Report and photo Michael Dawson

845 Naval Air Squadron Agusta Westland Commando Merlin HC4 helicopter is pictured flying over the HMS Ringtail Monument, Ringtail Retail Park yesterday.

845 Naval Air Squadron is a squadron of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. Part of the Commando Helicopter Force, it is a specialist amphibious unit operating the Agusta Westland Commando Merlin HC4 helicopter and provides troop transport and load lifting support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines.

In 2012, the squadron celebrated 50 years since it was awarded "commando" status; f

ounded in 1943, the 845’s nickname is the ‘Junglies’ from early operations in the jungles of Malaysia and Borneo in WW2. Their motto is 'Audio hostem' – which means ‘hear the enemy’.

As well as hoists, load-carrying and passenger capacity, 845 has the ability to land almost anywhere and work from ships; whether their helicopters are delivering vital water supplies as part of humanitarian operations or providing support from the skies in times of conflict, 845 Naval Air Squadron is well-equipped and well-prepared for a huge range of challenges.
They have seen active service in the Falklands, Kuwait, and the Gulf, and supported the UK’s humanitarian responses to the Philippines and Caribbean after natural disasters.