Role
Led by Commander James Woods RN, 815 NAS’ role is to be ready to fight and win at sea through the delivery of lethality.
The Wildcat HMA2 performs a wide range of roles, but it’s primary task is the delivery of lethal fires either Air to Surface with the capable Martlet and Sea Venom missiles or M3M heavy machine gun, Air to Air with Martlet or Air to Sub-Surface with the Stingray torpedo. This coincides with offering a whole suite of sensors to complement the warships that we operate from, significantly extending their situational awareness beyond the horizon.
In addition the Wildcat HMA2 performs a wide range of secondary roles including, reconnaissance, drug trafficking interdiction, search and rescue, load lifting, fast roping, trooping and Humanitarian Aid and Disaster relief (HADR) to those in need.
Underpinning all these capabilities is the ability to operate a helicopter from the small flight deck of a Frigate or Destroyer, undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges in aviation.
Solidarity and companionship are essential ingredients for life on a Small Ship’s Flight. The backdrop may change from one ship to the next, but the reliance and trust between the close-knit team involved in keeping a Wildcat airborne at sea provide an enduring resilience which is critical to a deployed Flight’s success.