Weighty Eighty: RAF and Royal Australian Air Force resurrect 80 Squadron at joint ceremony

The RAF and Royal Australian Air Force have both been allocated the same squadron numberplate in a joint parade and naming ceremony in the United States.

At Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the RAF's Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Rich Knighton, and the RAAF's Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Robert Chipman, formally awarded the dormant 80 Squadron numberplates.

80 Squadron is an Air & Space Warfare Centre Squadron, made up of aircrew, engineers, technicians and intelligence analysts, drawn from both the RAF and Royal Navy who work on the F-35 fighter jet.

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Air Chf Mshl Sir Rich said: "F-35 warfighting capability in Europe and the Indo Pacific is dependent on how well the specialist personnel at 80 Squadron continue to 'sharpen the spear' together in their work here in Florida."

The head of the RAF went on to say: "Co-location of the whole F-35 reprogramming enterprise at Eglin AFB provides a unique opportunity to integrate with our closest F-35 partners to the fullest extent.

"It's an opportunity that wouldn't exist if we were at home alone."

Formed in 1917, 80 Squadron RAF has been stationed across the world. After service over the Western Front and then Egypt during the First World War, it reformed in 1937 and returned to North Africa.

After service in the Eastern Mediterranean and Italy the squadron returned to the UK in 1944 where 80 years ago it conducted fighter sweeps with Spitfires in preparation for D-Day.

Re-equipped with Tempests, 80 Squadron then flew armed reconnaissance missions over the continent for the remainder of hostilities.

Post-war it moved to Hong Kong and in 1955 it reformed in Germany with Canberra PR.7s which it operated until the squadron was disbanded in 1969.

The Officer Commanding 80 Squadron, Royal Navy Commander Wilcox, said: "80 Squadron provides a unique opportunity for overseas service for those in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. It also offers the chance to work at the leading edge of software and data-enabled weapons systems."

"Our success as a squadron isn't possible without the unwavering support of the US and the plethora of Eglin Air Force base stakeholders who will continue to support the squadron and its outstanding capability.

"In our new facility opening later in 2024, we will be transforming the way we conduct mission data business through the introduction of enhanced software tools and innovative processes."