Squadron William trained with reformed to support RAF's sub-hunting and surveillance

The RAF squadron the Prince of Wales trained in has been reformed to help support the UK's fleet of submarine-hunting and surveillance aircraft.

Prince William learned to fly as a helicopter search and rescue pilot with 203 Squadron at RAF Valley between 2009 and 2010.

It was disbanded in September 2014 following the withdrawal of the Sea King from service, but has now been reformed to provide engineering support to RAF Lossiemouth's P-8 Poseidon and Wedgetail aircraft.

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The squadron will take over the role performed by the Poseidon Line Squadron that has provided ground engineering to the maritime patrol aircraft since 2020.

It will provide the same support to the P-8s as well as the Wedgetail planes on exercise and operation – with the first having arrived at the Scottish base just a few weeks ago.

The history of 203 Squadron predates the Royal Air Force with records going back to the Royal Navy as early as 1914.

It was reformed in 1996 to operate the Sea King helicopters at RAF St Mawgan before relocating to RAF Valley in 2008.

Officer Commanding of 203 Sqn, Squadron Leader Mennie, said: "It is a great honour and privilege to command No. 203 Squadron as it reforms in its new role as an engineering squadron.

"Building on a distinguished heritage, the squadron now looks ahead to delivering engineering excellence in support of the Poseidon and Wedgetail fleets across all operating environments. 

"I am proud to lead such a dedicated team as we generate and enhance operational capability for UK defence and our allies."