Aviation News
A MH-53 helicopter that was assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve (HM-12) has flown its final flight and retired at Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Florida.
Photo: U.S. Navy
Continue reading “DRAGON 437 retires”
An EA-18G Growler from Electronic Attack Squadron 130 (VAQ-130), known as the “Zappers,” crashed into a mountainside east of Mount Rainier on Oct. 15. The aircraft, which took off from Oak Harbor on a routine training flight, crashed at 3:23 p.m. The condition of the two crew members on board remains unknown.
The Royal Navy is once again operating fast jets from a British aircraft carrier after a 15-year hiatus. The UK Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, has assembled in the North Sea for Exercise Strike Warrior. This exercise marks the integration of 809 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) and its F-35B Lightning stealth fighters and is a crucial step in restoring the Royal Navy’s carrier strike capability. This signifies Britain’s commitment to global power projection.
Photo: Royal Navy
Continue reading “HMS Prince of Wales and 809 NAS unite for Exercise Strike Warrior”
Despite plans for a grand farewell, the U.S. Navy’s EP-3E Aries II spy planes are seeing their planned retirement put on hold due to heightened operational demands. A report by Seapower magazine says the planned homecoming ceremony for the crews at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, has been delayed indefinitely. The squadron operating the aircraft, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1), was scheduled for deactivation.
Balon Greyjoy, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Royal Navy’s 700X Naval Air Squadron, a specialist unit dedicated to operating uncrewed aerial systems, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. The squadron, based at RNAS Culdrose, has played a pivotal role in advancing the Royal Navy’s drone capabilities since its establishment. The squadron’s creation was inspired by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the then-First Sea Lord, who envisioned drones operating alongside traditional naval aircraft like helicopters and jets.
Photo: Royal Navy
Continue reading “700X Naval Air Squadron celebrates five years of success”