810 SQUADRON, the advanced and operational flying training squadron specialising in the Sea King helicopter, decommissioned last week at RNAS Culdrose. To mark the event a ceremonial decommissioning parade was held at Culdrose.

First formed at Gosport in 1933, 810 Squadron has an illustrious past, operating Swordfish, Barracuda, Firefly, Sea Fury, Sea Hawk, Gannet and latterly, Sea King aircraft. The squadron was involved in the sinking of the Bismarck, saw action in Norway, the Mediterranean, and Salerno during the Second World War, and in the early fifties was involved in the Korean conflict.

Since 1983, 810 squadron has provided advanced flying training and operational flying training for naval aircrews, however with the arrival of the new Merlin helicopter, the Sea King training requirement is reducing, hence the decommissioning of 810 Squadron.