706 Naval Air Squadron: A History of Operational Bases and Deployments
The 706 Naval Air Squadron maintained a diverse operational footprint throughout its history, utilizing a vast network of Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Air Force (RAF) stations. From its early deployments in the Pacific to its long-term presence in Cornwall, the squadron's movements reflect the shifting strategic needs of British naval aviation across several decades.
The squadron's history is characterized by three distinct periods of activity, involving a mix of permanent air stations, temporary detachments, and ship-borne operations on fleet carriers and support vessels.
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Key Facts
- Primary Long-term Base: RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) served as the main hub from 1962 to 1998.
- Global Reach: Operated across the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
- Carrier Experience: Deployed on Colossus-class and Centaur-class light fleet carriers.
- Final Status: The squadron was officially disbanded on February 27, 1998.
Operational Timeline and Base Locations
Post-War Pacific Operations (1945–1946)
Following the end of World War II, the squadron operated extensively within the Jervis Bay Territory, New South Wales, and Queensland. These operations were centered around several Royal Naval Air Stations (RNAS), which often carried a shore establishment name (HMS name).
- RNAS Jervis Bay (HMS Nabswick): March 6, 1945 – April 16, 1945.
- RNAS Schofields (HMS Nabthorpe): April 16, 1945 – August 28, 1945, and again from January 18, 1946 – May 31, 1946.
- RNAS Maryborough (HMS Nabstock): August 28, 1945 – October 24, 1945.
- RNAS Nowra (HMS Nabbington): October 24, 1945 – January 18, 1946.
The squadron was first disbanded on May 31, 1946.
Mid-Century Reconstitution (1953–1954)
The squadron returned to service in September 1953, operating primarily out of Hampshire and Northern Ireland. During this period, it utilized detachments—small groups of aircraft sent to a location for a specific short-term mission.
- RNAS Gosport (HMS Siskin): September 7, 1953 – October 29, 1953, and March 1, 1954 – March 15, 1954.
- RNAS Eglinton (HMS Gannet): October 29, 1953 – November 17, 1953, and February 10, 1954 – March 1, 1954.
- RNAS Belfast (HMS Gannet III): November 17, 1953 – January 20, 1954, and February 9, 1954 – February 10, 1954.
- HMS Perseus: A Colossus-class light fleet carrier, serving as a base from January 20, 1954 – February 9, 1954.
On March 15, 1954, the squadron was disbanded and became the 845 Naval Air Squadron.
The Culdrose Era and International Detachments (1962–1998)
The longest period of activity began in 1962, with RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) in Cornwall serving as the permanent home for 36 years. During this era, the squadron focused heavily on helicopter operations, conducting numerous short-term deployments across Europe.
Notable detachments included frequent visits to Lanveoc and Lann-Bihoué in Brittany, France, as well as training exercises at RAF Valley in Anglesey. The squadron also operated from various civilian airports, including Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man, and utilized specialized vessels such as the Landing Ship Tank (LST) HMS Lofoten for deck landing training.
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Summary of Major Base Assignments
| Period | Primary Base/Location | Key Establishments | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1945–1946 | Australia | HMS Nabthorpe, Nabswick, Nabstock, Nabbington | Disbanded May 1946 |
| 1953–1954 | UK / Northern Ireland | HMS Siskin, HMS Gannet, HMS Perseus | Became 845 NAS March 1954 |
| 1962–1998 | Cornwall, UK | HMS Seahawk (RNAS Culdrose) | Disbanded February 1998 |
706B Flight
A specialized unit, 706B Flight, operated briefly in 1964. It was based at RNAS Culdrose from January 7 to March 8, with a short detachment to RNAS Portland (HMS Osprey). It also operated from the Centaur-class light fleet aircraft carrier HMS Bulwark before being absorbed into 845 Naval Air Squadron on March 26, 1964.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the 706 Naval Air Squadron based for the longest time?
The squadron was based at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) in Cornwall from January 4, 1962, until its final disbandment on February 27, 1998.
Which aircraft carriers hosted the squadron?
The squadron operated from the Colossus-class light fleet carrier HMS Perseus and the Centaur-class light fleet carrier HMS Centaur. Additionally, 706B Flight operated from the Centaur-class carrier HMS Bulwark.
Did the squadron operate outside of the United Kingdom?
Yes. In its early years, it operated across Australia (Jervis Bay, New South Wales, and Queensland). In later years, it sent detachments to France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
What happened to the squadron in March 1954?
On March 15, 1954, the 706 Naval Air Squadron was disbanded and transitioned to become the 845 Naval Air Squadron.
What was the purpose of the HMS Lofoten deployments?
The squadron utilized the HMS Lofoten, a Landing Ship, Tank, specifically for Deck Landing Training on multiple occasions between 1965 and 1967.