824 Naval Air Squadron

The expert instructors of 824 Naval Air Squadron train the next generation of aircrew and engineers to operate the world-class Merlin Mk2 helicopter.

Role

Led by Commander Chris Jones and based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, 824 Naval Air Squadron trains both aircrew and engineers in how to fly, operate and use the Merlin Mk2 as a weapon.

Using real aircraft alongside and sophisticated mission simulators, the squadron prepares aircrew including pilots, observers and aircrewmen for frontline operations.

Engineers learn how to repair and maintain the sophisticated helicopters to an exemplary standard, as well as how to marshal aircraft and load weapons.

From here, qualified personnel join one of front-line Merlin Helicopter Force squadrons, either 814 or 820.

Merlin helicopter

Unit history

1933

A reconnaissance squadron

First commissioned in April 1933 as a spotter reconnaissance squadron, the 824 NAS disbanded no fewer than ten times between 1934 and 1970.

1939

A busy war

It distinguished itself during World War 2 in convoy and escort duties, bombing raids, gunnery spotting and carrying out attacks on enemy destroyers, flying Swordfish, Seal, Barracuda and Firefly.

1940

World War 2

The high point of 824 NAS‘ illustrious career was its attack on the Italian Fleet at anchor in its main base of Taranto in November 1940. It was directly responsible for disabling several Italian capital ships.

1982

The Falklands

In 1982, the squadron deployed with the task force to liberate the Falklands and, as well as operations, it was responsible for trials of the Sea King Airborne Early Warning (‘bagger’) variant.

1984

Bagger trials

Trials of the ‘bagger’ subsequent to the Falklands conflict led to part of 824 NAS re-forming as 849 Naval Air Squadron in November 1984.

1989

Disbanded

As for 824, it finally disbanded in August 1989 and its aircraft were transferred to 819 Squadron at Prestwick.

2000

A training squadron

824 finished its illustrious front-line career when it was reformed as the Merlin training squadron in 2000; a role that it has been fulfilling exceptionally well ever since.

Join the Fleet Air Arm

Ready to soar? You could be supporting, working on - or even flying - some of the world’s most advanced aircraft.

View all Fleet Air Arm roles