No. 846 Naval Air Squadron

No. 846 Naval Air Squadron
Unit name	No. 846 Naval Air Squadron
Caption	Westland Sea King in Royal Navy markings
Dates	1943–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Role	Fleet Air Arm transport and search and rescue
Garrison	RNAS Culdrose

No. 846 Naval Air Squadron is a unit of the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy formed during World War II and retained as a carrier-based and shore-based aviation squadron. It has operated a succession of rotary-wing and fixed-wing types, participating in conflicts such as the Falklands War, Gulf War, and operations in Balkans and Iraq. The squadron has been based at establishments including RNAS Culdrose, RNAS Yeovilton, and embarked on carriers such as HMS Illustrious, HMS Hermes, and HMS Ark Royal.

History

846 Squadron was established in 1943 amid the expansion of the Fleet Air Arm during World War II and initially undertook roles supporting Royal Navy fleets and amphibious operations. Postwar restructuring saw the squadron reformed and disbanded several times during the Cold War as part of defence reviews including the 1957 Defence White Paper, reflecting shifting priorities between carrier aviation and anti-submarine warfare focused on threats from the Soviet Union. During the 1982 Falklands War the squadron provided vital rotary-wing support in the South Atlantic theatre, contributing to air-sea rescue, troop lift, and logistical sustainment alongside amphibious forces and Royal Marine Commandos. In the 1990s and 2000s it deployed elements to support operations in the Bosnian War, Operation Desert Storm, and the campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan alongside units from the Royal Air Force and allied navies such as the United States Navy and Royal Australian Navy.

Roles and Aircraft

Historically the squadron transitioned through types reflecting changing doctrinal needs: from wartime fixed-wing aircraft to rotary-wing platforms. It has flown helicopters including the Westland Wessex, Westland Sea King, and more recently types operated alliedly by Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm squadrons. Roles have encompassed search and rescue (SAR), airborne early warning (AEW) augmentation, troop transport, casualty evacuation, and anti-surface warfare support. The squadron's airborne SAR and casualty evacuation capability linked it operationally to shore establishments like RNAS Culdrose and to carrier air groups aboard vessels such as HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious.

Operational Deployments

Deployments included participation in the Falklands War where helicopter detachments conducted CASEVAC and logistical missions between ships, shore positions, and makeshift airstrips such as those around Port Stanley. In the 1990s, the squadron supported United Nations and NATO operations in the Balkans theatre, operating alongside NATO maritime task groups and contributing to amphibious and embargo operations enforced by vessels like HMS Ocean. Elements were deployed during Operation Granby in the Gulf War for fleet support, and during Operation Telic in Iraq they provided rotary support for littoral manoeuvre, casualty extraction, and liaison with coalition ground forces including the United States Marine Corps. Humanitarian and peacetime missions included disaster relief following storms and maritime rescues coordinated with the Coastguard and civilian agencies.

Organization and Bases

The squadron has been administratively controlled from several Royal Navy air stations and integrated into carrier air groups when embarked. Primary basing included RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk), and temporary detachments ashore at RAF Akrotiri and forward operating sites during deployments. Organizationally it aligned under Fleet Air Arm command structures and task group headquarters aboard flagships such as HMS Ark Royal, interoperating with units from the Royal Marines, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and allied naval aviation units from France and United States carrier battle groups.

Notable Personnel and Commanders

Commanding officers and aircrew from the squadron have included decorated aviators and leaders who later served in senior Fleet Air Arm and Ministry of Defence positions. Squadron members have been recognized in campaign citations alongside officers from ships such as HMS Sheffield and HMS Coventry during Falklands operations. Personnel have liaised with multinational commands including NATO SHAPE and maritime task force commanders drawn from navies like the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy.

Insignia and Traditions

The squadron badge and insignia draw on Royal Navy heraldic traditions and feature imagery reflecting its airborne and maritime role, displayed on aircraft fuselages and squadron standards. Traditions include squadron bars, annual commemorations of campaigns including Falklands remembrance events, and affiliation ties with units such as Royal Marines Commandos and civic links to towns that have sponsored naval units. The unit's dress and ceremonial practices follow Royal Navy customs observed at establishments like HMS Collingwood and at Fleet Air Arm gatherings.

Category:Fleet Air Arm squadrons Category:Military units and formations established in 1943