851 Squadron RAN
| 851 Squadron | |
|---|---|
 Douglas C-47 Dakota of 851 Squadron after retirement. It has the nose radar of a Sea Venom for training purposes | |
| Active | 1954–1958 1968–1984 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Navy |
| Type | Aviation |
| Garrison/HQ | HMAS Albatross |
851 Squadron was a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm squadron. The squadron operated over two periods between 1954 and 1984, mainly in the training and transport roles.
History
851 Squadron was formed at
C-47 Dakotas. It was tasked primarily with training pilots and observers on the Firefly, and in this role the squadron's Dakotas were used as an observer training platform; they were also used to provide a transport and communications capability. Throughout March 1956 the squadron was embarked upon HMAS Sydney, however, this was the squadron's only stint at sea as it was confined mainly to its training role.[1]
The squadron was disbanded on 13 January 1958 following the reduction of the
Hawker-Siddeley 748s in 1973.[1]
The squadron amalgamated with 816 Squadron RAN in July 1982 before being disbanded for a second, and final, time on 31 August 1984.[2]
Aircraft operated
The squadron operated the following aircraft:
- Fairey Firefly (August 1954 – January 1958);
- C-47 Dakota(August 1954 – January 1958, September 1968 – 1973);
- Grumman Tracker(September 1968 – August 1984); and
- Hawker-Siddeley 748 (1973 – August 1984).[1]
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c d Eather 1995, p. 141.
- ^ Sturtivant 1994, p. 285.
References
- Eather, Steve (1995). Flying Squadrons of the Australian Defence Force. Weston Creek, Australian Capital Territory: Aerospace Publications. ISBN 1-875671-15-3.
- Sturtivant, R.C. (1994). The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm. Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd. ISBN 0-85130-223-8.
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