Royal Navy squadron completes first independent sortie with F-35B Lightning
The first Royal Navy squadron to operate the F-35B fighter jet has completed its first independent operational sortie in the aircraft.
Operated by 809 Naval Air Squadron, the aircraft was flown by an 809 pilot, as well as being maintained, dispatched and recovered solely by 809 personnel.
The Commanding Officer of 809 NAS said it was "not a small ask for what is still a small, growing team".
"The whole squadron should feel rightfully proud of the achievement," said Commander Nick Smith.
"This marks an important step forward for 809 NAS, having successfully self-generated serviceable aircraft that were in turn released for flight, dispatched, flown and recovered exclusively by 809 NAS personnel.
"The team will now build on this foundation in preparation for our autumn embarkation in HMS Prince of Wales where the squadron will once again operate from a flight deck, for the first time in nearly 42 years."
809 Squadron traces its history back to 1941 in various incarnations, with it operating in the Second World War before it was resurrected again briefly in 1982 during the Falklands conflict - the most recent of its eight battle honours.
809 Naval Air Squadron was resurrected yet again to fly the new F-35B Lightning jet in December.
It was stood up after a 40-year absence, with 809 Squadron joining the RAF’s legendary 617 'Dambusters' Squadron as one of two frontline formations using the F-35 fighter jet.
Previously, the UK's fleet of F-35Bs was operated by 617 Squadron, which draws its personnel from both the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
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