Previously comprising elements of both 800 and 801 Squadrons, Naval Strike Wing (NSW) was formed on 9th March 2007.  Effectively organised as a single unit hence making best use of available manpower and resources and as part of Joint Force Harrier based at RAF Cottesmore in Rutland, NSW became the single entity of 800 Naval Air Squadron on 1 April 2010 operating Harrier GR9 and GR9a aircraft in the close air support (CAS) role and is the Royal Navy’s only front line fast jet squadron at this time.

800 Sqn currently comprises of some 195 personnel, (183 men and 11 women), with ages ranging between 18 to 52, and is led by Commander David Lindsay RN. Personnel in the squadron range from pilots, through engineers to operations, logistics and catering personnel, all of whom serve to make the unit capable of self sustaining operations

As part of Joint Force Harrier the squadron enjoys a challenging and varied role that involves operations from both ship and shore bases, including several Operational tours in Afghanistan. The Squadron has appeared regularly on television featuring in the Granada TV series “Warship”, and in the Central TV production “Fighter Pilot”.

800 Squadron has just returned from sea on HMS Ark Royal on a multi-national exercise, and last year returned from its second tour of Afghanistan within 12 months.