No. 202 Squadron RAF
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No. 202 Squadron RAF | |
---|---|
Active | 17 October 1914 (as RNAS) |
Role | Search and rescue |
Garrison/HQ | RAF Boulmer plus detached Flights |
Motto | "Semper vigilate" (Be always vigilant) |
Equipment | Sea King HAR.3 |
Battle honours | Western Front 1916-1918, Atlantic 1939-1945, Mediterranean 1940-1943, North Africa 1942-1943, Biscay 1942-1943 |
Insignia | |
Identification symbol |
A mallard alighting |
No. 202 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Sea King HAR.3 at three stations in the northern half of the United Kingdom.
[edit] History
202 Squadronwas formed along with the RAF on 1 April 1918 by renumbering No. 2 Squadron RNAS. It was originally formed as one of the first aeroplane squadrons of the RNAS in October 1914.
202 Squadron was reformed by the renumbering of No. 228 Squadron RAF at RAF Leconfield, 202 began operating in its search and rescue role using the Westland Whirlwind. The squadron moved to RAF Finningley on re-equipping with Sea Kings in 1978 (without operating the Wessex HAR.2 as an intermediate type), moving its HQ to Boulmer on the closure of Finningley in 1996. The squadron usually has two aircraft at each of its locations which, as of 2005, are:
- HQ & 'A' Flight - RAF Boulmer
- 'D' Flight - RAF Lossiemouth
- 'E' Flight - RAF Leconfield
[edit] See also
- List of Royal Air Force aircraft squadrons
- 22 Squadron - another Sea King squadron
- 1564 Flight - another Sea King unit