RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)

RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)
Name	RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)
Type	Naval Air Station
Operator	Royal Navy
Controlled by	Fleet Air Arm
Built	1940
Used	1940–present
Condition	Operational
Occupants	767 Naval Air Squadron, 800 Naval Air Squadron, 809 Naval Air Squadron
Events	World War II, Falklands War
Garrison	Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm
Location	Yeovilton, Somerset

RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron) is a principal Royal Navy air station and shore establishment of the Fleet Air Arm located near Yeovil, Somerset. Established during World War II as an operational training base and dispersal airfield, it has since hosted carrier-borne helicopter and fixed-wing squadrons, served as a hub for Joint Helicopter Command activities, and supported operations in conflicts such as the Falklands War and Iraq War. The air station combines operational squadrons, training units, and heritage organisations, maintaining links with aviation museums and national ceremonial events.

History

RNAS Yeovilton was commissioned in 1940 amidst the Battle of Britain and initial construction responded to dispersal needs from RAF Colerne and RAF Exeter. During World War II the base supported Fleet Air Arm squadrons transferring from HMS Daedalus and HMS Sparrowhawk and hosted units returning from the Battle of Taranto and Operation Torch. Post-war restructuring saw Yeovilton involved in carrier training for HMS Hermes and HMS Ark Royal while accommodating rotary-wing conversion linked to Royal Navy Helicopter Force development. The station played roles in Cold War readiness alongside Royal Air Force stations such as RAF Yeovilton (note: RAF Yeovilton is separate) and supported deployments to Falklands War task groups aboard HMS Invincible and HMS Illustrious. In the 21st century Yeovilton adapted to new platforms associated with AgustaWestland AW101 operations, Merlin HC3 conversions, and integrated training with Royal Marines and Army Air Corps elements during Operation Herrick and Operation Telic.

Units and Operations

Yeovilton hosts a mix of frontline and training units including historic squadrons such as 800 Naval Air Squadron, 702 Naval Air Squadron, 809 Naval Air Squadron, and 771 Naval Air Squadron. It supports the Fleet Air Arm Historic Flight and the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton Air Day organisation, while coordinating with Commando Helicopter Force, Defence Helicopter Flying School, and elements of Joint Helicopter Command. The station has provided personnel and aircraft for operations with HMS Albion amphibious carriers and Royal Fleet Auxiliary task groups, contributing crews to Operation Granby and Operation Banner detachments. Liaison occurs with Ministry of Defence commands, including Naval Air Command and Fleet Air Arm Officer Training, and maintains exchange relationships with allied units such as United States Navy helicopter detachments and Royal Australian Navy aviators.

Airfield and Facilities

The airfield comprises multiple asphalt runways, concrete aprons, and arrestor gear, alongside a control tower integrated with NATS procedures for mixed military-civil airspace. Hangars accommodate types ranging from light helicopters to medium-lift rotorcraft formerly used by Merlin HC3 squadrons. On-base facilities include a naval barracks, engineering workshops conducting AgustaWestland airframe support, avionics shops certified to Defence Standards, a simulator complex housing mission trainers used for Commando Helicopter Force tasks, and fuel storage meeting DEF STAN safety. The station contains maintenance units capable of rotary-wing intermediate-level repair, collaborative logistics with QinetiQ contractors, and flight-line integration for carrier compatibility trials with HMS Queen Elizabeth.

Aircraft and Equipment

Types operated from Yeovilton have included the Westland Sea King, Westland Lynx, AgustaWestland Merlin, Westland Wessex, and fixed-wing reconnaissance types such as the Fairey Barracuda historically and rotary-wing trials for Hawker Siddeley Harrier compatibility trials in earlier eras. Current and recent inventories reflect Merlin MK2 and Merlin HM2 upgrades, specialist SAR-configured airframes in association with Royal Navy Search and Rescue duties until national SAR restructuring, and squadron transition aircraft for night-vision and airborne surveillance missions. Ground equipment encompasses arrestor cables, deck-landing simulation rigs, winches, and avionics test benches compliant with MOD Integrated Business Services procurement standards.

Role in Training and Exercises

Yeovilton is a principal training hub for Fleet Air Arm aircrew and maintainers, hosting conversion courses run by 702 Naval Air Squadron and advanced tactics instruction including shipborne deck-landing practice aboard training carriers and amphibious platforms such as HMS Ocean (decommissioned) and RFA Argus. The station supports multinational exercises including Joint Warrior, Culdrose-linked rotations with RNAS Culdrose, and NATO interoperability drills with participants from Royal Canadian Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and French Navy aviation. Synthetic training uses full-mission simulators and classroom instruction tied to Naval Aviation Flying School syllabi, while live flying supports amphibious assault rehearsals with Royal Marines Commandos and logistics exercises with Fleet Logistic Support Squadron elements.

Community and Heritage

Yeovilton hosts the Fleet Air Arm Museum (adjacent), preserving historic aircraft like the Supermarine Seafire and Fairey Swordfish, and partners with heritage groups including the Royal Navy Historic Flight and local preservation societies. The station’s annual air day attracts visitors and fosters links with Somerset County Council, local schools, and civic bodies like Yeovil Town Council. Community outreach extends to veterans' organisations such as the Royal British Legion and charitable partnerships including SSAFA. Memorials on-site commemorate personnel lost in operations including plaques referencing Battle of the Atlantic crews and Falklands veterans, while the base contributes to regional economic activity through civilian contractor employment and cooperation with Yeovil Innovation Centre enterprises.

Incidents and Accidents

Over its history Yeovilton experienced operational incidents involving aircraft mishaps during deck-landing practice, engine failures, and ground accidents, some resulting in fatalities and subsequent Air Accidents Investigation Branch inquiries. Notable occurrences prompted safety reviews coordinated with Defence Safety Authority and led to procedural changes affecting shipborne operations and simulator training standards. The station collaborates with emergency services including Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Avon and Somerset Police to manage on-site emergencies and investigate incidents under statutory frameworks.

Category:Royal Navy shore establishments Category:Fleet Air Arm bases Category:Airports in Somerset