View source for RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk)

{{Short description|Fleet Air Arm main operating base in Cornwall, England, United Kingdom}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:RNAS Culdrose (HMS ''Seahawk'')}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox military installation
| name = RNAS Culdrose
| ensign = Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg
| ensign_size =
| native_name = 
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| location = 
| nearest_town = [[Helston]], [[Cornwall]]
| country = [[England]]
| image = File:ZH850 - WM-462 EHI EH-101 Merlin HM2 (Mk111) (cn 50125-RN30) Royal Navy. (9505740843).jpg
| alt = 
| caption = An [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin HM2]] at RNAS Culdrose
| image2 = File:HMS Seahawk.png
| image2_size = 150px
| alt2 = 
| caption2 = 
| type = Royal Naval Air Station
| coordinates = {{coord|50|05|10|N|05|15|21|W|type:airport_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| gridref = 
| image_map = 
| image_mapsize = 
| image_map_alt = 
| image_map_caption = 
| pushpin_map = Cornwall#UK
| pushpin_mapsize = 
| pushpin_map_alt = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Cornwall
| pushpin_relief = 1
| pushpin_image = 
| pushpin_label = RNAS Culdrose
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_mark = 
| pushpin_marksize = 
| ownership = [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]]
| operator = [[Royal Navy]]
| controlledby = [[Fleet Air Arm]]
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->  
| site_area = {{Convert|623|hectare|acre|abbr=}}
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = {{Start date|1947}}
| used = 1947 – present <!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| builder = [[John Laing Group|John Laing & Son]]
| materials = 
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition = Operational
| battles = 
| events = 
| current_commander = [[Captain (Royal Navy)|Captain]] Stuart Irwin
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = <!-- such as the 25th Bombardment Group -->
|occupants=
Flying units:
* [[750 Naval Air Squadron]]
* [[814 Naval Air Squadron]]
* [[820 Naval Air Squadron]] 
* [[824 Naval Air Squadron]]
''See [[#Units|Units]] section for full list.''
| designations = 
| website = {{Official website}}
<!-- begin airfield information  -->
| IATA = 
| ICAO = EGDR
| FAA = 
| TC = 
| LID = 
| GPS = 
| WMO = 038090
| elevation = {{Convert|81.6|m|0}}
| r1-number = 11/29
| r1-length = {{Convert|1829|m|0}}
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r2-number = 18/36
| r2-length = {{Convert|1055|m|0}}
| r2-surface = Asphalt
| r3-number = 06/24
| r3-length = {{Convert|1045|m|0}}
| r3-surface = Asphalt
| h1-number = 
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface = 
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!--  end airfield information   -->
| footnotes = '''Source:''' UK Military Aeronautical Information Publication<ref>{{Cite web|title=UK MIL AIP – Culdrose – AD 2 - EGDR - 1 - 1|url=https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/EGDR-Culdrose-Combined.pdf|access-date=26 March 2020|website=UK MIL AIP – No 1 Aeronautical Information Documents Unit|archive-date=8 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908182327/https://www.aidu.mod.uk/aip/pdf/ad/EGDR-Culdrose-Combined.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
[[File:HMS Seahawk sign, RNAS Culdrose.jpg|thumb|The entrance to RNAS Culdrose (also known as HMS ''Seahawk'') during 2015.]]
'''Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose''' ('''RNAS Culdrose''', also known as '''HMS ''Seahawk'''''; [[International Civil Aviation Organization airport code|ICAO]]: '''EGDR''') is a [[Royal Navy]] [[Military airbase|airbase]] located beside the town of [[Helston]], situated on the [[Lizard Peninsula]] in southern [[Cornwall]], England, United Kingdom.

The airbase is one of the largest helicopter bases in Europe.<ref name="CUL1">{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose|title=RNAS Culdrose|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-date=22 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322084223/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose|url-status=live}}</ref> This location serves as the primary operational center for the [[Merlin Helicopter Force]], which constitutes the Royal Navy's fleet dedicated to anti-submarine warfare and is composed of two [[Fleet Air Arm]] front line [[AgustaWestland EH101|AgustaWestland Merlin]] HMA2 [[helicopter]] squadrons: [[814 Naval Air Squadron]] and [[820 Naval Air Squadron]]. The former is typically associated with a Royal Navy frigate specialised in anti-submarine warfare, while the latter refers to the airborne unit tasked with safeguarding the carrier strike groups of HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'' and HMS ''Prince of Wales''. Additionally, the airbase hosts [[700X Naval Air Squadron]], recognised as the Royal Navy's specialist unit for drone operations.

The airbase also serves as an important training center for the Fleet Air Arm. New Merlin HMA2 aircrew and engineers receive training at [[824 Naval Air Squadron]] before they move on to one of the frontline squadrons of the Merlin Helicopter Force. It also serves as the base for [[750 Naval Air Squadron]], which is responsible for training Royal Navy Observers and Royal Air Force Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs). There is also a number of non-flying units at RNAS Culdrose including [[1700 Naval Air Squadron]] which delivers engineering, aviation, and logistical assistance for operations and exercises globally, both at sea and on land. The airbase is equipped with a substantial Air Engineering Training School, which includes a dedicated Survival Equipment Section. Additionally, it houses the Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations, the institution responsible for training all personnel involved in aircraft handling.

==History==

===1940–1999===
Admiralty surveyors first started preliminary surveys of land near Helston in 1942. RNAS ''Culdrose'' was built by [[John Laing Group|John Laing & Son]]<ref>Ritchie, p. 102</ref> and commissioned as HMS ''Seahawk'' five years after these initial surveys.  The station was originally designed to be a wartime airfield lasting about ten years.

The initial plans were for ''Culdrose'' to serve as a Naval Fighting School, it soon developed other roles.  These varied roles included such things as the trials of the Navy's first jets, training of airborne early warning crews and as a home base for carrier-based aircraft.  Over the years the station's emphasis changed from fixed wing aircraft to rotary wing, although its main role remains largely the same.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3292 RNAS Culdrose History] 
 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405110801/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3292 |date=5 April 2008 }}</ref>

In 1958, HMS Seahawk was given the [[Freedom of the City|Freedom of the Borough]] of [[Helston]], a parade thanking the town was set up in 1958 and is still happening; on 20 September 2018, the parade celebrated its 60th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/events/establishments/180920-rnas-culdrose-helston-freedom-60 | title=RNAS Culdrose - Freedom of Helston 60th anniversary Parade | access-date=20 September 2018 | archive-date=8 September 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908182327/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/events/establishments/180920-rnas-culdrose-helston-freedom-60 | url-status=live }}</ref>

From 1968 it was one of the designated locations for plan [[PYTHON]], the plan for [[continuity of government]] in the event of nuclear war.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15053819.The_top_secret_story_of_just_how_important_Portland_could_have_been_in_the_Cold_War/|title=If nuclear war had broken out between Russia and the west, HMS Osprey on Portland would have been a remote hideaway for the government|publisher=Dorset Echo|date=28 January 2017|access-date=3 April 2017|archive-date=4 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404043534/http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/15053819.The_top_secret_story_of_just_how_important_Portland_could_have_been_in_the_Cold_War/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2000 onwards===

On 18 May 2012, [[British Airways]] flight BAW2012 carrying the [[Olympic Flame]], from [[Athens International Airport]], landed at RNAS Culdrose. The aircraft, an [[Airbus A319]] painted yellow and named 'The Firefly', carried dignitaries including [[Seb Coe]], [[Princess Anne]], and [[David Beckham]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Olympic torch: Flame arrives in UK for 2012 torch relay |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18093410 |newspaper=BBC News |date=18 May 2012 |access-date=18 May 2012 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016075720/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18093410 |url-status=live }}</ref> The following day the Olympic Flame started its first leg from [[Land's End]], through Cornwall, to [[Plymouth]]. Its final destination was the [[Olympic Stadium (London)|Olympic Stadium]] in time for the start of the [[2012 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day1|title=BBC – Olympic Torch Relay – Land's End to Plymouth|work=bbc.co.uk|access-date=12 September 2015|archive-date=22 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022131151/http://www.bbc.co.uk/torchrelay/day1|url-status=live}}</ref>

The air base puts £100 million into the Cornish economy and is one of the largest single-site employers in Cornwall.<ref name="CUL1"/>

== Units ==
Flying and notable non-flying units based at RNAS Culdrose.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose|title=RNAS Culdrose|website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012332/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/where-we-are/air-stations/rnas-culdrose|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 August 2020|title=Navy's drone experts 700X NAS ready to deploy on warships|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/august/17/200817-700x-three-new-flights|access-date=20 September 2020|website=Royal Navy|language=en|archive-date=30 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930165104/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2020/august/17/200817-700x-three-new-flights|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Royal Navy ===
'''Fleet Air Arm'''
* [[700X Naval Air Squadron]] – [[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle|ScanEagle RM1]] and [[AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma|RQ-20 Puma]]
* [[750 Naval Air Squadron]] – [[Beechcraft Super King Air#Model 300 military variants|Avenger T1]]
* [[814 Naval Air Squadron]] – [[AgustaWestland AW101|Merlin HM2]]
* [[820 Naval Air Squadron]] – Merlin HM2
* [[824 Naval Air Squadron]] – Merlin HM2
** Merlin Training Facility
* [[1700 Naval Air Squadron]]
* Engineering Training Section
* Merlin Depth Maintenance Facility
* Naval Flying Standards Flight (Rotary Wing)
* School of Flight Deck Operations
* HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band

==Operations==

=== Helicopter operations ===

==== Merlin ====
[[814 Naval Air Squadron]] and [[820 Naval Air Squadron]] operate the [[AgustaWestland AW101|AgustaWestland Merlin HM2]] primarily in the carrier based anti-submarine warfare role.<ref name="814 Naval Air Squadron">{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk2/814-naval-air-squadron|title=814 Naval Air Squadron|website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107013347/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk2/814-naval-air-squadron|url-status=live}}</ref> The Merlin is fitted with an advanced sensor suite of active/passive sonics, Orange Reaper Electronic Support Measures and Blue Kestrel radar and provides a strong force in under-water warfare and anti-surface unit warfare. The unit's various roles include protecting the Royal Navy against surface and sub-surface threats, command and control, transport, evacuation and Search and Rescue capabilities.

[[824 Naval Air Squadron]] is the Merlin [[Operational Conversion Unit]], incorporating the [[Operational Evaluation Unit]] flight. The Merlin Training Facility (MTF) is part of 824 NAS, and is a first in that it encompasses pilot, observer, aircrewman and engineering training under one roof. The facility comprises a Cockpit Dynamic Simulator (CDS), three Rear Crew Trainers (RCT), six Part Task Trainers (PTT), computer-based training (CBT) classrooms, a Mechanical Systems Trainer (MST) and a [[Weapons system trainer|Weapon Systems Trainer]] (WST).

'''Merlin Depth Maintenance Facility'''[[File:w3mdmf.JPG|thumb|alt=Hangar W3, home to the Merlin Depth Maintenance Flight.|Hangar W3, home to the Merlin Depth Maintenance Flight.]]

The Merlin Depth Maintenance Facility (MDMF) performs [[depth maintenance]] on [[AW101 Merlin]] helicopters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defencetalk.com/integrated-merlin-operational-support-goes-live-8013|title=Integrated Merlin Operational Support Goes Live|date=4 October 2006|work=defencetalk.com|access-date=12 September 2015|archive-date=1 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801024346/http://www.defencetalk.com/integrated-merlin-operational-support-goes-live-8013/|url-status=live}}</ref> of the [[Royal Navy]]. MDMF is located at RNAS Culdrose, and is a partnership between the [[UK Ministry of Defence]] and [[Leonardo Helicopters]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.serco.com/markets/defence/imos.asp|title=Markets|publisher=Serco|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408130944/http://www.serco.com/markets/defence/imos.asp|archive-date=8 April 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>

For UK Merlin helicopters depth maintenance is centred on a four year cycle. MDMF has a crew-based maintenance philosophy, in which each aircraft is assigned a crew which oversee all activities from induction to output. Each Merlin has a bespoke package of calendar and hourly tasks, emergent repairs and modifications as detailed in a Statement of Work (SoW).

==== Naval Flying Standards Flight (Rotary Wing) ====
All rotary wing (helicopter) pilots, observers and aircrewmen are assessed bi-annually by NFSF(RW) examiners. This covers all helicopter squadrons at RNAS Yeovilton as well as Culdrose. The assessment consists of a ground exam and a check flight, and may also occur if a squadron has referred them to NFSF(RW).

==== Engineering Training Section ====
The Engineering Training Section (ETS) at RNAS Culdrose is a unit of the Air Engineering Department that is dedicated to the instruction of Merlin Mk2, Mk3 and generic air engineering training. The primary task of the ETS is to train sufficient air engineering personnel to enable the front line to achieve operational capability.  It comprises approximately 20 personnel including both service and civilian instructors and is headed by a lieutenant who is responsible to Commander of Air Engineering.

=== Observer training ===
[[750 Naval Air Squadron]] provides grading and Basic Observer Training for the Fleet Air Arm's observers and operates the Beechcraft Avenger T1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/support-and-training/750-naval-air-squadron|title=750 Naval Air Squadron|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=5 May 2015|archive-date=27 March 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327015935/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/support-and-training/750-naval-air-squadron|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Uncrewed aerial vehicle operations ===
[[700X Naval Air Squadron]] is the Royal Navy's first squadron of [[uncrewed aerial vehicle]]s (UAV) using [[Boeing Insitu ScanEagle|ScanEagle]] aircraft. In 2014, 700X Naval Air Squadron was one of the smallest naval units with twelve personnel but numbers could double the following year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Royal Navy launches first 'drone' unit|work=BBC News|date=27 November 2014|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30226677|access-date=29 November 2014|archive-date=30 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130155854/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-30226677|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Other units===

==== 1700 Naval Air Squadron ====
[[1700 Naval Air Squadron]] provides qualified specialist personnel to man, operate and maintain all Royal Naval controlled systems in all aviation capable platforms in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The unit provides tailored teams, ranging in size and specialisms and can comprise aircraft handlers, aircraft controllers, fire-fighters, military police officers, logistical personnel, engineers, medics and other specialists to allow the continued operation and protection of naval aircraft worldwide. Established in December 2007, the unit was previously known as the Maritime Aviation Support Force (MASF). It was renamed 1700 Naval Air Squadron on 31 October 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/november/02/171102-maritime-aviation-support-unit-becomes-1700-squadron|title=Maritime Aviation Support Unit becomes 1700 Squadron|date=2 November 2017|website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=6 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107021722/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2017/november/02/171102-maritime-aviation-support-unit-becomes-1700-squadron|url-status=live}}</ref>

Motto: ''Auxilio Ad Alta'' (Reaching The Heights With Help)

==== School of Flight Deck Operations ====
[[File:RNAS Culdrose SFDO dummy deck.jpg|thumb|A dummy deck laid out to practise aircraft handling and manoeuvring in a confined space]]

The [[Royal Naval School of Flight Deck Operations]] provides professional training for all naval aircraft handlers. The school also trains other Navy personnel and personnel from the RAF and Army who will be involved in operating aircraft at sea.

Trainees are trained in activities they will be required to carry out during their career, such as tackling aircraft fires and aircraft deck handling. Equipment used includes; mock-up can be produced and adjusted at the instructors control and the "Dummy Deck", a full-sized replica of an Invincible class aircraft carrier's deck allowing trainees to practice their roles in realistic environments, experiencing training with live aircraft with reduced risk and danger compared to operating on a real aircraft carrier.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3284 School of Flight Deck Operations] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070809072854/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3284 |date=9 August 2007 }}</ref>

Motto: ''Nostris in Manibus Tuti'' (Safe in our Hands)

==== Predannack Airfield ====
RNAS Culdrose has a satellite airfield at [[Predannack Airfield|Predannack]] which it uses primarily as a relief landing ground and night flying for helicopter pilot training; it also houses a small arms range and aircraft fire fighting facilities.<ref>[http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3285 Predannack Airfield] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405201111/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3285 |date=5 April 2008 }}</ref>

700X Naval Air Squadron, which is tasked with the advancement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology within the Royal Navy, conducts its training and testing operations at Predannack Airfield, despite being officially headquartered at RNAS Culdrose.<ref>{{Cite web |title= 700X: Inside The Navy's Experimental Drone Squadron |url=https://www.forcesnews.com/news/700x-inside-navys-experimental-drone-squadron |website=forcesnews.com |access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref>

==== HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band ====
[[File:HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band.jpg|thumb|HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band at the 2016 Royal Navy Volunteer Band Association Festival in Portsmouth]]

The HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band is one of the nine [[Royal Marines Band Service#Royal Navy volunteer Bands|volunteer bands]] under the [[Royal Marines Band Service]]. It performs regularly around Culdrose and Helston, performing a mainly Ceremonial role on events such as the Freedom of Helston Parade.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/royal-navy-sailors-rnas-culdrose-2023918.amp|title = Watch out for sailors marching through Helston today|date = 20 September 2018|access-date = 25 December 2019|archive-date = 25 December 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191225060924/https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/royal-navy-sailors-rnas-culdrose-2023918.amp|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.forces.net/services/raf/sailors-and-airman-parade-through-helston | title=Sailors and Airman Parade Through Helston | date=18 June 2015 | access-date=25 December 2019 | archive-date=25 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225060924/https://www.forces.net/services/raf/sailors-and-airman-parade-through-helston | url-status=live }}</ref> Although mainly a wind band as well as a marching band, it also includes jazz ensembles and a [[corps of drums]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://amateurorchestras.org.uk/owest.htm | title=UK Amateur Orchestras - West Country | access-date=25 December 2019 | archive-date=25 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225060928/http://amateurorchestras.org.uk/owest.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2003, the band was awarded the Bambara Trophy, the recipient of which is considered to be the best band in the [[Fleet Air Arm]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/7193410.band-are-on-top-form/ | title=Band are on top form | date=31 July 2003 | access-date=25 December 2019 | archive-date=25 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225060928/https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/7193410.band-are-on-top-form/ | url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 June 2016 the band performed a dawn fanfare on the [[King Harry Ferry]] to honour the official birthday of [[HM Queen Elizabeth II]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.falriver.co.uk/fanfare| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160716234634/http://www.falriver.co.uk/fanfare| archive-date = 2016-07-16| title = A Dawn Fanfare for HM Queen on the King Harry Ferry :: Fal River}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624211142/https://www.falriver.co.uk/fanfare |date=24 June 2019 }}</ref>

The list of bandmasters are as follows:

*Colour Sergeant Rich Fenwick (?&ndash;2004)
*Colour Sergeant Paul Nolan (May 2004&ndash;2014)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/7214999.trophy-winning-musicians/ | title=Trophy-winning musicians | date=7 December 2005 | access-date=25 December 2019 | archive-date=25 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225060928/https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/7214999.trophy-winning-musicians/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
*Colour Sergeant Dom O’Connor (2014&ndash;''Present'')<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/11485426.culdroses-hms-seahawk-band-on-the-hunt-for-musical-volunteers/ | title=Culdroses' HMS Seahawk band on the hunt for musical volunteers | date=22 September 2014 | access-date=25 December 2019 | archive-date=25 December 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225060929/https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/11485426.culdroses-hms-seahawk-band-on-the-hunt-for-musical-volunteers/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Former Squadrons based at RNAS Culdrose==

[[700 Naval Air Squadron]]<br />The squadron was disbanded on 31 March 2008. With two [[AgustaWestland EH101|Merlin]] helicopters, Squadron 700M carried out trial modifications and developed tactics and operational procedure. The Motto was : "Experienta Docet" – "Experience Teaches"

[[Fleet Requirements Air Direction Unit]] (FRADU)

FRADU was operated by the contractor [[Serco|Serco Defence and Aerospace]] as part of the RN MAC 2004, using 13 [[BAE Hawk]] T1 advanced jet trainer aircraft on lease to the Royal Navy from the RAF and based at RNAS Culdrose. Two of these aircraft were permanently detached to Naval Flying Standards Flight (Fixed Wing) at RNAS Yeovilton where they were flown by RN pilots, but maintained by Serco engineers.

With the draw-down of the Sea King force and the return of British forces from Afghanistan, [[854 Naval Air Squadron|854 NAS]] & [[857 Naval Air Squadron|857 NAS]] were merged back into 849 NAS in 2014.

[[771 Naval Air Squadron]]<br />771 was responsible for search and rescue in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and the western English Channel, in total an area of approximately {{convert|200|nmi|abbr=on|lk=in}}. It also administered the Sea Kings on detachment at [[HMS Gannet SAR Flight|HMS ''Gannet'']].<ref name="CUL1" /> The squadron was stood down on 1 January 2016, decommissioned on 22 March 2016 and was responsible for saving over 15,000 lives on more than 9,000 missions.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Graeme|first1=W B|title=Final ceremony disbands navy 771 search and rescue squadron at RNAS Culdrose Helston|url=http://www.cornishman.co.uk/Final-ceremony-disbands-navy-771-search-rescue/story-28971195-detail/story.html|website=The Cornishman|access-date=22 March 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Between October 2004 and March 2018, [[829 Naval Air Squadron]] provided up to three ship's flights capable of deploying with [[Type 23 frigate]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk2/829-naval-air-squadron|title=829 Naval Air Squadron|website=Royal Navy|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114043105/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/merlin-mk2/829-naval-air-squadron|archive-date=2014-11-14|url-status=dead|access-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> The squadron decommissioned on 28 March 2018, with the unit's aircraft and personnel becoming part of 814 Naval Air Squadron, creating the largest ever Merlin squadron.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/decommissioned-squadrons/829-naval-air-squadron|title=829 Naval Air Squadron|date=29 March 2018|website=Royal Navy|language=en|access-date=29 March 2018|archive-date=30 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330012810/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/decommissioned-squadrons/829-naval-air-squadron|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[849 Naval Air Squadron]] disbanded in April 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Freedom of Information Request - 849 NAS|date=19 July 2020|url=https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/678388/response/1613863/attach/2/FOI%202020%2008297%20Final%20response.pdf|access-date=10 August 2020|archive-date=15 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915222702/https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/678388/response/1613863/attach/2/FOI%202020%2008297%20Final%20response.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> This previously provided the Royal Navy's [[Airborne early warning and control|airborne surveillance and control]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=849 Naval Air Squadron|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/sea-king-asac-mk7/849-naval-air-squadron|access-date=6 November 2017|website=Royal Navy|language=en|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107011335/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/fleet-air-arm/helicopter-squadrons/sea-king-asac-mk7/849-naval-air-squadron|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Airborne threat simulation ===
[[File:XX316 - 316 British Aerospace Hawk T1A (cn 158-312141) Royal Navy. (9457283090).jpg|thumb|Two Hawk T1 at RNAS Culdrose in 2013]]Hawk T1s of [[736 Naval Air Squadron]] provided a [[Aggressor squadron|maritime aggressor squadron]] for Royal Navy ships and vessels of other foreign navies, simulating missile attacks and fast jet attacks on warships in the naval exercise areas south and west of Plymouth. The unit was an evolution of the previous [[Fleet Requirements and Aircraft Direction Unit|Fleet Requirements Aircraft Direction Unit]] (FRADU) and was supported by the defence contractor [[Serco|SERCO]]. 736 Sqn was decommissioned in Spring 2022, with the Hawk jets leaving Cornwall on Thursday 24th March 2022. 

The squadron was decommissioned on 31 March 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Paul |date=31 March 2022 |title='Sad and poignant day' as 736 Naval Air Squadron decommissioned |url=https://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/20035774.736-naval-air-squadron-rnas-culdrose-decommissioned/ |access-date=5 April 2022 |website=Falmouth Packet |publisher=Newsquest Media Group |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Cornwall}}
* [[List of air stations of the Royal Navy]]
* [[Torrey Canyon oil spill#Oil spill]]

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* London, Peter, (1999), ''RNAS Culdrose'', Sutton's photographic history of aviation series, Sutton Publishing Ltd, 128pp, Gloucester UK, {{ISBN|0-7509-2230-3}}.
* {{cite book|first=Berry|last=Ritchie|title=The Good Builder: The John Laing Story|publisher=James & James|year=1997}}
* Wakeham, Geoff, (1997), ''Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose 1947–1997'', publ. Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, 103pp, {{ISBN|0-9530499-0-6}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.helis.com/database/go/uk_rnas_culdrose.php RNAS Culdrose] section of helis.com Helicopter History site

{{Royal Navy shore establishments}}
{{Royal Naval Air Stations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rnas Culdrose (Hms Seahawk)}}
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Royal Naval Air Stations in Cornwall|Culdrose]]
[[Category:Military history of Cornwall]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Cornwall]]
[[Category:Airports in Cornwall]]