805 Squadron RAN
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805 Squadron is a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron.
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[edit] Current Roles
805 is currently active as a helicopter squadron equipped with Kaman SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopters. The Squadron is based at HMAS Albatross (NAS Nowra) and primarily operates from the Navy's Anzac class frigates. The Squadron has completed First of Class Flight Trials aboard HMAS Parramatta, however the Squadron has not achieved full operation as yet..[1] The Super Seaspite helicopter has been the subject of controversy, with consideration being given to scrapping them.[2]
[edit] History
805 Squadron was first formed as a Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron in November 1940 at the RAF aerodrome at Abukir in Egypt. The Squadron operated Fairey Fulmars in a convoy protection role. The Squadron operated in the Western Desert until January 1941 when it transferred to Crete. The Squadron returned to Egypt and re-equipped with Brewster Buffalo fighters and in June 1941 these were replaced by the Grumman Martlett III. The Squadron disbanded in January 1943.
The Squadron recomissioned in the UK for service in the Pacific Campaign, equipped with Supermarine Seafires, but saw no further service prior to the end of the War.
In August 1948 805 Squadron was re-formed as a Royal Australian Navy FAA squadron operating Hawker Sea Fury Mk II aircraft. The Squadron formed part of the 20th Carrier Air Group embarked on HMAS Sydney. During September 1951, 805 Squadron deployed to Korea, flying sorties for 64 days. Three 805 Squadron pilots were killed during the campaign. Following the retirement of the Sea Fury aircraft, the unit was disbanded on 26 March 1958.
805 Squadron reformed at Nowra on 31 March 1958, equipped with de Havilland Sea Venom FAW.53 all weather night fighters. 805 Squadron embarked on HMAS Melbourne, as part of the 21st Carrier Air Group. The Squadron was again disbanded on 30 June 1963 and the aircraft transferred to B Flight, 816 Squadron.
On 10 January 1968, 805 Squadron reformed, equipped with the McDonnell Douglas A4G Skyhawk fighter. The squadron operation from HMAS Melbourne until 1982.
On 28 February 2001, 805 Squadron reactivated, equipped with Kaman SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopters.
[edit] Aircraft
[edit] Current RAN Service
[edit] RN Service
Grumman Martlett III
Supermarine Seafire (Strike)
[edit] Previous RAN Service
[edit] References
- ^ "Navy's $100m chopper can't fly in bad light", Sydney Morning Herald, March 19, 2005. Retrieved on 2006-10-11.
- ^ "Defence considers scrapping Seasprite helicopters", ABC Australia, May 15, 2006. Retrieved on 2006-10-11.
[edit] Sources
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