No. 845 Naval Air Squadron

No. 845 Naval Air Squadron is a naval aviation unit of the Royal Navy formed during World War II and reformed postwar to provide assault, reconnaissance, and support for Royal Marines, Commando Helicopter Force, and joint expeditionary operations. The squadron has operated a succession of rotary‑wing and fixed‑wing types, participating in major conflicts such as the Falklands War, the Suez Crisis, and deployments during the Korean War era, while being based at establishments including RNAS Yeovilton, RNAS Culdrose, and forward fleet carriers.

History

Formed in 1943 amid the expansion of Fleet Air Arm capabilities linked to Operation Overlord preparations and Pacific commitments, the squadron initially equipped with amphibious and carrierborne types while supporting Force H and Eastern Fleet operations. Post‑war restructuring saw disbandment and reformation cycles tied to commitments in the Korean War, the Suez Crisis of 1956 and Cold War exigencies under NATO arrangements with links to Commander Fleet Air commands. During the 1960s and 1970s the unit transitioned to anti‑submarine and commando helicopter roles in response to evolving doctrine exemplified by Amphibious Warfare developments and the creation of the Commando Helicopter Force. In 1982 the squadron played a significant role in the Falklands War as part of the Falklands Task Force embarked on aircraft carriers and auxiliary ships, conducting troop lift, casualty evacuation and logistics. In subsequent decades it supported operations associated with Operation Granby, UNPROFOR, and various NATO maritime exercises, with periodic detachments on frigates and carriers during Operation Telic and humanitarian relief missions.

Aircraft and Equipment

Over its history the squadron operated a wide array of types reflecting technological and doctrinal shifts. Early fixed‑wing and floatplane operations gave way to rotary platforms including the Westland Wasp, the Westland Wessex in troop‑carrying and anti‑submarine variants, and the Westland Sea King for search and rescue. The adoption of the Westland Lynx provided shipborne maneuverability for frigate deployments and littoral strike, while the later introduction of the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat modernised reconnaissance, anti‑surface and utility roles. The unit has also employed specialist equipment such as winches, hoists, mission computers integrated with NATO communications suites, night‑vision systems compatible with Joint Helicopter Command operations, underslung load rigs for Royal Marines logistics, and avionics suites tied into carrier flight decks like those on HMS Hermes and HMS Illustrious.

Deployments and Operations

The squadron has been embarked on capital ships and auxiliaries during high‑profile operations, participating in the Falklands War with detachments on HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible, executing vertical envelopment supporting brigades drawn from 3 Commando Brigade and 5th Infantry Brigade (UK). During the Suez Crisis it provided assault and casualty evacuation capabilities integrated with operations of Royal Marines and British Army units. Cold War patrols included NATO exercises in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean alongside formations such as Standing Naval Force Atlantic and Standing Naval Force Mediterranean, and operations in support of UN missions often coordinated with United Nations command elements and multinational task groups. In peacetime the squadron contributed to disaster relief and maritime security, cooperating with agencies including Ministry of Defence task forces, humanitarian NGOs, and allied navies during exercises like Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Cold Response. Deployments extended to the Indian Ocean, South Atlantic, and littoral zones around the Gulf of Aden in anti‑piracy and escort roles.

Home Stations and Bases

Primary basing has included RNAS Yeovilton as a longstanding headquarters and training hub, with operational detachments based at RNAS Culdrose, HMS Gannet, and forward logistic bases including Faslane and Merryfield at different periods. Carrier‑borne cycles saw intensive use of fleet air stations and shore annexes supporting deck landing qualification on carriers such as HMS Ark Royal and amphibious assault ships including HMS Ocean (L12). Overseas deployments have utilised staging facilities in locations like Ascension Island, Freetown, and Diego Garcia to support transoceanic operations and logistical sustainment.

Squadron Insignia and Traditions

Insignia and traditions reflect naval aviation heritage with symbols drawn from maritime and airborne iconography, displayed on squadron standards, flight jackets, and aircraft markings; these items are celebrated in ceremonies aligned with Fleet Air Arm Museum heritage work and remembrance events such as Remembrance Day commemorations. Nicknames, mottoes and parade practices have linked the squadron to Royal Marines customs, retention of flight logs and tactical callsigns used in carrier operations, and the presentation of unit colours during milestone anniversaries observed at bases like RNAS Yeovilton. The unit maintains associations with veterans' organisations, participates in heritage airshows and liaises with institutions such as the Imperial War Museum to preserve operational records and oral histories.

Category:Naval Aviation