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820 NAS is the dedicated helicopter squadron for HMS Queen Elizabeth: the Royal Navy’s awe-inspiring new breed of aircraft carrier.
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Putting our craft, kit and people through their paces so they perform to the highest standards.
The Carrier Strike Group is our nation's spearhead. The role of the Carrier Strike Group is to act as a self-contained force that can work independently or as part of wider operations.
Commander Karen Snel joined the Royal Navy in 2001 as a warfare officer. She was selected for observer training and gained her wings in 2008, serving with 820, 824 and 829 squadrons.She became the senior observer of 820 Naval Air Squadron and was fortunate enough to be part of HMS Queen Elizabeth’s first entry into Portsmouth and first F35 landing and launch in 2018. After various roles with Navy Command, Cdr Snel assumed command of 820 Naval Air Squadron in April 2023.
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The primary warfighting role of 820 Naval Air Squadron is the seeking out and destruction of enemy submarines – although the Merlin’s versatility means that the unit is capable of performing any number of duties, from all-weather search and rescue operations to transporting cargo and troops.
820 NAS was formed in 1933, when the RAF transferred several Fairey III aircraft from its 405 Flight to the Royal Navy.
Originally attached to HMS Courageous on reconnaissance duties, 820 NAS was reassigned to HMS Ark Royal IV which would be its home for much of the legendary carrier’s three-year career.
820 NAS bombed German airfields in the Norway Campaign 1940-41 and Spartivento 1940.
Most famously, 820 was responsible for crippling the pride of Hitler’s Kriegsmarine in the famous engagement with the Bismarck (nemesis of the Hood) in 1941.
Re-equipped with Fairey Albacore torpedo bombers, the squadron supported the Allied landings in North Africa (sinking the U-boat which had destroyed HMS Barham), Sicily and Salerno.
In the final months of the War, 820's Avengers struck at the oil refineries of Palembang and the heart of the Japanese Empire before HMS Indefatigable brought the unit home in 1946. 820 NAS was disbanded in the same year.
The squadron re-formed five years later, first with fixed-wing aircraft (Fireflies, Avengers and Gannets) before the decision was taken to convert to helicopters.
In December 1957, 820’s association with anti-submarine warfare began. Whirlwinds, Wessex and Sea Kings formed the cutting edge in the war against the underwater threat.
The squadron’s most recent battle honour was earned in the Falklands, where its aircrew flew more than 4,700 hours during the campaign to re-take the South Atlantic islands.
820 welcomed the Merlin Mk 2 helicopter which is the mainstay of Britain’s anti-submarine defence.
From divers to chefs, musicians to engineers, there’s a whole world of career options with the Royal Navy. Join us to be part of something special, protecting our nation’s interests, all over the world.
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Highly skilled pilots, engineers and aircrew help make the Fleet Air Arm one of the most crucial parts of the service.
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