 and then to the BAE Sea Harrier FRS.1, deploying on HMS Illustrious (R06) and HMS Invincible (R05). Into the 21st century the unit contributed to maritime security patrols and carrier strike programmes from HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) and took part in Operation Atalanta and NATO carrier task groups.

Aircraft Operated

The squadron has flown a succession of types reflecting naval aviation evolution: early biplanes such as the Fairey Flycatcher and Hawker Nimrod; interwar fighters Gloster Gauntlet and Hawker Fury; World War II types including the Fairey Fulmar, Gloster Gladiator, and Supermarine Seafire; post-war jets de Havilland Sea Vampire, Supermarine Attacker, Hawker Sea Hawk, and de Havilland Sea Venom; supersonic jets McDonnell Douglas Phantom FGR.2; vertical/short takeoff and landing jets like the BAE Sea Harrier FRS.1 and Sea Harrier FA2; and modern carrier-capable types such as the F-35B Lightning II assigned to Carrier Strike Group deployments. The squadron has also operated reconnaissance and training variants including Fairey Swordfish and conversion types at RNAS Lossiemouth.

Battle Honours and Operations

The squadron earned honours for engagements during Norwegian Campaign, Mediterranean operations around Malta Convoys, and actions in the Battle of Crete. It was credited for carrier operations supporting the Sicily Campaign and the Anzio landings. Post-war battle honours include service in the Korean War and notable combat in the Falklands War. The unit has contributed to NATO maritime taskings in the North Atlantic and multinational operations including Operation Atalanta counter-piracy off Somalia and carrier strike group deployments in the Gulf of Aden and Mediterranean Sea.

Organisation and Bases

Squadron structure has included Flights, a Headquarters Flight, and embarked elements tailored to carrier air group requirements aboard capital ships such as HMS Ark Royal (91) and HMS Hermes (R12). Shore basing has alternated between RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk), RNAS Lee-on-Solent (HMS Daedalus), and RNAS Lossiemouth (HMS Fulmar), reflecting training, maintenance, and operational readiness cycles. The unit interoperates with Royal Navy carrier strike commands, Fleet Air Arm squadrons, and multinational air wings during deployments with NATO task groups.

Notable Personnel

Distinguished figures associated with the squadron include test and combat pilots such as Eric "Winkle" Brown, who conducted carrier landing trials and Fighter ace pilots who flew combat sorties during World War II and the Falklands War. Senior officers who commanded or served with the unit went on to appointments within Fleet Air Arm leadership and joint commands such as Ministry of Defence senior roles and NATO staff positions. Several recipients of decorations including the Distinguished Service Order and Distinguished Service Cross served within its ranks.

Squadron Insignia and Traditions

The squadron badge and ensign incorporate maritime and aerial symbolism common to Fleet Air Arm heraldry, often featuring motifs of strength and vigilance. Traditions include carrier embarkation ceremonies, commemorations of actions at Malta and the Falklands, and affiliations with naval charities and associations such as the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. Unit mottos and insignia have been registered with College of Arms design conventions and displayed on squadron standards and flight jackets.

Category:Fleet Air Arm squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1933