617 Squadron formally stands up

[Gary]

617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force has been formally stood up as the RAF's first F35B Lightning II squadron.

The announcement was made during a special event in Washington DC, part of the celebrations for the Royal Air Force in its centenary year.

In the heart of the US capital, history was made as 617 Squadron formally stood up as an operational squadron, the first F35 squadron in the Royal Air Force.

With the support of the Queens Colour Squadron and the Central Band of the RAF, the ceremony was held in front of British and American guests from across both air forces.

General Stephen Wilson, Vice Chief of Staff for the US Air Force said:
“The Dambusters will be flying the F35 Lightning, a fifth-generation air fighter ready to deter and win. We will take it to the skies together again.

Whilst Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier added:

“The US Marine Corps have provided outstanding support to us, for which we are exceptionally grateful, ensuring that transatlantic link remains as strong as ever.”

The UK has taken delivery of 15 of the F35B models so far.

But it's not been without its controversy; there have been debates about the cost and numbers of the jets, but it is an example of the special relationship in practice.

Group Captain Willy Hackett told us about the UK’s special position within the programme:

“We brought people and knowledge into this programme from the Harrier, which is why we’re a level one partner- we bring great knowledge and great know-how”.

The Squadron is one with a long legacy as they flew Tornados in Afghanistan, but are best remembered for the Dambusters Raid of the Second World War.

617 Squadron will fly their F35B's back from Beaufort in South Carolina to their new base at RAF Marham this summer, ready to declare their operational capability over land later.

https://www.forces.net/news/iconic-damb ... transition

[Gary]

Story also on the new RAF website https://www.raf.mod.uk/news/rafs-legend ... f-35-jets/

[Agent K]

I keep on reading "In 2018", "Summer" etc. which is rather vague and can mean from now till the end of December! Anyone have any more accurate dates/periods when the aircraft are scheduled to arrive in the UK?

[Gary]

Early June, only 4 will be in the first arrival wave. With more coming later in the Summer

[baz1]

the UK as taken (delivery) of 15 F35B wonder were they are hiding them and when they arrived!

[Nighthawke]

You're taking the p*** I presume - or did you not bother to read to the end of the article above?

[Vulcanone]

The first 3 ZM135 136 and 137 are assigned to 17 Sqn as its the TES like 41 is for the Typhoon. The rest are at MCAS Beaufort where they have been mostly delivered too so 617 could start its work up to forming. Not really hiding them is it!

[baz1]

yes I read it all, and it said (Taken Delivery), taken and getting are two different things!

[bizfreeq]

They have been delivered to the RAF and 617Sqn but as the squadron is currently U.S. based, that is where they were delivered to

[POL]

By that logic I assume we've still not taken delivery of any Reapers, as they're based at Creech?!

[baz1]

and not taken delivery until they hit UK Soil

[seven]

I'm afraid that's not your decision to make. As previously said, they have been delivered to the relevant Squadrons which are not based in the UK. The next step is the move to Marham, not delivery to the UK.

7

[Nighthawke]

If you are going to be pedantic at least be familiar with definitions first!

Deliver - to hand over formally

Shall we get back to aviation matters...?

[freebirduk]

I'm trying hard to see this in a positive and sensible light but having the RAF's most celebrated squadron perform it's stand up ceremony with band, Colour (or perhaps now Color) Squadron in Washington DC just makes me twitch. I know, my bad. America first.

[TonyO]

and not taken delivery until they hit UK Soil

Taken delivery means accepted by the RAF, they could have done that at the factory.

[Agent K]

I have taken delivery of airliners for an airline a few years back, this took place at the factory (Seattle), this is a legal process. Not sure what the conversation or cynicism is about here? Similarly the RAF would have taken delivery at the factory (Fort Worth).

As for where they are hiding them? They're not in hiding and are operating from Edwards and Beaufort.

[jem60]

Nodding off in my computer chair.

[Nighthawke]

Maybe the Central Band and the QCS were trying to show the US military how ceremonial drill should be done and to march properly

[paddyboy]

Doh

All this faffage for a super-mega-fugly flying(ish) brick

Luddite (and proud of it) Paddyboy

[nickowen]

Once again, a hostilities-only Auxiliary unit gets the pick of the new kit.