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801NAS SWANSONG
On 31st March 2006, 801 Naval Air Squadron stood down as a Sea Harrier FA2 unit. It conducted its last carrier deployment in the Mediterranean during November 2005 aboard "HMS Illustrious”.
Leaving behind the first cold snap of the British winter, sub zero temperatures and an immanent snow storm to join the last Sea Harrier squadron on their final embarkation on an Aircraft Carrier, was not as difficult as it sounds. It was made even easier knowing HMS Illustrious was sitting in a warm winter, sun glistened, Valletta Grand Harbour, Malta.
A Royal visit from HM The Queen, whilst Illustrious was in Malta, allowed a full presentation on the flight deck of the carrier’s aviation assets with all bar one Sea Harrier Sitting out in the Grand harbour on display for the public. After the Queen arrived, she made her way to the flight deck were she was taken to ZH803/004. It had been specially polished and armed up with two AMRAAM missiles and four AIM9 sidewinders for the occasion.
Leaving Valletta and the small island of Malta behind, 801NAS were quickly prepping the jets for operation. It had been some five days since they had been able to fly, due to the Royal visit preparations. No more than 60 miles west of Valletta, final checks were being made for the first launches of the last cruise. The good weather, sufficient wind and fully serviceable jets all equated to an hour and a half flying, around the Maltese airspace on Saturday morning. A trip around Malta and her sister Island Gozo before returning to ‘Mother’ and marking the beginning of the end of Carrier operations for the Sea Harrier.
The following day allowed a closely worked exercise with HMS Exeter. This involved utilising a Larne target streamed 200m behind ,the Type 42 Destroyer. The Sea Harriers were to carry out there final tactical embarked missions with a load of a single 1,000Lb inert bomb and 4 5kg practice bombs in the CBLS dispensers. Personnel from both Illustrious and Exeter ventured out to watch both morning and evening sorties, and endured rough seas to admire the accuracy of the pilots 7,000ft bombing profiles, being carried out by the Royal Navy’s finest. Showing the dedication and expertise of both ground crew and skills of the crew who fly them.
On Monday, strong winds hampered all flying operations from Illustrious allowing, 801 ground crew to prep all six FA2s for their transit home. The dreadful weather did allow a gathering on the ships quarterdeck, where the whole of 801s company, guests and the Captain of the Aircraft Carrier, Captain - Commanding Officer R G Cooling, held an emotional gathering. Speeches from the Captain thanking all of 801s staff, making it very clear that the loss of such a vital piece of kit, and the transition of Fleet Air Arm crews to light blue uniforms is a devastating blow for naval aviation. He went onto say for as long as he could remember, no matter where, no matter when, the fast jet fraternity of Naval aviation were always around when they were needed, and the ship and ships company will feel their loss greatly.
His last words were to the ground crew to make sure they took all of their Fleet Air Arm values with them, and remain proud of their background and tradition. They were not to change alliance, but to stay under the FAA realm, to return one day soon. A Print of Illustrious and images of Sea Harriers operating off her were presented in a frame to 801 squadron. The reigns where then handed over to 801s commanding officer Tony Rae, who picked up where the Captain left off and went on to say thank all of the squadrons dedicated individuals, their great efforts and recognise the high workload in changing times. The latter was partially due to the increased number of engine changes in the last year, due to a new found problem on the Pegasus engine intake front fan. He also thanked all of HMS Illustrious, for being such gracious hosts to 801 squadron for so many years.
Before long the 29th of November was upon us, history was in the making, and a feeling of sadness amongst all of the ships company. Today was to be the last day of Sea Harrier launches at sea. For 801 the day had begun early with the initial 07:45 brief. Flight plans and airways sorted out, all that was left was to kit up and make their way for one last time along two deck, up the ladders to the engineering quarters, and sign for their jet. For some of the crew it was the last time they would ever be on board an Aircraft Carrier, a nostalgic walk to open the hatch and step out to the flight deck to make their way to their allocated jet. On the stern end of the flight deck sat six Sea Harrier F/A2s, a slick 14 meters in length and all prepped for transit home, with a few additions to the body such as the refuelling probe and the belly pod for the crew’s belongings. The flight deck and ‘goofers’ bridge on the superstructure looked busier than usual, it seemed the entire ship had came to say farewell to its beloved sea jet.
With walk arounds complete and final checks with the engineering officers, the opportunity was taken for a squadron photograph, and then it was time, time to strap in and set up. The number of people on deck began to increase by the second, the affiliated Grenadier Guards of HMS Illustrious stood out in their camouflaged uniforms amongst the red yellow, green and white overalls of the Fleet Air Arm. “Cleared to Start” was the sign for the first three to begin; leading the way was ‘Stinger’ the commanding officer and a passionate Naval Aviator, for he was the first of the last.
The Flight Deck officer Lt Si Jones emotional as the others watched him get into position on the mark, as accurate and precise as ever, 10:01am. The Green flag raised as the Sea Harrier Pegasus reached optimum power, and then a gesture from the boss to the FDO with a hand written card reading on one side “Hi SI” and on the other “I think I love you” before releasing the breaks and slamming the Sea jet down the flight deck. Everyone onboard took pictures and recorded video for their own personal memories. Another two quick launches signalled the remaining three jets to begin their preparations. Some 4 minutes later Commander Tony Rae led what can only be described as a top gun style flypast taking most of the ship by surprise before ascending to 10,000ft to join there airways home.
Some 15 minutes later the remaining three began to launch, with the last launch being left to the squadrons ‘Weapon specialist’ At 10:17am on the 29th of November “Its been a pleasure” echoes in the bridge room as Tremelling slams the sea jet into full throttle from the 500m markings stamping the final Sea Harrier launch from an Aircraft Carrier. Once the three ship got into formation a few miles out they streamed back, almost trying to out shine the previous attempt with the same panache as before, leaving the last memorable stamp on the ship, its people and its history
A memorable final deployment for all involved and a fitting tribute to thousands of personnel who have contributed to the Sea Harriers successful and illustrious career "These days we don't fight the kind of wars where our ships need defending from enemy warplanes far out at sea” were the words of the Ministry of Defence in 2002. This may be the case, but it left ships remaining company in 2005 feeling a little more volatile than before. For the last Sea Harrier cruise marked another landmark in British history, and the forefront of naval aviation at the End of an era
I would like to thank Commander Tony Rae, and the rest of 801NAS for making my trip possible. Very Special thanks to Lt Nick Leeson and LT Tim Taylor for all their efforts. I can’t thank you enough.
