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845 Naval Air Squadron provides support and effect from the skies, with a complement of over 230 personnel who operate and maintain the Merlin Mk 4 and Mk 4A helicopters in support of 3 Commando Brigade.
845 Naval Air Squadron is currently on deployment
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845 is a Naval Air Squadron, part of the Commando Helicopter Force. Founded in 1943 as a Torpedo Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron. Transferring to helicopters 845 were the first to conduct Anti-Submarine duties in the 1950’s before developing vertical assault during the Suez Crisis and Aden.
The nickname ‘Junglies’ was bestowed by the troops 845 supported in the Jungle campaign of Malaysia and Borneo in the 1960’s – a reputation fiercely defended since. Their motto is Audio Hostem – which means ‘I hear the enemy’ a nod to their ASW past.
Squadron personnel maintain a high state of readiness and are ready to deploy anywhere in the world at short notice to provide tactical mobility and aviation support from either the sea or the land.
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Pre Deployment Training for Autumn detachments.
Exercise Clockwork is the annual Commando Helicopter Force training in Norway.
Ilchester YEOVIL Somerset, BA22 8HT
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Whether their helicopters are delivering vital water supplies as part of humanitarian operations or providing support from the skies in times of conflict, 845 Naval Air Squadron is well-equipped and well-prepared for a huge range of challenges.
They have seen active service in the Falklands, Kuwait, and the Gulf, and supported the UK’s humanitarian responses to the Philippines and Caribbean after natural disasters.
Did you know? The 845’s ‘R2’ (5-day) response capability is regularly exercised with no notice to crews. They took part simulated Arctic emergency in summer 2017, during which aircrew and support personnel rapidly deploy to Norway.
The squadron was originally formed in February 1943 Flying Grumman Avenger torpedo bombers, earning Battle Honours in East Indies 1944-45 and Burma in 1945.
845 rebanded in 1955, and started using Westland Whirlwinds in 1957, the Fleet Air Arm’s first anti-submarine helicopters.
The squadron disbanded in 1959 before reforming in 1962 to see immediate action in the jungles of Brunei and Borneo, gaining the nickname the ‘Junglies’.
845 spent much of the 1970s and early ’80s supporting the security and peacekeeping mission in Northern Ireland.
845’s helicopters were also sent to the South Atlantic in 1982 and earned Battle Honours in the Falklands.
Another invasion half a world away saw the squadron earn its next battle honour during the international effort to drive Saddam Hussein’s forces out of Kuwait.
From 1992 until 2005, 845 were present in the former Yugoslavia supporting UN/NATO peacekeeping – they were the longest-serving unit in theatre.
The squadron returned to the Gulf to oust Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Once the dictator had been toppled, the Sea Kings remained in the country.
After improvements and upgrades to the Sea Kings, and with the mission in Iraq over, 845 was sent to Afghanistan in March 2008.
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines helped over 50,000 people following Typhoon Haiyan. 845’s Sea Kings played a key role.
25 ‘green’ RAF Merlin Mk3s were to be upgraded to become Fleet Air Arm craft fit to carry the Royal Marines into battle. They will be commissioned in 2018.
The glitzy backdrop of the Las Vegas skyline provided an unforgettable background for a training exercise with the US Air Force Pavehawks.
Deployed to the Caribbean in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Worked as part of Operation Ruman, Merlin Mk.3 helicopters delivered tonnes of vital aid.
The 845 was ready to fly and maintain craft in wind, snow and temperatures down to -30°C.
Merlin Mk.4 Commando Helicopters deployed on HMS Queen Elizabeth; the first mass embarkation of amphibious assault aircraft.
845 deploy as part of the NATO deployment to the Baltics, exercising in the littoral environment with partner nations in the Baltic States.
Three aircraft deploy onto RFA Argus to conduct counter narcotic operations in the Caribbean in support of the US Coastguard.
Providing essential DSAR, JPR, and MiTL to the Carrier Strike Group over 9 months.
Deployed to the icy tundra of the Arctic Circle as part of Joint Helicopter Command, training to operate closely with our NATO allies and fight in austere conditions
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