854 Naval Air Squadron facts for kids
854 Naval Air Squadron was a special group of aircraft and pilots in the Royal Navy. They were part of the Fleet Air Arm, which is the Royal Navy's flying branch. This squadron was first created on January 1, 1944, in the United States.
The squadron helped during the Second World War. After the war, it was closed down in December 1945. Later, in December 2006, it started up again. This time, it became a helicopter squadron. Its main job was to provide Airborne Surveillance and Control. This means they used helicopters to watch over areas from the sky. They could spot things far away and help guide other forces.
Quick facts for kids 854 Naval Air Squadron |
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| Active | 1944-1945 2006-2015 |
| Country |  United Kingdom |
| Branch | Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy |
| Type | Carrier Based Squadron |
| Role | Airborne Early Warning |
| Garrison/HQ | RNAS Culdrose |
| Motto(s) | "Audentes Fortuna Juvat" (Latin: "Fortune Helps the Daring") |
| Colors | Red and Black |
| Equipment | Sea King ASaC7 |
| Engagements | Normandy 1944, Palembang 1945, Okinawa 1945 |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
Lt Cdr J W L Ling |
| Notable commanders |
L/C R E Jess DSC, RCNVR |
Squadron History
Formation and World War II Missions
The 854 Naval Air Squadron began in January 1944. It was formed during the Second World War. The squadron used Grumman Avenger II aircraft. These planes were designed to attack enemy ships.
In May 1944, the squadron came back to the United Kingdom. It joined RAF Coastal Command, which protected the coast. They flew over the English Channel. Their job was to patrol and attack enemy ships. This was important before the D-Day invasion of Europe.
The squadron then moved to the Far East in September 1944. They operated from the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. From December 1944 to January 1945, they attacked targets in Sumatra. In March and April 1945, they attacked targets on the Sakishima Islands.
In July, 854 NAS received new Avenger III planes. They joined the 3rd Carrier Air Group. However, the squadron soon left its planes behind. They sailed back to the UK. The squadron was officially closed down on December 8, 1945, after the war ended.
Reforming as a Helicopter Squadron
The 854 Naval Air Squadron was brought back to life on December 13, 2006. A special ceremony was held at RNAS Culdrose. The unit now used Westland Sea King ASaC.7 helicopters. These helicopters were previously part of another squadron, 849 Squadron.
The Sea King ASaC.7 helicopters were used for "Airborne Surveillance and Control." This means they flew high above the ground. They used special radar to find things. This helped the Royal Navy keep an eye on large areas. They could spot threats and guide other ships or aircraft.
