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Unit News

Going Uphill Fast 1st Sep 2010

For several years Lt Cdr Richard Churchley, of the RNR Air Branch has been competing in motorsport events in his own... more...
Hot Fires Training 25th Aug 2010

Air Branch firefighters have recently helped to maintain operational readiness at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton... more...
Up On The Roof Navy Days 2010 11th Aug 2010

Last July two Air Branch Officers were to be seen perched 100ft above Portsmouth harbour, on the bridge Roof of RFA... more...
View All News - Yeovil 8th Jul 2010

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Air Branch (Yeovilton)

The Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch supports the Fleet Air Arm in times of stretch, crisis, tension and war. We have over 300 Reservists, covering all trades and specialisations of the Fleet Air Arm. Our Reservists have either served as regulars in the Naval Service or have significant maritime aviation experience. To remain current in their specialisation, they are attached to Squadrons, Air Stations and Units across the country, where they conduct their training, and which they support in a variety of different ways.

The RNR Air Branch is administered from the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) at Yeovilton in Somerset, home to the Royal Navy’s Lynx helicopters and Commando Helicopter Force. We also have an office at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. For anyone thinking of joining the RNR Air Branch, all enquiries must be directed to RNAS Yeovilton.

History

The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Air Branch (RNVR(A)) was formed in 1937. By the time the first volunteer aviators had completed flying training, Britain was at war. During World War II, all Fleet Air Arm conscripts joined the Air Branch: by 1945 the Branch numbered 46,000.

The RNVR(A) was reorganised in the 1950’s as a part-time force with five air divisions, each comprising of two or three dedicated Squadrons. However, the Air Divisions were disbanded in 1956, when it was felt that Reservists could not retain the skills required to operate the new jet-aircraft types.

The Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch was reformed in 1980, and has once again become an integral part of the Fleet Air Arm.

Postal address
Royal Naval Reserve Air Branch
Cormorant House
RNAS Yeovilton
Ilchester
SOMERSET
BA22 8HL

Telephone
01935 455680

Email
fleet-capavreservessecsor@mod.uk

Training evening
This is a specialist unit that does not hold weekly training evenings. Air Branch members are attached to regular units around the UK and undertake training as and when tasked to do so.

Location
Seven miles north of Yeovil just off the A303 and A37. It is accessible from the M5 motorway, junction 25 at Taunton.