809 Naval Air Squadron jets embark on aircraft carrier for the first time
Four F-35 jets of 809 Naval Air Squadron begin pilot carrier qualification sorties flying from HMS Prince of Wales in the North Sea.
This is the first time 809 Squadron has embarked on a carrier since the squadron was disbanded 1982. “The Immortals” were stood up at a ceremony at RAF Marham in Dec 2023. The 809-badged jets are shared in a pool with other squadrons and jointly operated by both RN and RAF personnel.
Additional aircraft from 617 Squadron will embark later for exercise Strike Warrior 2024.
