New 809 Squadron

[colp]

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/new-f35-sq ... am-8160856

Apologies if this has already been covered. Good news for Marham

[Starbuck]

Hmm, their building work hasn't started yet, a document submitted to parliament said 809 could be delayed from the planned 2023 to 2026 due to aircraft delays.

EDP aren't exactly known for accurate reporting

[slogen51]

I think they have bulldozed Hangar 1 to make way for 809 NAS

[Malcolm]

I think they have bulldozed Hangar 1 to make way for 809 NAS

When RN squadrons move into RAF bases they're normally given luxurious tents and portacabins to live in - like when 800/801 moved to Cottesmore.

[slogen51]

I bet 617 are given the 'treatment' on board HMS QNLZ

One minute you are a low-level , below radar dam buster next you are sailing around the world on a boat

[Malcolm]

I bet 617 are given the 'treatment' on board HMS QNLZ

One minute you are a low-level , below radar dam buster next you are sailing around the world on a boat

I don't like RAF squadrons on boats either. I heard too many RAF Harrier pilots say things like "I didn't join the Air Force to spend my time bobbing around on boats". Or words to that effect.

Their view only changes when something kicks off and they need an RN flat top to get within range of the chance of a medal.

[Andy Marden]

When I was the Crab-ATCO at Yeovilton, it used to make me laugh when all the Navy guys made themselves scarce whenever going on a sea detachment was mentioned, leaving just me in the room...

[Fighterfoto]

[/quote]
Their view only changes when something kicks off and they need an RN flat top to get within range of the chance of a medal.
[/quote]

Unlike the medals gained, say, in Afghanistan, Iraq or on ops over Libya in the last few years.

[Nighthawke]

I seem to recall the Royal Navy being grateful for the GR3s stopping some enemy attacks.

[slogen51]

This topic could go hot - time to batten down the hatches

Talking of down the hatch .....

[Nighthawke]

Kitchen fridge or The Crown?

[slogen51]

Crown

Fridge is full but something about reading a paper with a beer in the pub garden

Marham ( and Lakenheath) have both been very quiet this last couple of weeks. Ok we had the AV but still seems quiet , like school holidays at Yeovilton when they all go on block leave.

16:20 no sooner than I post , two eagles launched from Lakenheath heading north!

[Starbuck]

I think they have bulldozed Hangar 1 to make way for 809 NAS

Thought that was knocked down because it was not fit for purpose.

[Starbuck]

Isn't 617s current boss a Navy guy?

[slogen51]

Yes he is, in command since last year

'First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin’s visit to RAF Marham came after Commander Mark Sparrow became the first Royal Navy officer to command the historic 617 Squadron, the first of two F-35B squadrons.'

[Starbuck]

Yes he is, in command since last year

'First Sea Lord Admiral Tony Radakin’s visit to RAF Marham came after Commander Mark Sparrow became the first Royal Navy officer to command the historic 617 Squadron, the first of two F-35B squadrons.'

I was starting to doubt myself and I met 617s boss last year too

[slogen51]

I didn't know that until I reread it

Being carrier capable makes the F-35B super capable but I think given the range and load restrictions for short take off, a force must need a lot of them in the air to press home the advantage?

[slogen51]

I see the F-35B had been selected for the SPEAR (long range) missile but I assume that missile can also be launched from a destroyer or is it only air launched

[Starbuck]

I see the F-35B had been selected for the SPEAR (long range) missile but I assume that missile can also be launched from a destroyer or is it only air launched

Reading up on it, air launched only by the looks of it for both Lightning & Typhoon.

[armra1972]

I think they have bulldozed Hangar 1 to make way for 809 NAS

Thought that was knocked down because it was not fit for purpose.

It was deemed fit for purpose since the early thirties so sad to see it go, especially as my last office within. Has been demolished for F35 but not 809. Sadly the hangar floor which still remains being used as a go-kart track!