[4] The squadron was reformed in May 2020 to serve as the Joint Helicopter Command Operational Evaluation Unit.[5]. 1st July, 2015. The SAR Force HQ is based at RAF Valley … XXV (F) Squadron 0025. It flew its last operational mission with the Vildebeest on 20 December 1939. 4 Flying Training School. 22 Squadron reformed on 14 May 2020 at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, as the Operational Evaluation Unit for the Joint Helicopter Command. He will now join C Flight of Number 22 Squadron, remaining at RAF Valley, as a fully qualified, fully operational Search and Rescue pilot flying the Sea King helicopter. Half of those on the course will stay on at RAF Valley and join 'C' Flight of 22 Squadron. No 208 (Reserve) Squadron is at present a reserve unit of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Valley, Anglesey, Wales. RAF Valley is also home to ‘C’ Flight of 22 Squadron, one of two RAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Squadrons operating Sea King helicopters. [23], The squadron moved to RAF North Coates in Lincolnshire on 8 April 1940, flying its first operational sorties from that base on 15 April when nine Beauforts set out to lay mines off the mouth of the River Elbe. [26] The squadron performed military search and rescue until it was handed over to the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and Bristow Helicopters in October 2015. The squadron re-equipped with Westland Sea King HAR.3s from July 1978 (operating the Westland Wessex HAR.2 as an intermediate type while its Sea Kings were sent to the Falklands War), [15] moving its HQ to RAF Boulmer on the closure of Finningley in 1989, and then to RAF Valley during April 2008. The squadron re-equipped with Westland Sea King HAR.3s from July 1978 (operating the Westland Wessex HAR.2 as an intermediate type while its Sea Kings were sent to the Falklands War), moving its HQ to RAF Boulmer on the closure of Finningley in 1989, and then to RAF Valley during April 2008. [19] In October 1935, as part of Britain's response to the Abyssinia crisis, the squadron was deployed to Malta, returning to Britain in August 1936 after the threat of war between the United Kingdom and Italy receded. 13 Squadron. No. No. RAF Coningsby. By October 2015, the RAF SAR Force had been relieved of their responsibility by a new contractor-led operation , run by Bristow Helicopters , and the nearest SAR unit is now based at Caernarfon Airport . All Past and Present Members of 22 Squadron are invited to join the 22 Squadron Association. From March 1935, the squadron began to re-equip with the improved Vildebeest III, with a more powerful engine and carrying an observer as a third crew member. On 15 February 1955 the unit reformed as a helicopter search and rescue (SAR) unit. In early 2004, 22 Squadron provided SAR services from A Flt at RMB Chivenor (EGDC), B Flt at AAC Wattisham (EGUW) and C Flt at RAF Valley (EGOV). No. RAF Sea King units. It was manned by personnel from 22 Squadron, based at RAF Valley, which marks its centenary year this month, shortly before being disbanded. The squadron operates the Hawk T2 alongside No. [22], Flying and notable non-flying units based at RAF Valley. [22] From November 1939 the squadron started to receive Bristol Beaufort twin-engined monoplanes to replace its obsolete biplanes. 25 Squadron, flying the Texan T1 and BAE Hawk T2. 22 Squadron of the Royal Air Force operates the Westland Sea King HAR.3 and HAR.3A at three stations in the southern United Kingdom. 22 Squadron exists today, working with helicopters from across all three Services. RAF Valley. RAF Sea King units. It was originally formed in 1915 as an aerial reconnaissance unit of the Royal Flying Corps serving on the Western Front during the First World War. : Royal Air Force; 22Sqn. 456 Squadron RAAF was formed on 30 June 1941 at RAF Valley, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, in the United Kingdom under Article XV of the Empire Air Training Scheme as a night-fighter squadron, equipped with Defiant turret-fighters. The RAF Operational Conversion Unit, 203(R) Squadron, was also based at Valley to train new aircrew onto the Westland Sea King HAR.3/3A, and prepare them for their SAR operations. XZ594, the last 22 Squadron Search and Rescue Sea King to lift off from RAF Valley. Group Captain Andy Turk attended Northwood School in Middlesex before joining the RAF in 1990. [20] The incident was reported to the Civil Aviation Authority. 32 Squadron 0032. The RAF's Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters from 22 Squadrons C flight have with the Watisham based 202 Squadron B Flight surrender their role to the coast guard contractors units based at Caernarfon and Manston, as part of … The 22 Squadron headquarters is at RAF Valley, with three detachments at RAF Chivenor ('A' Flight), RAF Wattisham ('B' Flight) and RAF Valley ('C' Flight). At 5.45 pm on 22 September 2020; Reverend Squadron Leader Michael Hall, first led a short service of remembrance, before RAF Valley Station Commander and VAS President, Group Captain Chris Moon introduced Air Officer Commanding 22 Group, Air Vice Marshall Richard Maddison, who was to proceed to the dedication, before unveiling the memorial. 22 Squadron at RAF Valley. A detachment of Bristol Beaufighters of 219 Squadron provided night fighter cover. 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