Immortals return: 809 Squadron rises from the ashes to operate the F-35B

The legendary 809 Naval Air Squadron, known as the Immortals, has been resurrected as the second frontline F-35 fighter jet squadron at RAF Marham.

The rebirth of unit comes 82 years after the squadron was first stood up in 1941, and 809 will now fly the F-35B, having operated the likes of the Fulmar, Sea Venom, Harrier and Buccaneer.

809 NAS becomes the first Royal Navy unit to fly the new stealth aircraft, operating alongside 617 Squadron, The Dambusters. 

"Standing up 809 Squadron today adds another combat air squadron to our already pretty strong combat air force," said the Air and Space Commander, Air Marshal Harvey Smith.

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Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Martin Connell said: "When you look at milestones like this, standing up another frontline F-35 squadron is the manifestation of all those years of planning.

"It was really good to see and speak to the sailors and aviators who formed this new squadron.

"Some of the sailors and aviators, the engines and aircrew have already been operating with their sister squadron 617. Some of them have embarked on HMS Queen Elizabeth this year.

"What we're looking forward to in 2025 is HMS Prince of Wales will deploy with both 809 and 617 Squadron embarked."

The squadron reborn will be a mixed unit of Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel, led by a Naval officer. However, the next commander is expected to be from the RAF.

809 NAS has a vibrant crest featuring a Phoenix.

The Navy-badged squadron, also known as the Immortals, operated as a fast jet squadron during the Falklands conflict and supported several crucial operations during the Second World War.

Air Marshal Smith said: "Who wouldn't want to be in a squadron called the Immortals? It really is quite ironic that they’ve been disbanded for over 40 years and today come back to life. The Immortals are back with us.

"It's really underscoring the incredible importance of control of the air and a vital part of that is F-35, the fifth-generation capabilities.

"For me as the Air and Space Commander, today is an excellent moment because we've added more capability to the stable of Combat Air.

"I'm very happy to see the progress that’s being made, how we’re continuing to grow the [F-35B] Lightning force.

"How we're doing it in a joint way with our Royal Navy colleagues and that symbiotic relationship between the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy is just excellent."