Navy

Royal Navy Remembers VJ Day In The Gulf

Royal Fort Auxiliary (RFA) Fort Victoria has commemorated the 70th Anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day with a ‘flight deck spell out’.

RFA Fort Victoria is currently deployed to the Gulf

The ‘VJ70’ message, photographed from one of the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control (SKASaC) helicopters embarked, was made up of both RFA and Royal Navy personnel, including those from the Maritime Aviation Support Force and 849 NAS Palembang Flight.

VJ Day is particularly poignant for 849 NAS, as the squadron were part of the British Pacific Fleet during World War II and hold battle honours for raids on Okinawa and Palembang.

Captain Steve Norris, Commanding Officer of RFA Fort Victoria said:

“The Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Fleet Air Arm all played key roles in the Far East during World War II.

The ship’s company of RFA Fort Victoria are honoured to be able to demonstrate their recognition and support to veterans of that campaign on this, the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day.”

RFA Fort Victoria is currently deployed to the Gulf providing crucial support to coalition warships, whilst 849 NAS SKASaC helicopters patrol the skies conducting Maritime Security Operations.