For the first time in almost 15 years, a squadron of fighter aircraft from the Royal Navy is currently conducting operations from the flight deck of a Royal Navy aircraft carrier.
The F-35B Lightning stealth fighters from 809 Naval Air Squadron, alongside their RAF counterpart, 617 Squadron, known as The Dambusters, have embarked on HMS Prince of Wales in the North Sea for a month-long training exercise. This marks a significant milestone for both the squadron and the ship as they prepare for an eight-month global deployment scheduled for 2025.
Commander Nick Smith, commanding officer of 809 NAS, said: “This is a big moment for 809 Naval Air Squadron, a vital building block to working up with the carrier strike group in preparation for the deployment next year.”
“To be the commanding officer of a squadron with such a proud heritage is a huge privilege. We are still in our infancy forming as an F-35B squadron, so joining a carrier for the first time is truly a milestone.”
Similar to the other two Lightning squadrons stationed at Marham, namely 617 and 207 Squadrons, 809 NAS sources its personnel equally from the Royal Air Force and the Fleet Air Arm. Notably, three out of every five members of 809 NAS, including pilots and particularly the essential ground crew, are experiencing their inaugural deployment at sea.
The squadron is set to engage in rigorous training over the upcoming weeks, during which pilots will obtain their carrier qualifications and personnel will assimilate with the ship’s crew, becoming familiar with the maritime routine. Following this initial phase, training will escalate as HMS Prince of Wales is accompanied by escort and support vessels to establish a carrier strike group for a two-week UK-led exercise centred in the North Sea, known as Strike Warrior.
