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{{Short description|Flying squadron of the Royal Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name=846 Naval Air Squadron
| unit_name = 846 Naval Air Squadron
| native_name =
| image= 846 Naval Air Squadron Royal Navy emblem.png
| image = 846_Naval_Air_Squadron_Crest.png
|caption=
| image_size = 200
|dates=1943<ref name=FAAA>{{cite web|url=http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/squadrons/846.html|title=846 NAS at the Fleet Air Arm Archive|accessdate=2010-02-01}}</ref> - 2013<BR>30 September 2014 - present
| alt =
|country=[[UK]]
| caption = Squadron badge
|allegiance=
| dates = {{Hlist|1943–1945|1962–1964|1968–1975|1978–2013|2014 – present||}}
|branch=[[Royal Navy]]
| disbanded =
|type= Land based and amphibious squadron
| country = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
|role= Commando Support
| branch = {{navy|United Kingdom}}
⚫
|equipment= [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3]]
| type = Flying squadron
⚫
|size=
| role = [[Royal Marines]] air support and Merlin MK4 training
⚫
|command_structure=[[Fleet Air Arm]]
⚫
| size =
|current_commander=
⚫
| command_structure = *[[Fleet Air Arm]]
⚫
|garrison=[[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)]]
*[[Joint Helicopter Command]]
|ceremonial_chief=
*[[Commando Helicopter Force]]
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
⚫
| garrison = [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]]
⚫
|nickname=Junglies
| garrison_label = Home station
⚫
|patron=
⚫
| nickname = 'Junglies'
|motto= ''Semper Instans'' (Latin:"Always Threatening")
⚫
| patron =
|colors=
| motto = {{Language with name/for|la|Semper instans|Always threatening}}
⚫
|march=
| colors = <!-- or | colours = -->
⚫
|mascot=
| colors_label = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
|battle_honours=Atlantic 1944, Arctic 1944–5, Norway 1944–5, Normandy 1944–5, Falklands 1982
⚫
| march =
⚫
|notable_commanders=
⚫
| mascot =
|anniversaries=
| anniversaries =
⚫
| equipment = [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin MK4]]
| equipment_label = Aircraft
| battles =
| battles_label =
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| flying_hours =
| website = {{Official website|https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/organisation/units-and-squadrons/merlin-mk-4/846-naval-air-squadron}}
<!-- Commanders -->
| current_commander = [[Commander (Royal Navy)|Commander]] Richard Bartram<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk-4/846-naval-air-squadron |title=846 Naval Air Squadron |website=Royal Navy |access-date=18 November 2021}}</ref>
| commander1 =
| commander1_label =
⚫
| notable_commanders =
<!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_label =
}}
}}
'''846 Naval Air Squadron''' is a [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]] of the [[Royal Navy]]'s [[Fleet Air Arm]].
'''846 Naval Air Squadron''' is a [[Squadron (aviation)|squadron]] of the [[Royal Navy]]'s [[Fleet Air Arm]].


Between December 1979 and the summer of 2013, 846 Naval Air Squadron operated the [[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King HC4]] [[helicopter]] to provide troop transport and load lifting support to [[3 Commando Brigade]] [[Royal Marines]]. Based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] in [[Somerset]], 846 NAS stood down in the summer of 2013 and its personnel, buildings and equipment were absorbed into 845 Naval Air Squadron.
Between December 1979 and the summer of 2013, 846 Naval Air Squadron operated the [[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King HC4]] [[helicopter]] to provide troop transport and load lifting support to [[3 Commando Brigade]] [[Royal Marines]]. Based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] in [[Somerset]], 846 NAS stood down in the summer of 2013 and its personnel, buildings and equipment were amalgamated into [[845 Naval Air Squadron]].


The squadron stood up on 30 September 2014 with the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3]] and it now hold the Maritime Counter Terrorism Role<ref>http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/training-recruits-air-crew-ready-tackle-terrorism/story-25772049-detail/story.html</ref>
The squadron stood up on 30 September 2014 with the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin MK3]] and it now holds the Operational Conversion Flight and Maritime Counter Terrorism Role.<ref>http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/training-recruits-air-crew-ready-tackle-terrorism/story-25772049-detail/story.html{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 36: Line 57:
===Second World War===
===Second World War===
[[File:Avenger 846 Squadron RN in flight 1944-45.jpg|thumb|An 846 NAS Avenger from HMS ''Trumpeter'' in flight, 1944–45.]]
[[File:Avenger 846 Squadron RN in flight 1944-45.jpg|thumb|An 846 NAS Avenger from HMS ''Trumpeter'' in flight, 1944–45.]]
846 Naval Air Squadron was established in April 1943 at the [[Naval Air Station Quonset Point]], [[Rhode Island]], United States. It was equipped with 12 [[Grumman TBF Avenger|Grumman Avenger I]] torpedo bombers. Two months later the squadron embarked on the escort carrier [[HMS Ravager (D70)|HMS Ravager]] and was transferred to the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. Before being assigned to [[HMS Tracker (D24)|HMS Tracker]] in January 1944, four [[Grumman F4F Wildcat|Grumman Wildcat V]] fighters were added to 846 NAS. HMS ''Tracker'' was first assigned to convoys going to [[Gibraltar]], then to [[Murmansk]]. On the latter voyage, aircraft from 846 NAS attacked eight German [[U-Boat]]s.
846 Naval Air Squadron was established in April 1943 at the [[Naval Air Station Quonset Point]], [[Rhode Island]], United States. It was equipped with 12 [[Grumman TBF Avenger|Grumman Avenger I]] torpedo bombers. Two months later the squadron embarked on the escort carrier {{HMS|Ravager|D70|6}} and was transferred to the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. Before being assigned to {{HMS|Tracker|D24|6}} in January 1944, four [[Grumman F4F Wildcat|Grumman Wildcat V]] fighters were added to 846 NAS. HMS ''Tracker'' was first assigned to convoys going to [[Gibraltar]], then to [[Murmansk]]. On the latter voyage, aircraft from 846 NAS attacked eight German [[U-boat]]s.


HMS ''Tracker'' was damaged in June 1944 in a collision with the Canadian frigate HMCS ''Teme'' (K458) while forming part of the naval screen for the D-Day landings, and the squadron disembarked to [[RAF Limavady]] airfield, [[Northern Ireland]], joining 15 Group RAF Coastal Command. A month later 846 NAS was assigned to [[HMS Trumpeter (D09)|HMS Trumpeter]], mainly laying mines off [[Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany|Norway]] until September 1944.
HMS ''Tracker'' was damaged in June 1944 in a collision with the Canadian frigate HMCS ''Teme'' (K458) while forming part of the naval screen for the D-Day landings, and the squadron disembarked to [[RAF Limavady]] airfield, [[Northern Ireland]], joining 15 Group RAF Coastal Command. A month later 846 NAS was assigned to {{HMS|Trumpeter|D09|6}}, mainly laying mines off [[Occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany|Norway]] until September 1944.


In December a detachment was formed and transferred to [[HMS Premier (D23)|HMS Premier]] for a few days. The remainder of 846 NAS operated from HMS ''Trumpeter'' or [[RNAS Hatston]] in [[Orkney]] up to May 1945. On May 4, 1945 twelve Avenger and four Wildcat aircraft of the squadron took part in [[Operation Judgement, Kilbotn]], the last air-raid of the war in Europe. The fighter flight was disbanded after the [[Victory in Europe Day|end of hostilities in Europe]].
In December a detachment was formed and transferred to {{HMS|Premier|D23|6}} for a few days. The remainder of 846 NAS operated from HMS ''Trumpeter'' or [[RNAS Hatston]] in [[Orkney]] up to May 1945. On 4 May 1945, twelve Avenger and four Wildcat aircraft of the squadron took part in [[Operation Judgement, Kilbotn]], the last air-raid of the war in Europe. The fighter flight was disbanded after the [[Victory in Europe Day|end of hostilities in Europe]].


846 NAS was then assigned to the 4th Carrier Group and should deploy to the Far East aboard the fleet carrier [[HMS Illustrious (87)|HMS Illustrious]]. However, a change of plans led to the squadron becoming a trials unit. It was renumbered 751 NAS and was disbanded at [[RNAS Machrihanish (HMS Landrail)|Machrihanish]], in September 1945.<ref>http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/846.html</ref>
846 NAS was then assigned to the 4th Carrier Group and should deploy to the Far East aboard the fleet carrier {{HMS|Illustrious|87|6}}. However, a change of plans led to the squadron becoming a trials unit. It was renumbered 751 NAS and was disbanded at [[RNAS Machrihanish (HMS Landrail)|Machrihanish]], in September 1945.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/846.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619122419/http://fleetairarmarchive.net/Squadrons/846.html |archive-date=19 June 2010 |url-status=usurped }}</ref>


===Borneo===
===Borneo===
846 NAS was reformed in 1962 as a Commando squadron equipped with the [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind HAS.7]]. It was deployed to [[Borneo]] aboard the commando carrier [[HMS Albion (R07)|HMS Albion]] and flew in support of actions against [[guerrilla]]s during the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation]]. [[British Army]] units gave 846 NAS the nickname 'Junglies' in Borneo, which the squadron has kept until today.
846 NAS was reformed in 1962 as a Commando squadron equipped with the [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind HAS.7]]. It was deployed to [[Borneo]] aboard the commando carrier {{HMS|Albion|R07|6}} and flew in support of actions against [[guerrilla]]s during the [[Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation]]. [[British Army]] units gave 846 NAS the nickname 'Junglies' in Borneo, which the squadron has kept until today.


[[Image:WessexHU5 846Sqn Norway1981.jpeg|thumb|A Wessex HU5 of 846 NAS, Norway, 1981.]]
[[File:WessexHU5 846Sqn Norway1981.jpeg|thumb|A Wessex HU5 of 846 NAS, Norway, 1981.]]


After returning for the Far East, 846 NAS was disbanded again, only to be reformed in 1968 at [[RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)|RNAS Culdrose]]. This time the squadron was equipped with the [[Westland Wessex|Westland Wessex HU.5]]. The squadron deployed aboard the dock-landing ship [[HMS Fearless (L10)|HMS Fearless]] and conducted cold weather trials in Norway. In May 1972, the squadron was relocated to [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] as the Wessex Headquarters and Trials Squadron. In February 1979 the squadron was deployed aboard the commando carrier [[HMS Bulwark (R08)|HMS Bulwark]]. In December of the same year 846 NAS started to convert to the [[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King HC.4]].
After returning for the Far East, 846 NAS was disbanded again, only to be reformed in 1968 at [[RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)|RNAS Culdrose]]. This time the squadron was equipped with the [[Westland Wessex|Westland Wessex HU.5]]. The squadron deployed aboard the dock-landing ship {{HMS|Fearless|L10|6}} and conducted cold weather trials in Norway. In May 1972, the squadron was relocated to [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]] as the Wessex Headquarters and Trials Squadron. In February 1979 the squadron was deployed aboard the commando carrier {{HMS|Bulwark|R08|6}}. In December of the same year 846 NAS started to convert to the [[Westland Sea King|Westland Sea King HC.4]].


===Falklands War===
===Falklands War===
In April 1982, 846 NAS embarked aboard the carrier [[HMS Hermes (R12)|HMS Hermes]] as part of the Royal Navy task force in the [[Falklands War]]. During the war 846 NAS Sea King’s flew over 2800 hours, completed 10,000 individual troop moves and transported more than 81,600 [[Tonne|t]] of freight.
In April 1982, 846 NAS embarked aboard the carrier {{HMS|Hermes|R12|6}} as part of the Royal Navy task force in the [[Falklands War]]. During the war 846 NAS Sea King's flew over 2800 hours, completed 10,000 individual troop moves and transported more than 81,600 [[Tonne|t]] of freight.


In 1983, detachments were deployed aboard the carriers HMS ''Hermes'' and [[HMS Invincible (R05)|HMS Invincible]]. Between November 1983 and March 1984, a detachment of three Sea Kings was deployed aboard HMS ''Fearless'' and {{ship|RFA|Reliant|A131|6}} to the coast of [[Lebanon]] supporting British troops involved in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon during the [[Lebanese Civil War]] and took part in the eventual withdrawal of British troops and the evacuation of civilians from [[Beirut]], airlifting 521 civilians on 10 March 1994. The squadron was awarded the [[Boyd Trophy]] for these operations.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Boyd Trophy for 846 Sqn.|journal=[[Air Pictorial]]|date=August 1985|volume= 47|issue= 8|page=288}}</ref>
In 1983, detachments were deployed aboard the carriers HMS ''Hermes'' and {{HMS|Invincible|R05|6}}. Between November 1983 and March 1984, a detachment of three Sea Kings was deployed aboard HMS ''Fearless'' and {{ship|RFA|Reliant|A131|6}} to the coast of [[Lebanon]] supporting British troops involved in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon during the [[Lebanese Civil War]] and took part in the eventual withdrawal of British troops and the evacuation of civilians from [[Beirut]], airlifting 521 civilians on 10 March 1994. The squadron was awarded the [[Boyd Trophy]] for these operations.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Boyd Trophy for 846 Sqn.|journal=[[Air Pictorial]]|date=August 1985|volume= 47|issue= 8|page=288}}</ref>


===Gulf War===
===Gulf War===
[[File:LOADLIFT.JPG|thumb|A Sea King of 846 NAS lifting load during exercise "Ocean Wave '97".]]
[[File:LOADLIFT.JPG|thumb|A Sea King of 846 NAS lifting load during exercise "Ocean Wave '97".]]
In 1990, 846 NAS took part in the [[Gulf War]]. In six weeks the squadron flew a total of 1200 hours in support of Allied ground forces. After the end of hostilities the squadron moved to northern [[Iraq]] to assist with humanitarian relief for the [[Kurds]].
In 1990, 846 NAS took part in the [[Gulf War]]. In six weeks the squadron flew a total of 1200 hours in support of Allied ground forces. After the end of hostilities the squadron moved to northern [[Iraq]] to assist with humanitarian relief for the [[Kurds]]. An element of 846 NAS also remained in theatre post Gulf War to assist with mine clearance operations, alongside an element from [[845 Naval Air Squadron|845 NAS]]. These aircraft were then deployed to [[Bangladesh]] aboard [[RFA Fort Rosalie (A385)|RFA Fort Grange]] to assist with the relief effort after the [[1991 Bangladesh cyclone|1991 Bangladesh Cyclone]] as part of Operation Manna.


===Yugoslav Wars===
===Yugoslav Wars===
In January 1993, 846 NAS was deployed until March aboard the carrier [[HMS Ark Royal (R07)|HMS ''Ark Royal'']] to the [[Adriatic]] as part of [[United Nations|UN]] operations in [[Yugoslav Wars|Yugoslavia]].<ref>{{cite hansard|house=[[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]|url=http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199293/cmhansrd/1993-04-15/Writtens-5.html|title=House of Commons - Hansard Debates for 15 Apr 1993|date=15 April 1993|column=718}}</ref> Shortly after returning to the UK the squadron was deployed to Northern Ireland to replace [[707 Naval Air Squadron|707 NAS]] to provide support to security forces. It returned to the Balkans to provide air support for [[Multi-National Division (South-West) (Bosnia)|Multi-National Division-SW]] ([[SFOR]]), which was then commanded by the British, in Bosnia. This deployment lasted until 2002.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/the-fleet/aircraft/helicopters/sea-king-mk4/846-naval-air-squadron Webpage]</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Air Support Changes to MND-SW|url=http://www.nato.int/sfor/indexinf/143/p03a/t02p03a.htm|publisher=[[NATO|nato.int]]|date=18 July 2002}}</ref>
In January 1993, 846 NAS was deployed until March aboard the carrier [[HMS Ark Royal (R07)|HMS ''Ark Royal'']] to the [[Adriatic]] as part of [[United Nations|UN]] operations in [[Yugoslav Wars|Yugoslavia]].<ref>{{cite hansard|house=[[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]]|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199293/cmhansrd/1993-04-15/Writtens-5.html|title=House of Commons – Hansard Debates for 15 Apr 1993|date=15 April 1993|column=718}}</ref> Shortly after returning to the UK the squadron was deployed to Northern Ireland to replace [[707 Naval Air Squadron|707 NAS]] to provide support to security forces. It returned to the Balkans to provide air support for [[Multi-National Division (South-West) (Bosnia)|Multi-National Division-SW]] ([[SFOR]]), which was then commanded by the British, in Bosnia. This deployment lasted until 2002.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sitecore/content/home/the-fleet/aircraft/helicopters/sea-king-mk4/846-naval-air-squadron Webpage]</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Air Support Changes to MND-SW|url=http://www.nato.int/sfor/indexinf/143/p03a/t02p03a.htm|publisher=[[NATO|nato.int]]|date=18 July 2002}}</ref>


===Afghanistan===
===Afghanistan===
Since 2007, the 10 Sea King HC4+ helicopters of 846 NAS were committed to the [[Kandahar Province|Kandahar]] and [[Helmand Province|Helmand]] provinces in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] in support of [[3 Commando Brigade]] [[Royal Marines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/naval-air-squadrons/846/news/royal-navy-sea-kings-flying-over-afghanistan-for-two-years|title=Royal Navy Sea Kings - Flying Over Afghanistan for Two Years|accessdate=2010-02-01}}</ref>
Since 2007, the 10 Sea King HC4/HC3i helicopters of 846 NAS were committed to the [[Kandahar Province|Kandahar]] and [[Helmand Province|Helmand]] provinces in [[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|Afghanistan]] in support of [[3 Commando Brigade]] [[Royal Marines]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/fleet-air-arm/naval-air-squadrons/846/news/royal-navy-sea-kings-flying-over-afghanistan-for-two-years|title=Royal Navy Sea Kings – Flying Over Afghanistan for Two Years|access-date=2010-02-01}}</ref>


==Present day==
==Present day==
[[File:846 NAVAL AIR SQUADRON CONDUCTS DEMO ROLES MOD 45159610.jpg|alt=|thumb|A Merlin MK3 previously operated by 846 NAS.]]
846 NAS re-equipped with the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin HC.3]] on 30 September 2014 at [[RAF Benson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/october/01/141001-raf-hand-over-merlin-to-rn|title=Royal Air Force hand over Merlin to Royal Navy|publisher=Royal Navy|accessdate=1 October 2014}}</ref> The squadron moved back to its usual home of RNAS Yeovilton in March 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.konflikty.pl/aktualnosci/wiadomosci/846-eskadra-wrocila-do-yeovilton/|title=846. Eskadra wróciła do Yeovilton|publisher=Konflikty.pl|accessdate=28 March 2015}}</ref>
846 NAS re-equipped with the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin MK3]] on 30 September 2014 at [[RAF Benson]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2014/october/01/141001-raf-hand-over-merlin-to-rn|title=Royal Air Force hand over Merlin to Royal Navy|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref> The squadron moved back to its usual home of RNAS Yeovilton in March 2015. As of 12 March 2019 [[846 NAS]] had received the first of its Merlin MK4 helicopters, marking another major step in the transition from [[Royal Air Force]] to [[Royal Navy]] dominance in the Commando warfare role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.konflikty.pl/aktualnosci/wiadomosci/846-eskadra-wrocila-do-yeovilton/|title=846. Eskadra wróciła do Yeovilton|date=27 March 2015 |publisher=Konflikty.pl|access-date=28 March 2015}}</ref>


==Affiliations==
==Affiliations==
Line 73: Line 95:
*[[King's School, Bruton]] CCF
*[[King's School, Bruton]] CCF
*[[Cardiff University|Cardiff]] [[University Royal Naval Unit|URNU]]
*[[Cardiff University|Cardiff]] [[University Royal Naval Unit|URNU]]
*1st Battalion, [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders]]
*1st Battalion, [[Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders]]<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Aircraft/Helicopters/Sea-King-Mk4/846-Naval-Air-Squadron/846-Affiliations Affiliations]</ref>
<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Aircraft/Helicopters/Sea-King-Mk4/846-Naval-Air-Squadron/846-Affiliations Affiliations]</ref>


==Aircraft operated==
==Aircraft operated==
Line 83: Line 104:
* [[Westland Wessex]] HU.5
* [[Westland Wessex]] HU.5
* [[Westland Sea King]] HC.4
* [[Westland Sea King]] HC.4
* [[Westland Sea King]] HAS.6(CR)
* [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin]] MK3/MKi3/MK3A
* [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin]] MK4/MK4A (current)

== Battle honours ==
846 Naval Air Squadron has received the following [[battle honour]]s:

* Atlantic 1944
* Arctic 1944–1945
* Norway 1944–1945
* Normandy 1944–1945
* Falklands 1982


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:40, 2 May 2024

846 Naval Air Squadron
Squadron badge
Active
  • 1943–1945
  • 1962–1964
  • 1968–1975
  • 1978–2013
  • 2014 – present
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
TypeFlying squadron
RoleRoyal Marines air support and Merlin MK4 training
Part of
Home stationRNAS Yeovilton
Nickname(s)'Junglies'
Motto(s)Semper instans (Latin for 'Always threatening')
AircraftAgustaWestland Merlin MK4
WebsiteOfficial website
Commanders
Current
commander		Commander Richard Bartram[1]

846 Naval Air Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm.

Between December 1979 and the summer of 2013, 846 Naval Air Squadron operated the Westland Sea King HC4 helicopter to provide troop transport and load lifting support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. Based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, 846 NAS stood down in the summer of 2013 and its personnel, buildings and equipment were amalgamated into 845 Naval Air Squadron.

The squadron stood up on 30 September 2014 with the AgustaWestland Merlin MK3 and it now holds the Operational Conversion Flight and Maritime Counter Terrorism Role.[2]

History[edit]

Second World War[edit]

An 846 NAS Avenger from HMS Trumpeter in flight, 1944–45.

846 Naval Air Squadron was established in April 1943 at the Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, United States. It was equipped with 12 Grumman Avenger I torpedo bombers. Two months later the squadron embarked on the escort carrier HMS Ravager and was transferred to the UK. Before being assigned to HMS Tracker in January 1944, four Grumman Wildcat V fighters were added to 846 NAS. HMS Tracker was first assigned to convoys going to Gibraltar, then to Murmansk. On the latter voyage, aircraft from 846 NAS attacked eight German U-boats.

HMS Tracker was damaged in June 1944 in a collision with the Canadian frigate HMCS Teme (K458) while forming part of the naval screen for the D-Day landings, and the squadron disembarked to RAF Limavady airfield, Northern Ireland, joining 15 Group RAF Coastal Command. A month later 846 NAS was assigned to HMS Trumpeter, mainly laying mines off Norway until September 1944.

In December a detachment was formed and transferred to HMS Premier for a few days. The remainder of 846 NAS operated from HMS Trumpeter or RNAS Hatston in Orkney up to May 1945. On 4 May 1945, twelve Avenger and four Wildcat aircraft of the squadron took part in Operation Judgement, Kilbotn, the last air-raid of the war in Europe. The fighter flight was disbanded after the end of hostilities in Europe.

846 NAS was then assigned to the 4th Carrier Group and should deploy to the Far East aboard the fleet carrier HMS Illustrious. However, a change of plans led to the squadron becoming a trials unit. It was renumbered 751 NAS and was disbanded at Machrihanish, in September 1945.[3]

Borneo[edit]

846 NAS was reformed in 1962 as a Commando squadron equipped with the Westland Whirlwind HAS.7. It was deployed to Borneo aboard the commando carrier HMS Albion and flew in support of actions against guerrillas during the Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation. British Army units gave 846 NAS the nickname 'Junglies' in Borneo, which the squadron has kept until today.

A Wessex HU5 of 846 NAS, Norway, 1981.

After returning for the Far East, 846 NAS was disbanded again, only to be reformed in 1968 at RNAS Culdrose. This time the squadron was equipped with the Westland Wessex HU.5. The squadron deployed aboard the dock-landing ship HMS Fearless and conducted cold weather trials in Norway. In May 1972, the squadron was relocated to RNAS Yeovilton as the Wessex Headquarters and Trials Squadron. In February 1979 the squadron was deployed aboard the commando carrier HMS Bulwark. In December of the same year 846 NAS started to convert to the Westland Sea King HC.4.

Falklands War[edit]

In April 1982, 846 NAS embarked aboard the carrier HMS Hermes as part of the Royal Navy task force in the Falklands War. During the war 846 NAS Sea King's flew over 2800 hours, completed 10,000 individual troop moves and transported more than 81,600 t of freight.

In 1983, detachments were deployed aboard the carriers HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible. Between November 1983 and March 1984, a detachment of three Sea Kings was deployed aboard HMS Fearless and RFA Reliant to the coast of Lebanon supporting British troops involved in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War and took part in the eventual withdrawal of British troops and the evacuation of civilians from Beirut, airlifting 521 civilians on 10 March 1994. The squadron was awarded the Boyd Trophy for these operations.[4]

Gulf War[edit]

A Sea King of 846 NAS lifting load during exercise "Ocean Wave '97".

In 1990, 846 NAS took part in the Gulf War. In six weeks the squadron flew a total of 1200 hours in support of Allied ground forces. After the end of hostilities the squadron moved to northern Iraq to assist with humanitarian relief for the Kurds. An element of 846 NAS also remained in theatre post Gulf War to assist with mine clearance operations, alongside an element from 845 NAS. These aircraft were then deployed to Bangladesh aboard RFA Fort Grange to assist with the relief effort after the 1991 Bangladesh Cyclone as part of Operation Manna.

Yugoslav Wars[edit]

In January 1993, 846 NAS was deployed until March aboard the carrier HMS Ark Royal to the Adriatic as part of UN operations in Yugoslavia.[5] Shortly after returning to the UK the squadron was deployed to Northern Ireland to replace 707 NAS to provide support to security forces. It returned to the Balkans to provide air support for Multi-National Division-SW (SFOR), which was then commanded by the British, in Bosnia. This deployment lasted until 2002.[6][7]

Afghanistan[edit]

Since 2007, the 10 Sea King HC4/HC3i helicopters of 846 NAS were committed to the Kandahar and Helmand provinces in Afghanistan in support of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.[8]

Present day[edit]

A Merlin MK3 previously operated by 846 NAS.

846 NAS re-equipped with the AgustaWestland Merlin MK3 on 30 September 2014 at RAF Benson.[9] The squadron moved back to its usual home of RNAS Yeovilton in March 2015. As of 12 March 2019 846 NAS had received the first of its Merlin MK4 helicopters, marking another major step in the transition from Royal Air Force to Royal Navy dominance in the Commando warfare role.[10]

Affiliations[edit]

Aircraft operated[edit]

The squadron operated a variety of different aircraft and versions:[12]

Battle honours[edit]

846 Naval Air Squadron has received the following battle honours:

  • Atlantic 1944
  • Arctic 1944–1945
  • Norway 1944–1945
  • Normandy 1944–1945
  • Falklands 1982

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ "846 Naval Air Squadron". Royal Navy. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/training-recruits-air-crew-ready-tackle-terrorism/story-25772049-detail/story.html[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 June 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  4. ^ "Boyd Trophy for 846 Sqn". Air Pictorial. 47 (8): 288. August 1985.
  5. ^ "House of Commons – Hansard Debates for 15 Apr 1993". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). House of Commons. 15 April 1993. col. 718.
  6. ^ Webpage
  7. ^ "Air Support Changes to MND-SW". nato.int. 18 July 2002.
  8. ^ "Royal Navy Sea Kings – Flying Over Afghanistan for Two Years". Retrieved 1 February 2010.
  9. ^ "Royal Air Force hand over Merlin to Royal Navy". Royal Navy. Retrieved 1 October 2014.
  10. ^ "846. Eskadra wróciła do Yeovilton". Konflikty.pl. 27 March 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  11. ^ Affiliations
  12. ^ Sturtivant, Ballance 1994, p. 267.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

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