Jump to content

Commando Helicopter Force: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
UK Commando Force
 
(8 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Element of the British Royal Navy and Joint Aviation Command}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Commando Helicopter Force
| unit_name = Commando Helicopter Force
| native_name =
| native_name =
| image = CHF Badge 2022 (1).png
| image = File:Commando helicopter force badge.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Crest of Commando Helicopter Force
| caption = Force badge
| dates = 1997 – present
| dates = 1997 – present
| disbanded =
| disbanded =
| country = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| country = {{flag|United Kingdom}}
| allegiance =
| allegiance =
| branch = {{navy|United Kingdom}}
| branch = {{navy|United Kingdom}}
| type = Force headquarters
| type = Force headquarters
| role = Air support to [[Royal Marines]]
| role = Air support to [[UK Commando Force]]
| size = {{Circa}} 700 personnel
| size = {{Circa}} 700 personnel
| command_structure = *[[Fleet Air Arm]]
| command_structure = *[[Fleet Air Arm]]
*[[Joint Helicopter Command]]
*[[Joint Aviation Command]]
| garrison = [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]]
| garrison = [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|RNAS Yeovilton]]
| garrison_label = Home station
| garrison_label = Home station
| nickname = The Junglies
| nickname = The Junglies
| patron =
| patron =
| motto =
| motto =
| colors = <!-- or | colours = -->
| colors = <!-- or | colours = -->
| colors_label = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
| colors_label = <!-- or | colours_label = -->
| march =
| march =
| mascot =
| mascot =
| anniversaries =
| anniversaries =
| equipment = *[[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin Mk4/Mk4A]]
| equipment = *[[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin Mk4/Mk4A]]
*[[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat AH1]]
*[[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat AH1]]
| equipment_label = Aircraft
| equipment_label = Aircraft
| battles =
| battles =
| battles_label =
| battles_label =
| decorations =
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| battle_honours_label =
| flying_hours =
| flying_hours =
| website = {{Official website|https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/support-and-training/commando-helicopter-force-headquarters}}
| website = {{Official website|https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/support-and-training/commando-helicopter-force-headquarters}}
⚫
<!-- Commanders -->| current_commander = [[Colonel (United Kingdom)|Colonel]] Mark Johnson RM
<!-- Commanders -->
⚫
| commander1 =
⚫
| current_commander = [[Colonel (United Kingdom)|Colonel]] Del Stafford
⚫
| commander1_label =
⚫
| commander1 =
⚫
| notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia -->
⚫
| commander1_label =
⚫
| identification_symbol =
⚫
| notable_commanders =
⚫
| identification_symbol_label =
<!-- Insignia -->
⚫
| identification_symbol =
⚫
| identification_symbol_label =
}}
}}
'''Commando Helicopter Force''' ('''CHF''') is a unit of the Royal Navy [[Fleet Air Arm]] and an element of the [[Joint Helicopter Command]] of the [[British Armed Forces]]. Its primary role is to provide Rotary-Wing support to [[3 Commando Brigade]] [[Royal Marines]] and other UK force elements in the amphibious environment. CHF uses a combination of transport [[helicopter]]s based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton]] in Somerset, England.
'''Commando Helicopter Force''' ('''CHF''') is a unit of the Royal Navy [[Fleet Air Arm]] and an element of the [[Joint Aviation Command]] of the [[British Armed Forces]]. Its primary role is to provide Rotary-Wing support to [[United Kingdom Commando Force|UK Commando Force]] and other UK force elements in the amphibious environment. CHF uses a combination of transport [[helicopter]]s based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton]] in Somerset, England.


==History==
==History==
Line 53: Line 52:
The Commando Helicopter Force was formed in 1997 to consolidate command and control of the various [[Fleet Air Arm]] and [[Royal Marines]] helicopter squadrons which supported [[3 Commando Brigade]] under Flag Officer Naval Aviation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eliteukforces.info/air-support/Commando-Helicopter-Force/|title=Commando Helicopter Force|publisher=Elite Forces|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
The Commando Helicopter Force was formed in 1997 to consolidate command and control of the various [[Fleet Air Arm]] and [[Royal Marines]] helicopter squadrons which supported [[3 Commando Brigade]] under Flag Officer Naval Aviation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eliteukforces.info/air-support/Commando-Helicopter-Force/|title=Commando Helicopter Force|publisher=Elite Forces|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>


In 1999, CHF merged with various [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) and [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] force elements under the [[Joint Helicopter Command]], whilst maintaining its identity as a formed unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fissilematerials.org/library/mod98.pdf|title=Strategic Defence Review|date=1 July 1998|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
In 1999, CHF merged with various [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) and [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] force elements under the [[Joint Aviation Command]], whilst maintaining its identity as a formed unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fissilematerials.org/library/mod98.pdf|title=Strategic Defence Review|date=1 July 1998|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>


Elements of the force have operated in [[Northern Ireland]] (until 2002), [[Sierra Leone]] in 2000 and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]]; and it was an element of the amphibious force for [[Operation Telic]], the British involvement in the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], notably supporting the landings to secure the [[Al-Faw Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Ripley|first=Tim|title=Air War Iraq|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v2jgAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT130|year=2004|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-1-4738-1170-6|page=130}}</ref> CHF was also a major part of Joint Helicopter Command's contribution to Operation Herrick in Afghanistan.<ref name=rare/>
Elements of the force have operated in [[Northern Ireland]] (until 2002), [[Sierra Leone]] in 2000 and [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]]; and it was an element of the amphibious force for [[Operation Telic]], the British involvement in the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], notably supporting the landings to secure the [[Al-Faw Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Ripley|first=Tim|title=Air War Iraq|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v2jgAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT130|year=2004|publisher=Pen and Sword|isbn=978-1-4738-1170-6|page=130}}</ref> CHF was also a major part of Joint Helicopter Command's contribution to Operation Herrick in Afghanistan.<ref name=rare/>


Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2010, the decision was made to transfer all RAF [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HC3]] helicopters to the Royal Navy under the command and control of Commando Helicopter Force. On 30 September 2014, the aircraft were formally handed over from the RAF to the Royal Navy; with the first Royal Navy Merlin squadron, 846 Naval Air Squadron, standing up concurrently and relocating from [[RAF Benson]] to [[RNAS Yeovilton]] on 26 March 2015.<ref name=home>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2015/03/30/aviation-news-846-nas-returns-home-to-rnas-yeovilton/|title=846 Naval air squadron returns home to RNAS Yeovilton|publisher=Global aviation Resource|date=30 March 2015|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2010, the decision was made to transfer all RAF [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HC3]] helicopters to the Royal Navy under the command and control of Commando Helicopter Force. On 30 September 2014, the aircraft were formally handed over from the RAF to the Royal Navy; with the first Royal Navy Merlin squadron, 846 Naval Air Squadron, standing up concurrently and relocating from [[RAF Benson]] to [[RNAS Yeovilton]] on 26 March 2015 and 845 Naval Air Squadron doing likewise the year after.<ref name=home>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalaviationresource.com/v2/2015/03/30/aviation-news-846-nas-returns-home-to-rnas-yeovilton/|title=846 Naval air squadron returns home to RNAS Yeovilton|publisher=Global aviation Resource|date=30 March 2015|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
[[File:Sea King Helicopters During Excersise Western Rhumba 16-09-2004 MOD 45143592.jpg|left|thumb|[[Westland Sea King|Sea King HC4]] 'Junglies' from [[846 Naval Air Squadron]] insert [[Royal Marines]] into the [[Birim River|Birrim]] forest Ghana during 2004]]
[[File:Sea King Helicopters During Excersise Western Rhumba 16-09-2004 MOD 45143592.jpg|left|thumb|[[Westland Sea King|Sea King HC4]] 'Junglies' from [[846 Naval Air Squadron]] insert [[Royal Marines]] into the [[Birim River|Birrim]] forest Ghana during 2004]]
The Merlin HC3 replaced the ageing Sea King HC4 as CHF's medium-lift transport aircraft when the Sea King HC4 retired on 31 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroresource.co.uk/news/westland-sea-king-hc4-commando-retirement/|title=Westland Sea King HC4 Commando Retirement|publisher=Aeroresource|date=31 March 2016|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
The Merlin HC3 replaced the ageing Sea King HC4 as CHF's medium-lift transport aircraft when the Sea King HC4 retired on 31 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aeroresource.co.uk/news/westland-sea-king-hc4-commando-retirement/|title=Westland Sea King HC4 Commando Retirement|publisher=Aeroresource|date=31 March 2016|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>


As part of the transfer of service, the Merlin HC3 is undergoing an upgrade to the HC4 standard which includes a full mid-life upgrade of the airframe and avionics; and will 'marinise' or more accurately optimise the aircraft for ship-borne amphibious operations.<ref>{{cite book|last=Waters|first=Conrad|title=Seaforth World Naval Review 2016|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1RUDDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA85|year=2015|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|isbn=978-1-84832-312-4|page=85}}</ref>
As part of the transfer of service, the Merlin HC3 underwent an upgrade to the HC4 standard which includes a full mid-life upgrade of the airframe and avionics; and 'marinised' or more accurately optimised the aircraft for ship-borne amphibious operations.<ref>{{cite book|last=Waters|first=Conrad|title=Seaforth World Naval Review 2016|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1RUDDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA85|year=2015|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|isbn=978-1-84832-312-4|page=85}}</ref>


==Location==
==Location==
It is based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton]] in Somerset, England; aircraft are regularly deployed with 3 Commando Brigade, overseas and to the ships of the [[Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)]] (JEF(M)) which includes [[HMS Bulwark (L15)|HMS ''Bulwark'']] (Landing Platform Dock).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/may/05/150503-bulwark-ready-for-operations|title=HMS Bulwark and Merlin helicopters ready for operations in the Mediterranean|date=5 May 2015|publisher=Royal Navy|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
It is based at [[RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron)|Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton]] in Somerset, England; aircraft are regularly deployed with UK Commando Force, overseas and to the ships of the [[Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime)]] (JEF(M)) which includes [[HMS Bulwark (L15)|HMS ''Bulwark'']] (Landing Platform Dock).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2015/may/05/150503-bulwark-ready-for-operations|title=HMS Bulwark and Merlin helicopters ready for operations in the Mediterranean|date=5 May 2015|publisher=Royal Navy|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>


==Command and control==
==Command and control==


CHF is a Fleet Air Arm asset and as such remains under the Operational Command (OPCOM) of [[Fleet Commander]], while Operational Control (OPCON) is delegated to the Joint Helicopter Command, under Army Command, who will task assets in accordance with [[Permanent Joint Headquarters]] or Front Line Command requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/399802/navy-sep-14-senior-data.csv/preview|title=Navy Command, Senior Officers|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>
CHF is a Fleet Air Arm asset and as such remains under the Operational Command (OPCOM) of [[Fleet Commander]], while Operational Control (OPCON) is delegated to the Joint Aviation Command, under Army Command, who will task assets in accordance with [[Permanent Joint Headquarters]] or Front Line Command requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/399802/navy-sep-14-senior-data.csv/preview|title=Navy Command, Senior Officers|publisher=Ministry of Defence|accessdate=30 December 2017}}</ref>


==Organisation==
==Organisation==
Line 74: Line 73:
The Commando Helicopter Force has three [[Squadron (aviation)|Naval Air Squadrons]] with separate roles:
The Commando Helicopter Force has three [[Squadron (aviation)|Naval Air Squadrons]] with separate roles:


* [[845 Naval Air Squadron]] – Medium-lift front line operations – [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin Mk4]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk-3/845-naval-air-squadron|title=845 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
* [[845 Naval Air Squadron]] – Medium-lift front line operations – [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HC4]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk-3/845-naval-air-squadron|title=845 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
* [[846 Naval Air Squadron]] – Medium-lift Operational Conversion Unit and Maritime Counter Terrorism Air Group (MAG) – [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin Mk4/Mk4A]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk-3/846-naval-air-squadron|title=846 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
* [[846 Naval Air Squadron]] – Medium-lift Operational Conversion Unit and Maritime Counter Terrorism Air Group (MAG) – [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HC4/Mk4A]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk-3/846-naval-air-squadron|title=846 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
* [[847 Naval Air Squadron]] – Light-lift and battlefield reconnaissance – [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat AH1]]<ref name=westland>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Aircraft/Naval-Air-Squadrons/847|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807101448/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Aircraft/Naval-Air-Squadrons/847|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2013|title=847 Naval Air Squadron|accessdate=14 August 2019|work=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
* [[847 Naval Air Squadron]] – Light-lift and battlefield reconnaissance – [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|Wildcat AH1]]<ref name=westland>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Aircraft/Naval-Air-Squadrons/847|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807101448/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/The-Fleet/Aircraft/Naval-Air-Squadrons/847|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2013|title=847 Naval Air Squadron|accessdate=14 August 2019|work=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
A Combat Service Support Squadron and Commando Mobile Air Operations Team also form part of CHF.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commando Helicopter Force|url=https://www.fleetairarmoa.org/gallery-commando-helicopter-force|url-status=live|access-date=9 September 2021|website=Fleet Air Arm Officers Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511214424/http://fleetairarmoa.org:80/gallery-commando-helicopter-force |archive-date=11 May 2012 }}</ref>
A Combat Service Support Squadron and Commando Mobile Air Operations Team also form part of CHF.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Commando Helicopter Force|url=https://www.fleetairarmoa.org/gallery-commando-helicopter-force|url-status=live|access-date=9 September 2021|website=Fleet Air Arm Officers Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511214424/http://fleetairarmoa.org:80/gallery-commando-helicopter-force |archive-date=11 May 2012 }}</ref>
Line 99: Line 98:


=== 848 Naval Air Squadron ===
=== 848 Naval Air Squadron ===
848 NAS was the Commando Sea King HC4 training unit for the CHF, and trained not only the aircrews but also the ground crews. In addition to the skills necessary to fly their missions, Commando Helicopter Force members are trained in small-arms use as well as tactics and survival fieldcraft. Being a naval unit that was directly tasked with supporting the Royal Marines, trainees are also schooled in shipboard and amphibious assault operations. A special unit within 848 Squadron, M Flight, was tasked with supporting the [[Special Boat Service]] (SBS) in their operations. 848 NAS disbanded in 2013 but then reformed on 1 May 2015 to continue operating the Sea Kings, maintaining operational capability within the CHF while 845 NAS converted to the Merlin, until the Sea King reached its planned out of service date on 31 March 2016.<ref name="forces.tv" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/848-nas-awarded-the-bambara-flight-safety-shield|title=848 NAS awarded the Bambara flight safety shield|website=fleetairarmoa.org}}</ref> 848 NAS disbanded 24 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/march/24/160324-decommissioning-of-sea-king-848-naval-air-squadron|title=It really is goodbye to the 'old girl' – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>
[[848 Naval Air Squadron]] was the Commando Sea King HC4 training unit for the CHF, and trained not only the aircrews but also the ground crews. In addition to the skills necessary to fly their missions, Commando Helicopter Force members are trained in small-arms use as well as tactics and survival fieldcraft. Being a naval unit that was directly tasked with supporting the Royal Marines, trainees are also schooled in shipboard and amphibious assault operations. A special unit within 848 Squadron, M Flight, was tasked with supporting the [[Special Boat Service]] (SBS) in their operations. 848 NAS disbanded in 2013 but then reformed on 1 May 2015 to continue operating the Sea Kings, maintaining operational capability within the CHF while 845 NAS converted to the Merlin, until the Sea King reached its planned out of service date on 31 March 2016.<ref name="forces.tv" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fleetairarmoa.org/news/848-nas-awarded-the-bambara-flight-safety-shield|title=848 NAS awarded the Bambara flight safety shield|website=fleetairarmoa.org}}</ref> 848 NAS disbanded 24 March 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/march/24/160324-decommissioning-of-sea-king-848-naval-air-squadron|title=It really is goodbye to the 'old girl' – Royal Navy|website=royalnavy.mod.uk}}</ref>


==Personnel==
==Personnel==

Latest revision as of 20:40, 17 November 2024

Commando Helicopter Force
Crest of Commando Helicopter Force
Active1997 – present
Country United Kingdom
Branch Royal Navy
TypeForce headquarters
RoleAir support to UK Commando Force
Sizec. 700 personnel
Part of
Home stationRNAS Yeovilton
Nickname(s)The Junglies
Aircraft
WebsiteOfficial website
Commanders
Current
commander		Colonel Mark Johnson RM

Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) is a unit of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and an element of the Joint Aviation Command of the British Armed Forces. Its primary role is to provide Rotary-Wing support to UK Commando Force and other UK force elements in the amphibious environment. CHF uses a combination of transport helicopters based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, England.

History

[edit]
A Lynx AH7 of the type previously used by the Commando Helicopter Force

The Commando Helicopter Force was formed in 1997 to consolidate command and control of the various Fleet Air Arm and Royal Marines helicopter squadrons which supported 3 Commando Brigade under Flag Officer Naval Aviation.[1]

In 1999, CHF merged with various Royal Air Force (RAF) and Army Air Corps force elements under the Joint Aviation Command, whilst maintaining its identity as a formed unit.[2]

Elements of the force have operated in Northern Ireland (until 2002), Sierra Leone in 2000 and Bosnia; and it was an element of the amphibious force for Operation Telic, the British involvement in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, notably supporting the landings to secure the Al-Faw Peninsula.[3] CHF was also a major part of Joint Helicopter Command's contribution to Operation Herrick in Afghanistan.[4]

Following the Strategic Defence and Security Review of 2010, the decision was made to transfer all RAF Merlin HC3 helicopters to the Royal Navy under the command and control of Commando Helicopter Force. On 30 September 2014, the aircraft were formally handed over from the RAF to the Royal Navy; with the first Royal Navy Merlin squadron, 846 Naval Air Squadron, standing up concurrently and relocating from RAF Benson to RNAS Yeovilton on 26 March 2015 and 845 Naval Air Squadron doing likewise the year after.[5]

Sea King HC4 'Junglies' from 846 Naval Air Squadron insert Royal Marines into the Birrim forest Ghana during 2004

The Merlin HC3 replaced the ageing Sea King HC4 as CHF's medium-lift transport aircraft when the Sea King HC4 retired on 31 March 2016.[6]

As part of the transfer of service, the Merlin HC3 underwent an upgrade to the HC4 standard which includes a full mid-life upgrade of the airframe and avionics; and 'marinised' or more accurately optimised the aircraft for ship-borne amphibious operations.[7]

Location

[edit]

It is based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset, England; aircraft are regularly deployed with UK Commando Force, overseas and to the ships of the Joint Expeditionary Force (Maritime) (JEF(M)) which includes HMS Bulwark (Landing Platform Dock).[8]

Command and control

[edit]

CHF is a Fleet Air Arm asset and as such remains under the Operational Command (OPCOM) of Fleet Commander, while Operational Control (OPCON) is delegated to the Joint Aviation Command, under Army Command, who will task assets in accordance with Permanent Joint Headquarters or Front Line Command requirements.[9]

Organisation

[edit]
Two Commando Helicopter Force Merlin Mk3 from 846 Naval Air Squadron on exercise with Royal Marine Commando's near Harstad in Norway

The Commando Helicopter Force has three Naval Air Squadrons with separate roles:

A Combat Service Support Squadron and Commando Mobile Air Operations Team also form part of CHF.[13]

845 and 846 NAS received Merlin Mk3/Mk3A’s to replace the retiring Sea Kings in 2014 and 2015. 846 NAS took their Merlin Mk3’s on 30 September 2014; 845 NAS followed on 9 July 2015. These are being upgraded to the Merlin Mk4/Mk4A as part of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP).[14] The Merlin Mk4 has a grey colour scheme, not the dark green colour of the "Junglie" Sea Kings.[15]

Concurrently, 847 NAS has come to the end of the process of upgrading to the AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat.[16]

845 Naval Air Squadron

[edit]
A Merlin HC4 wearing the current grey colour scheme used by the Commando Helicopter Force

845 NAS operated the Westland Sea King HC4 helicopter; a variant that has been specially modified for medium-lift transport and flying in all sorts of weather conditions and terrains. 845 had at least two of it Sea Kings deployed to the Bosnian theatre since 1992. Besides Bosnia, they have operated in Albania, Egypt, Honduras, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. 845 NAS was temporarily stationed at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire as part of the Merlin transition until it relocated back to RNAS Yeovilton on 20 June 2016.[17]

846 Naval Air Squadron

[edit]

846 NAS operates with 845 NAS, but has not seen action in Bosnia, being more focused on the Northern flank of the NATO theatre. Until recently, 846 maintained a base in Northern Ireland that allowed it to become very proficient in cold weather and winter operations. However, squadron operations are not limited to northern flying conditions and it has operated in South East Asia, Australia, the United States, and Germany. Two of the squadron's aircraft were sent to Turkey following the major earthquake it suffered in November 1999. 846 NAS was temporarily stationed at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire as part of the Merlin transition until it relocated back to RNAS Yeovilton on 26 March 2015.[5]

In March 2016, 846 NAS was given the role of Maritime Counter Terrorism after the disbandment of 848 Naval Air Squadron and its Sea King HC4 helicopters.[4]

847 Naval Air Squadron

[edit]
A Wildcat AH1 of the Commando Helicopter Force

847 NAS operates Wildcat AH1 helicopters, in light transport and reconnaissance roles.[16]

Decommissioned Unit

[edit]

848 Naval Air Squadron

[edit]

848 Naval Air Squadron was the Commando Sea King HC4 training unit for the CHF, and trained not only the aircrews but also the ground crews. In addition to the skills necessary to fly their missions, Commando Helicopter Force members are trained in small-arms use as well as tactics and survival fieldcraft. Being a naval unit that was directly tasked with supporting the Royal Marines, trainees are also schooled in shipboard and amphibious assault operations. A special unit within 848 Squadron, M Flight, was tasked with supporting the Special Boat Service (SBS) in their operations. 848 NAS disbanded in 2013 but then reformed on 1 May 2015 to continue operating the Sea Kings, maintaining operational capability within the CHF while 845 NAS converted to the Merlin, until the Sea King reached its planned out of service date on 31 March 2016.[15][18] 848 NAS disbanded 24 March 2016.[19]

Personnel

[edit]

Aircrew, recruited from the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Marines, join the force having completed training in helicopter operations under No. 1 Flying Training School[20] at RAF Shawbury.[21]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Commando Helicopter Force". Elite Forces. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Strategic Defence Review" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. 1 July 1998. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  3. ^ Ripley, Tim (2004). Air War Iraq. Pen and Sword. p. 130. ISBN 978-1-4738-1170-6.
  4. ^ a b "Rare insight into the Royal Navy's Commando Helicopter Force". 21 February 2016.
  5. ^ a b "846 Naval air squadron returns home to RNAS Yeovilton". Global aviation Resource. 30 March 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  6. ^ "Westland Sea King HC4 Commando Retirement". Aeroresource. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  7. ^ Waters, Conrad (2015). Seaforth World Naval Review 2016. Seaforth Publishing. p. 85. ISBN 978-1-84832-312-4.
  8. ^ "HMS Bulwark and Merlin helicopters ready for operations in the Mediterranean". Royal Navy. 5 May 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  9. ^ "Navy Command, Senior Officers". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  10. ^ "845 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy". royalnavy.mod.uk.
  11. ^ "846 Naval Air Squadron – Royal Navy". royalnavy.mod.uk.
  12. ^ "847 Naval Air Squadron". royalnavy.mod.uk. Archived from the original on 7 August 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
  13. ^ "Commando Helicopter Force". Fleet Air Arm Officers Association. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  14. ^ "Janes Guide – Merlin Mk4 Upgrades". Archived from the original on 13 February 2020.
  15. ^ a b "The Past, Present and Future of the 'Junglie'". Forces Network. Archived from the original on 9 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
  16. ^ a b "The 847 Naval Air Squadron transitions to the AgustaWestland Wildcat AH.1 helicopter Interview with Major David Sutton Royal Marines, Senior Pilot". Janes. 7 May 2015. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  17. ^ "845 NAS Come Home". Fleet air Arm Officers Association. 20 June 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  18. ^ "848 NAS awarded the Bambara flight safety shield". fleetairarmoa.org.
  19. ^ "It really is goodbye to the 'old girl' – Royal Navy". royalnavy.mod.uk.
  20. ^ "RAF chief opens state-of-the-art helicopter training facilities in Shawbury". Shropshire Star. 29 February 2020. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  21. ^ "UK MoD begins training helicopter acquisition". Flightglobal. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2017.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Commando_Helicopter_Force&oldid=1258036019"