845 Naval Air Squadron
| 845 Naval Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1 January 1943-present |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Navy |
| Type | Land based and amphibious squadron |
| Role | Commando Support |
| Part of | Fleet Air Arm |
| Garrison/HQ | RNAS Yeovilton |
| Nickname(s) | Junglies |
| Motto(s) |
Audio Hostem (Latin: "Hear the Enemy") |
| Equipment | AgustaWestland Merlin HC3/HC3A |
| Battle honours | Java 1945 Malaya 1945 Falklands 1982 Iraq 2003 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Cdr Matt Punch MBE RN |
845 Naval Air Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. Part of the Commando Helicopter Force, it is a specialist amphibious unit operating the AgustaWestland Merlin HC3/HC3A helicopter and provides troop transport and load lifting support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. In 2012, the squadron celebrated 50 years since it was awarded "commando" status.
The squadron is based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset.
The primary role of the squadron is in supporting Royal Marines Commando troops in amphibious assaults.
845 NAS formed on 1 January 1943 as a Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron (TBRS) flying the new Grumman Avenger, designed as a much needed replacement for the ageing Fairey Swordfish. The squadron took part in its first active service by dive bombing an oil refinery at Surabaya, Java, in May 1944. For the following year, the squadron saw action over Malaya, Ceylon, and Sumatra before being disbanded in 1945.
845 reformed on 15 March 1955 at Gosport to be an Anti Submarine unit flying the newly proved Westland Whirlwind HAS.22's, with which it saw service on several ships in the Mediterranean and Indonesia. Its job was to prove the new sonar technology and the navigational reliability of the Whirlwind. After returning to the UK, the squadron was disbanded briefly in October before being reformed on 14 November 1955. In April 1956, the squadron deployed on HMS Ocean (R68) and HMS Theseus (R64) to partake in the fleet review and various training exercises. Much training was conducted with the Royal Marines in the vicinity of Malta and put them in great stead for the approaching Suez Crisis.
...
Wikipedia