849 and 820 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) Updates

(IN REVERSE ORDER SO THE LATEST UPDATE IS AT THE TOP)

 

820 NAS Updates 2025

 

820 NAS Update 10 Mar 25

 

It’s been another very busy term for 820 NAS. Since the previous update in November last year our efforts have been firmly focused on preparations for the upcoming Op HIGHMAST deployment that begins in April.

On our return from Christmas leave the squadron hit the ground running with a full schedule of flying evolutions, tactical simulator training and briefs focussing on the different environments and scenarios we may face along the way. We call these packages ‘force generation’ and it allows us to practice the specific skillsets that we will need to operate safely and effectively when deploying to different locations around the globe.

In mid-February a detachment from 820 travelled to Prestwick in Scotland for EXERCISE ROGUE LANCE, a high end week long exercise focussing on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). This provides our ASW operators with the most realistic training scenarios possible before we embark next month.

Of course, a highlight of the past few months was the excellent visit to RNAS Culdrose in early February. Consisting of visits to several of our units, the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Palembang Night celebrations in the evening, the day will be long remembered by 820 and I hope by the Broderers who attended.

The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant is a major boost to the relationship between the Worshipful Company of Broderers and 820 NAS, and more widely the Armed Forces as a whole. We are very grateful for your decision to sign the AFC at RNAS Culdrose and for making the journey down to see us.

The next few weeks see the squadron taking a much-earned early Easter leave period, before returning to make our final preparations for Op HIGHMAST and ultimately deploying around the world from April until December. This promises to be a very busy, challenging, but rewarding global deployment where we will be taking part in several exercises with partner nations along the way.

 

820 NAS Updates 2024

 

820 NAS Update 26 Nov 24

 

Since the last update in September, 820 NAS returned from a well-earned summer break with all eyes set on our autumn deployment with the Carrier Strike Group - EXERCISE STRIKE WARRIOR. The aim of this trip was to continue improving our Squadrons integration with HMS PRINCE OF WALES and other embarked units, whilst honing our skills ahead of the global deployment of OP HIGHMAST next year.

Following the tragic accident in early September involving 846 NAS, all Merlin flying was temporarily paused while investigations took place to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the rest of the fleet and its personnel. Although this did delay our embarkation, the Squadron still managed to deploy for some weeks enabling high end warfighting training, maximising our time on board.

The rest of this period has been spent mostly at Culdrose, where we continue to train every day in the air and on the ground. Crews have also detached to Scotland recently to support advanced submarine training, allowing them to practice multiple skills in a very real environment.

Our focus going forward remains training for OP HIGHMAST, and we continue to develop our skills operating in the various environments we may encounter, consisting of simulator packages and live flights. We are also preparing for our squadron standards check early next year. The ‘Trap’ as it’s known checks our flying standards in the air and our knowledge and procedures on the ground.

In summary, another productive period for the squadron, with plenty of work upcoming to keep us busy.

 

820 NAS Update 24 Sep 24

 

Since February, 820 NAS has deployed on EX STEADFAST DEFENDER, EX GREEN EEL, EX OCEAN HIT and very importantly, taken some time to enable the squadron to stand down for the summer leave period. We are looking to deploy onto HMS Prince of Wales (PWLS) in October on Exercise JOINT WARRIOR to facilitate their work up to full operational capability ahead of next year’s big trip!

STEADFAST DEFENDER presented an opportunity to work in a multi-national exercise for 6 weeks, participating with surface, air and sub surface units from our NATO allies; Norway, Germany, France and the USA to name but a few. Embarking in PWLS at Portsmouth, we then transited up the UK’s east coast to join the Task Group before proceeding North to work in the Norwegian fjords. We used Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) and Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) Merlin Mk2s to support the Task Group, giving the whole squadron a chance to work at a high tempo in challenging cold conditions in the far North. The aircrew and engineers were rewarded for this effort by the beautiful scenery, Northern lights and a run ashore in Rotterdam on the way home.

On GREEN EEL, 820 sent a small detachment of 2 ASW helicopters to conduct ASW training with the Norwegians. It is rare that we are able to practice against live submarines, so this was a welcome chance to hone our ASW skills. The exercise was run over 2 weeks in Haakonsvern, the Norwegian Navy’s HQ. The opportunity to integrate from the ground up with our allies, rather than staying on board our own ships, presented different challenges but was overall enjoyed by us all. Not to mention the valuable training achieved operating in a complex coastal water-space, against Norwegian submarines with the home advantage!

OCEAN HIT focussed primarily on ASaC and ran almost concurrently with GREEN EEL, making for a very busy period in June as we worked up for both exercises. OCEAN HIT was run out of Landivisiau in Brittany, also lasting 2 weeks. This involved many French air assets, but also saw participation from across the NATO spectrum. 820 aircraft were involved in controlling allied aircraft to deliver simulated airstrikes, air-to-air interceptions and an array of other effects to benefit the “blue team”.

This busy schedule all led into a well earned summer leave period, allowing the whole squadron a chance to spend some time with their loved ones before heading out again on EX JOINT WARRIOR, and much more grand, the long Carrier Strike Group deployment in PWLS expected in 2025. At this stage there is still a lot that we have yet to confirm, so there will be more to update in the next quarter!

 

820 NAS Update 24 Feb 24

 

Since the last update, 820 NAS completed Exercise FIREDRAKE with NATO and the US, making ready to redeploy in response to emergent tasking in November. Exercise WESTLANT 23 concluded in December, completing 3 months of support to HMS Prince of Wales as she conducted deck trials for the F35B Lightning Jet, Predator drones and US Marine Corps Osprey (tilt rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing). During this, 820 personnel also hosted an array of visitors in Mayport FL and Norfolk VA, successfully evacuated 3 casualties from the ship and air lifted one very good doggo, “Ike”, back to shore after his week-long morale visit. Despite being ready to deploy at a moment’s notice over Christmas, most squadron personnel were able to spend the holidays with their families.

Into the new year the squadron has been planning to go on STEADFAST DEFENDER in February for 6 weeks. 820 are taking 4 Anti-Submarine (ASW) and 2 Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) helos on board the Prince of Wales into the North Sea, joining 617 SQN (RAF F35B Lightnings) and 847 NAS (RM support Wildcat helos), to exercise with some 40 vessels from NATO allies off the coast of Shetland and Norway. The exercise will see us integrating with all of these forces and with the ship's company and Carrier Strike Group staff, enhancing the squadron's ability to operate as part of a greater force, not to mention improve our ability to work in the cold!

820 are then committed to Exercise GREEN EEL in Bergen, Norway in June. This involves a 2 week detachment to the Norwegian naval base in Haakonsvern, operating with several NATO submarines and Norwegian surface forces, during which we will all be living ashore in Bergen for 2 weeks! It presents a particular opportunity to engage with submarines operating in the coastal environment, and further deepen our cooperation with NATO allies.

Further ahead, the summer will give the squadron a chance to rest after a busy deployment schedule. It offers a period of regeneration for our people and aircraft, to ensure they are ready to deliver again for the expected Carrier Strike Group deployment in 2025.

 

820 NAS Updates 2023

 

820 NAS Update 28 Nov 23

 

The past few months have continued to be busy for 820 NAS since we last updated you in September. Our people and aircraft have been deployed on both sides of the Atlantic in support of our nation’s two carriers. Over on the East coast of the USA they have been providing essential Search and Rescue (SAR) cover for fixed wing flying trials on HMS Prince of Wales, while back on ‘our side of the pond’, 820 NAS aircraft have embarked on HMS Kent and HMS Queen Elizabeth as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group (UKCSG).

13031. ‘Pinger’ Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variant enjoyed multiple live ASW exercises with NATO submarines as well as conducting Fin transfers with a Norwegian submarine. While operating in the ‘high North’, the ‘Bagger’ Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) variants worked with UK F35s, stealth multi-role combat aircraft from 617 Sqn and other NATO aircraft on multiple joint exercises, as well as intercepting Russian aircraft who were approaching the Taskforce.

Between multinational exercises HMS Queen Elizabeth flew the flag for HM Ambassador to Sweden during defence engagements in Gothenburg, while allowing our people to have some Fika* and enjoy much needed downtime. The squadron should reunite once more at the end of the year before deploying as a whole on Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER Feb-Mar 2024.

 

*Note: Fika is literally ‘coffee & cake break’, but in this context means rather more!

 

820 NAS Update 26 Sep 23

 

It’s been a hugely busy period for 820 NAS since we last updated you in March. Back then, we were at the beginning of a 6 month build up to deploying 7 aircraft and over 200 people across 3 different ships. A few weeks ago, we embarked in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH now on her way North with the Maritime Task Group, and HMS PRINCE OF WALES now heading West. Soon, an 820 NAS aircraft will join Type 23 Frigate HMS KENT. Both the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) variants of Merlin helicopter operated by 820 NAS, and the majority of the brilliant people who make it all happen, are delivering their primary roles globally on operations and exercises – what a great time to be a member of the Squadron!

820 NAS’ new Commanding Officer, Cdr Karen Snel MBE RN (who many of you will have met at the very enjoyable Election Dinner) continues to build on the fantastic work of Cdr Ian Varley RN and the team, and we’re pleased to report that the last 6 months have been a hugely successful period getting ready for the deployments, ensuring we deliver to the CO’s intent of being lethal, safe, and kind.

We opened up the Squadron to our families in May, entertaining them and taking them flying as a token of our appreciation for their support. We’ve enjoyed time together as a team building our bonds through sports and adventurous activities, and we’ve flown hugely memorable flypasts for the King’s Coronation, Armed Forces Day and the King’s Birthday celebrations. We’ve welcomed Senior RN visitors, including HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH’s new Commanding Officer, Captain Will King OBE RN and Commodore Jim Blackmore RN who recently took Command of the UK Carrier Strike Group, we’ve had successful engineering assurance visits, and we’ve completed training on Night Vision Goggles to improve safety of night flying.

 

820 NAS Update 7 Mar 23

 

This year, 820 NAS Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) Merlins with the Crowsnest radar have been taking part in Trial Cyclops as they continue their training programme and develop their capability to provide early warning of other ships and aircraft, and controlling their own aircraft. As well as remaining generally current, the main focus of the rest of the Squadron has been working on their Night Vision Goggles (NVG) requalification which is an essential component of their ability to operate at night.

Overall, they are now getting the aircraft ready for deployments to both sides of the Atlantic later in the year, following some quite intense programming over the last couple of years. As we know, this included their epic Far East trip in the Queen Elizabeth, which has just featured in BBC 2’s documentary Warship: Tour of Duty! This “regeneration”, as it’s called, is the hardest bit and this year they will be embarking in both the carriers, Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Wales, and also in Kent, a Type 23 Frigate – 8 squadron helicopters in all and about 200 people.

On 17 April Cdr Ian Varley hands over as CO to Cdr Karen Snel, who we look forward to meeting as soon as we can. Later in the year 820 NAS celebrates its 90th anniversary as a Naval Air Squadron: it is the oldest NAS by some way so quite an achievement. Nothing is planned yet, but we hope to take part in their celebration in some way at their base in RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

 

820 NAS Updates 2022

 

820 NAS Update 29 Nov 22

 

Returning from Summer leave for most of the 820 NAS team, the tempo was raised as we readied ourselves to support two carrier deployments.

September saw 820’s deployed footprint increase with those embarked in HMS PRINCE OF WALES (including 1 x aircraft) transferring to HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH (with a further 2 x aircraft), while the Squadron also generated a Type 23 Frigate flight to support HMS KENT for sea training and aviation capability exercising off Scotland.

Major defect problems with HMS PRINCE OF WALES forced changes to the ship’s programmes and so QNLZ took up the task to deliver a critical NATO stage event, called the Atlantic Future Forum, in New York, with 3 of the squadron’s helicopters onboard.

For those remaining at Culdrose in Cornwall, regular training and flying was interspersed with intensive simulator training to prepare ourselves for the longer-term programme in the winter. For 3 of our aircrew officers, thorough examination boards took place to test their proficiency in their primary role as Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC) Observers. They all passed and are now fully fledged Aircraft Commanders and competent tacticians.

Following the passing of our Queen, several squadron personnel were required to contribute to the funeral ceremony in London. Also, another important event this month was the opportunity to take part in the Solomon Browne and Union Star memorial dedication, a tragic event of 41 years ago that led to the loss of the Penlee lifeboat crew and the merchant vessel they were bravely trying to rescue. 820 NAS were involved in that fateful day and will forever be a reminder of the inherent danger the maritime environment can present and the ultimate bravery that it may call for.

October saw the return of our team from onboard HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. There were many excited tales of visiting Norfolk, VA and New York, as well as of varied, diverse flying opportunities in the centre of Manhattan that is not our routine business. With a very short period to draw breath, we were back at sea again onboard QNLZ and KENT in early November to work up the carrier with multiple aircraft types including Commando Force Merlins and F-35B Lightning jets. The team are still away now as I write this and are looking forward soon to some well-earned relaxation time in a Scandinavian country where I will be joining them.

We will all be home again, if all goes to plan, in time for Christmas with our loved ones. We will be undertaking our annual “Santa Drop” of presents to schools and the hospital in Truro. This will see Father Christmas delivered by helicopter to various locations around the local area as we help out the overworked reindeer in the festive period!

 

To keep our warfighting skills sharp, we’ve exercised with NATO submarines, fired M3M machine guns, dropped dummy torpedoes and embarked in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH twice for mutual training and assurance. Notably, we’ve brought Merlin ASaC to the huge programme milestone of ‘Initial Operating Capability’, further developing and assuring the capabilities we bring the Maritime Task Group.

No rest after all of that – we’ve got a job to do and are delighted to now be out there doing it! All due back in time for Christmas.

 

820 NAS Update 26 Sep 22

 

At the end of an eight-month deployment (OP FORTIS) the squadron returned home just before Christmas to a warm reception from families, friends and station personnel. The squadron disembarked from HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH on a clear and crisp December morning after her inaugural operational deployment, whereupon we enjoyed a period of leave and relaxation following the separation from our loved ones.

Returning refreshed and ready for new adventures, we set about the New Year with renewed focus as plans quickly developed for more exercises and embarkations with both of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, as 820 is the sole carrier squadron of the Merlin Helicopter Force. This resulted in Exercise COLD RESPONSE onboard HMS PRINCE OF WALES during March and April of 2022, where the squadron and ship proved their ability to operate and fight in the frozen waters of the Arctic Circle while providing Anti-Submarine protection to our task group of NATO surface vessels. This also developed generation of the ship and Royal Navy’s capability as NATO’s High Readiness Flagship, coincidentally just as the situation in Ukraine began to unfold.

After another quick turnaround the squadron embarked again in HMS PRINCE OF WALES in May for Exercise FLOTEX, a Spanish led exercise which saw us operate in the Mediterranean Sea and off the Portuguese coastline. The 6-week exercise tested our Merlin helicopters and aircrew in operating in the hot conditions where the air is thinner, thus presenting the opposite training value as Ex COLD RESPONSE. The Squadron was tasked to deliver Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Air and Missile Defence utilising the new capability of Merlin Airborne Search and Control helicopters alongside the standard Merlin Mk2 the Squadron operates.

After a few weeks of summer leave to take stock, the squadron is busy preparing to deploy again which will see us away most probably until Christmas. This time, split across several different ships and operating to both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. This represents a new challenge for the squadron which is nominally structured to deploy as one large unit in a single platform.

820 NAS have continued to train and grow our nation’s aircraft carrier capability and is extremely busy delivering operational effect to maintain maritime security around the globe. Hand in hand with that programme, we also value our affiliation and connection with you as we continue to deliver the intent of the national strategic effort towards Defence, Security and Prosperity.

 

820 NAS Update 24 Feb 22

 

820 NAS disembarked from HMS Queen Elizabeth in December and after some well earned leave have been preparing 3 Anti Submarine Merlins and their crew ready to embark at the beginning of March onboard the 2nd carrier sister ship HMS Prince of Wales. While the CO and remainder of the Squadron remain ashore, they will then deploy to the northern regions and see service around Iceland and Norway on exercise with NATO and Allied partner navies. They will return home to thaw out with their families at around Easter.

 

820 NAS Updates 2021

 

820 NAS Update 8 Dec 21

 

14 days alongside in Guam gave personnel time to rest and recuperate and enjoy a longer period of time away from the demands of work. Throughout this time the change of Command for the Fleet Flagship occurred on 23rd September. Captain Ian Feasey assumed Command of QNLZ, to relieve Captain Angus Essenhigh. No doubt it was a memorable first day for Captain Feasey, as the ship had to sail in light of an incoming typhoon. This included a rapid recall of essential personnel to sail at four hours notice. After returning to Guam a couple of days later for a third time to pick up personnel and stores we headed west towards the South China Sea.

October saw QNLZ and the Strike Group begin the transit home in the final phases of Op FORTIS. At the start of the month the ship participated in a 17-ship PHOTEX with a multitude of nations including the United States, India, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Taiwan and Japan. It was a great show of force and highlighted strong international cooperation between partner nations. Once complete, the ship transited through the Malacca Straits – one of the busiest shipping areas in the world. A memorable experience for everyone onboard was crossing the Equator. The ship undertook a huge ceremony on the flight deck and over 1000 Sailors, US Marines and Air Force personnel were welcomed by “King Neptune” into his Kingdom!

A 24-hour stop for stores in Singapore unfortunately did not see any of the ship’s company allowed ashore due to the ongoing pandemic in the Far East, but we did get a beautiful view of the skyline and the Embassy delivered “goody bags” of Singaporean souvenirs for everyone. On completion, we continued to Mumbai to partake in defence engagement off the coast of Mumbai with the Indian Navy, where 820 assisted with passenger transfers. Although busy, the three days of defence engagement were vitally important for the ship and the feedback received from visitors was hugely positive.

Towards the latter end of October the ship went North West towards the Gulf of Oman to exercise with the Omani Navy and conduct defence engagement. Our journey home continued with a stop alongside in Duqm, Oman. The highlight of this stop was a BFBS Live outdoor concert, where personnel were entertained by comedians and singers that had flown out from the UK. This short stop also highlighted the ability for a large portion of a task group to be able to arrive together and receive stores and move personnel. We then proceeded through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. During this time 820 organised the traditional Fleet Air Arm mess dinner for Taranto Night, an evening greatly enjoyed by the Wardroom.

We finally returned to the Mediterranean after around six months since we last saw it. With the ship heading through the straits of Messina, retracing our steps from June this year (albeit significantly colder), we were able to enjoy some long overdue mobile phone signal! Lifeblood to the younger generation onboard. Our next stop was Palma, Mallorca for a three-day stop entirely for our personnel to relax and recuperate. Suitably rested the ship then headed to Rota Naval Base in Spain for our final stop prior to disembarking.

In the next few days 820 NAS will disembark, flying all seven aircraft from the ship back to RNAS Culdrose. We will have a Homecoming event with our families and friends present and will then proceed on some well-earned Christmas leave. 820 NAS has had an exceptional year of operational flying around the world.

 

820 NAS Update Jul – Sep 2021

 

After sailing from Sicily, 820 NAS and the entire Task Group have been very busy, with the occasional opportunity to relax. We sailed initially for our first main effort: Operation SHADER.

A key deliverable from our deployment and a career highlight for many of the Squadron was the participation in Op SHADER. This long standing task is part of a wider US Operation INHERENT RESOLVE international military intervention against Daesh and ISIL. Working alongside our US Allies is a true demonstration of the interoperability that a 5th generation carrier air wing provide. Our contribution over a two week period kept us busy protecting the Task Group to the South of Cyprus.

With our part in SHADER complete, the Ship came alongside in Limassol, Cyprus for stores replenishment and recuperation for the Ship’s Company. The ‘pulling power’ of the Nation’s Flagship was once again demonstrated by the President of the Republic of Cyprus visiting HMS Queen Elizabeth along with many high ranking diplomats. A reception and capability demonstration, held on our 4 acre flight deck, helped reinforce UK-Cyprus relationships, assisting in the message of Global Britain and highlight our commitment to regional security. We then proceeded to sea and onwards to the Suez Canal.

The transit of the Suez Canal was a definite high point for 820, especially those who had never transited this vital trade link. It was also another record for the Royal Navy: the largest British warship to have navigated the Canal.

Transits of straits and navigational chokepoints had been practised since our generational exercises off NW Scotland, none more so than the constrained waters of the Bab al Mandeb Straits. Recent and persistent attacks on both merchant and military shipping have made these Straits a potential flashpoint.

 

820 NAS Update 26 Jun 21

 

The year began with preparations for embarking in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH in late April, ensuring that sufficient aircraft, aircrew and engineers were qualified and current in their roles. The Squadron worked hard to generate seven Merlin Mark 2 aircraft; four to operate in the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role, and three fitted with “Crowsnest” to provide Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC). The challenge of embarking essentially all of our aircraft along with around 190 personnel, stores and equipment was completed successfully, and 820 NAS was well established in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH on the 27th of April. Soon after the ship sailed, adorned with flags and with each sailor dressed in their best uniform. The general public in their thousands lined the shores of Portsmouth, giving us an inspiring and memorable send-off. Many of our personnel had never sailed before, making this spectacle especially poignant.

The first three weeks of our deployment consisted of exercises around the North West coast of Scotland. This allowed the Carrier Strike Group to exercise various elements of the force, including F35 fast jet operations, ASW training and surface warfare for ships and aircraft alike. It was an excellent opportunity to build our warfighting edge in anticipation of future operational requirements. Following this exercise we returned to Portsmouth to re-equip our ships, before sailing to begin our journey South into the Mediterranean. During our transit we took part in various NATO exercises and welcomed distinguished visitors to have a brief look at operations from the carrier.

Passing the Rock of Gibraltar was a fine moment for the Squadron and the ship, as it proved to be the beginning of more intense operations with a further shift into tactical and “real world” scenarios. The Carrier Strike Group continued exercising with NATO partners as we moved further East towards our first “run ashore” in Augusta, Sicily. After almost 50 consecutive days at sea, the Squadron was excited to relax and enjoy some of the sights of Italy for a few days. Some highlights included a fascinating Commonwealth war graves visit, several of our aircrew scaling the heights of Mount Etna on their road bikes, and as a whole contributing a significant amount of money to the local tourism economy. The Squadron returned refreshed and ready to continue the journey Eastwards.

The success of 820 NAS so far this year is down to a huge team effort by the Squadron, along with the family and friends who have supported us through a busy and unpredictable schedule. Looking ahead, 820 NAS will continue contributing to the Task Group as it proves its worthiness in the Eastern half of the Mediterranean and then beyond to fulfil the Government’s initiative to deploy to the Far East in the South China Seas.

Safely through this navigational chokepoint, HMS Queen Elizabeth commenced the long transit of the Indian Ocean where we experienced the seasonal delights of the South Westerly Monsoon, conducting various exercises with the Indian Navy and Malaysians, before heading through the Malacca Straits. This is the world’s busiest shipping lane and also marked the entry to our next Area of Operations, our Freedom of Navigation passage through the South China Seas. This reinforced our Government’s commitment to the Rules Based International System by which we all live, and showcased the RN’s ability to have a presence far from home. At this point we then made way for Guam, an idyllic island nation part of the Marianas chain. Personnel enjoyed swimming with sea turtles and sharks, surfing, and relaxing. The ship then sailed for Korea and Japan, conducting an important series of Defence Engagement events to further strengthen our ties in the area. 820 also organised a flight deck festival during our stop in Japan which was greatly received by the ship’s company. The task group have now returned to Guam to carry out our mid-point maintenance support stop. After 2 weeks we will sail to begin our journey west and towards home.

To close the review, 820 NAS have continually secured the seas around the task group as it has carried out these important tasks, along with strengthening the core of our Squadron through training.

 

820 NAS Update 2 Mar 21

 

With HMS Queen Elizabeth declaring Initial Operating Capability at the end of 2020, 820 Naval Air Squadron are now at a heightened readiness to support operations onboard the Nation's Flagship anywhere around the world. The Squadron's current main effort is preparing to deploy with the carrier task group in Easter 2021, embarking most of the Squadron's personnel and aircraft to support a global deployment named "Operation Fortis". This deployment will see HMS Queen Elizabeth and her supporting vessels deploy to support global operations despite the difficulties of Covid-19.

 

849 and 820 NAS Updates 2020

 

820 NAS Update 1 Dec 20

 

It has been a busy year for 820 Squadron, even with the challenges COVID-19 has brought; the squadron has been able to conduct 2 embarkations in HMS Queen Elizabeth. The most recent in the Autumn was a successful large multinational exercise led by the British Carrier, and was the largest UK led task group for several years. This important milestone is part of the progression towards the declaration of an initial capability of the Royal Navy’s carrier strike reactive task force by Christmas.

820 NAS remains at a high tempo heading into the New Year ahead of the inaugural operational deployment of the Maritime Task Group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth. Squadron personnel have been busy preparing aircraft, refining their tactical skills in the simulator and making sure everything is in place to accept our new ASaC (Airborne Surveillance and Control) role-fitted Merlin Mk2s to work alongside our existing Anti-Submarine variant. The Squadron still expects to deploy all of its helicopters and the vast majority of its personnel next year for the 7 month deployment, alongside UK and US Lightning jets (Harrier replacements), Royal Navy Wildcat (Maritime Attack) and “Junglie” (Commando) Merlin helicopters.

 

820 NAS Update 29 Sep 20

 

All eyes are firmly focussed on the inaugural operational deployment of the Maritime Task Group led by the new carrier HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH next year, and 820 Squadron has been busy getting its people and equipment ready. The work up is heading for its conclusion, with the Squadron currently embarked on a large Group exercise, charged with defending the Carrier from a range of threats.

The high-end, high tempo training does not cease when they return in mid-October, with simulator mission rehearsals planned to make sure the aircrew are in fighting form. All of this is being done, of course, in the midst of a pandemic, with extra measures in place to protect against the virus. The Squadron expects to deploy all of its helicopters and the vast majority of its personnel next year for the 7 month deployment, alongside UK and US Lightning jets (Harrier replacements), RN Wildcat (Maritime Attack) and “Junglie” (Commando) Merlin helicopters.

 

STOP PRESS 24 Apr 20

 

In Mar 20, the decision was taken to decommission 849 Naval Air Squadron instead of rededicating it as hitherto expected, so that the RN’s new Airborne Surveillance and Control capability (ASaC) could be built from within the Fleet Air Arm's current Carrier Squadron, 820 NAS. It is possible that 849 could return to front-line service one day, to forge the way to a future Naval Aviation structure that will see a greater focus on technology, and in particular systems that do not require a crew to be airborne in the aircraft. There is not a timeline for this plan.

It was therefore agreed that the affiliation would be transferred to 820 NAS to which many of the current 849 team would transfer.

 

849 NAS Update 3 Mar 20

 

849 Squadron has grown from a handful of people operating in a few offices within another Squadron’s building to the cusp of independent flying operations and a first Squadron embarkation in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. The engineering workforce is now in place and they have recently taken delivery of a Merlin Mk2 helicopter for the aircrew to fly from March onward. This will allow the Squadron to train prior to the delivery of the Crowsnest mission system later in the year, and has given them the opportunity to embark for 7 weeks in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH in May.

All the while, detailed preparations are being made for further embarkations later in the year alongside UK and US F35s and for the operational deployment in 2021. The Squadron will be re-dedicated (as it was never de-commissioned) in April, at a ceremony in RNAS Culdrose.

 

849 and 820 NAS Updates 2019

 

849 NAS Update 10 Dec 19

 

Activity has increased at 849 NAS in the last few months and is projected to continue to do so well into the New Year. Aircrew have continued their detachments onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth with our sister squadron 820NAS, maintaining operational experience in the maritime environment and conducting trials alongside the UK ’s F35 Lightning jets. This preparatory work comes ahead of a full squadron embarkation later next year; putting our new Crowsnest mission system to the test and operating as an integral part of the Carrier Task Group. Final preparations are being made for the squadron to move into its own building with the engineering team joining the aircrew. We look forward to standing up once more as the ‘Eyes of the Fleet’ next year.

 

849 NAS Update 24 Sep 19

 

In addition to consolidating Merlin Mk2 experience, we have engaged with an array of external stakeholders, seeking to champion ASaC capability in the RN and the Joint/Combined domain. This has paralleled a revised CROWSNEST programme work which will deliver Merlin ASaC aircraft Q3 2020.

This term 849 NAS have augmented our sister Carrier Air Wing Squadron, 820 NAS for the WESTLANT 19 deployment to work alongside the F35B at sea as well as regaining vital embarked experience. We currently have 3 personnel out in NAS Fallon, USA participating in the Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (real life Top Gun!) and closer to home we prepare to reform the squadron at large; a new cadre of engineers, a new building/hangar move and new aircrew/instructors. A busy but exciting period ahead of us!

 

849 NAS Update 5 Mar 19

 

We are currently undertaking a large scale simulator exercise, that involves linking up our tactical simulator with that of Type 45, Typhoon, F35 and E3 to sharpen our skills ahead of the commencement of Carrier Strike Collective Training next year

- We expect our helicopters to be delivered in the early part of next year, where we plan to commence immediate ab initio training as well as the generation of crews for the deployment in HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH in 2021

- In the short term, 849 NAS is visiting the USN’s Naval Strike and Air Weapons School (Top Gun) in March to exchange tactical ideas and procedures with our American colleagues

- Later this year, we will deploy with 820 NAS (an Anti Submarine (ASW) Merlin squadron) on board HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH when she visits the US to continue F35 trials. We plan to use the ship’s fighter control equipment to get our first “hands” on the new jet.

- The next batch of ex Sea King, now Merlin Observers will join in May, and we look forward to receiving the bulk of our engineering staff by November 2019, bringing us up to a complement of around 100 by Christmas.