Thanks for the kind permission of the Commanding Officers of both 727NAS and 736NAS, I was able to fulfil a long-term ambition - to visit the Southside dispersal of RNAS Yeovilton.
Although 15 years too late for the SHARs, it is now home to 727NAS and its Grobs, and 736NAS' detached Hawk fleet.
Sadly the weather was not good at the beginning of Thursday 26th, with overcast cloud and rain - this confined the Grobs to the hangar, but 736NAS was active, with four sorties launched during the morning.
XX281 returned first...
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
...with XX187 close behind. This jet is soon to be withdrawn with a major overhaul looming in the near future.
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
Sorties 3 and 4 of the day were also completed mid-morning, as firstly T.1A XX159 returned to south dispersal just as the heavens opened, followed by XX337.
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
After a quick bite to eat/drying out session in the SHAR diner, I was privileged enough to be given permission to visit the Air Traffic Control Tower.
Thursday War Sorties 5-7 had launched previously, with the final flight being undertaken by XX159, now completely devoid of FN100 markings following an overhaul.
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
An Army Air Corps Defender arrived shortly afterwards, and parked up in front of ATC.
RNAS Yeovilton - Defender by fradu836, on Flickr
With XX159 successfully launched, the 736NAS engineers began the process of putting the airframes away. With no further sorties planned, XX187 was pushed back into the hangar.
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
The first two Hawks returned, XX281 with the 736NAS CO at the controls taxied past us, thanks for the wave!
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
XX221 followed XX281 back to the dispersal, passing the three Grobs that had been towed out following a welcome change in the weather.
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
The SKIOS (Sea King Integrated Operational Support) Unit is also based on Southside dispersal, sharing hangarage with 825NAS. A yellow SAR cab was brought out for ground testing.
RNAS Yeovilton - RAF SAR Sea King by fradu836, on Flickr
Finally the two remaining Hawks arrived back with their polite crews.
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
RNAS Yeovilton - 736NAS Hawk by fradu836, on Flickr
Many thanks to Lt. Cdr. Flatman RN (CO 736NAS), Lt Cdr Watkins RN (CO 727NAS), Lt Cdr Taylor RNR (736NAS) and all the other guys on the Squadron for their hospitality.
Finally, I must mention Lewis Gaylard and Mark Madeley for organising the trips.
RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
- centaurus18
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RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Mark
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
- centaurus18
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Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
I returned to the Air Station on Friday 27th, to catch further sorties.
At 0845hrs two 736NAS airframes departed from the dispersal to undertake an Air Direction tasking - this resulted in the two jets 'bashing' the circuit for a considerable number of times!
825NAS were active with its Wildcats...
727NAS had a full line of serviceable Grobs out and about...
A switch of locations was then made from the end of Runway 27 to Pyle Lane mid morning, just in time to see...
A 20-minute period saw all five Hawks depart, two (XX159 and XX187) departed bound for RNAS Culdrose following their taskings.
XX337 and XX281 followed them into the air...
XX221 departed on its own, and returned periodically for some circuits.
Army and Navy Wildcats continued to be active.
..as did XX281 and XX337 with their numerous "touch-and-gos" before they landed and taxied back together.
Comments/Feedback welcome.
At 0845hrs two 736NAS airframes departed from the dispersal to undertake an Air Direction tasking - this resulted in the two jets 'bashing' the circuit for a considerable number of times!
825NAS were active with its Wildcats...
727NAS had a full line of serviceable Grobs out and about...
A switch of locations was then made from the end of Runway 27 to Pyle Lane mid morning, just in time to see...
A 20-minute period saw all five Hawks depart, two (XX159 and XX187) departed bound for RNAS Culdrose following their taskings.
XX337 and XX281 followed them into the air...
XX221 departed on its own, and returned periodically for some circuits.
Army and Navy Wildcats continued to be active.
..as did XX281 and XX337 with their numerous "touch-and-gos" before they landed and taxied back together.
Comments/Feedback welcome.
Mark
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
- RichPittman
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Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Great informative post as always Mark.
Real shame our weather cant be more co operative
Real shame our weather cant be more co operative
Always remember "If you cannot turn tight...you cannot fight!"
Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Amazing photos, lovely to see Yeovilton having so much activity!
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Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Very cool, well done
- centaurus18
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Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Thanks chaps for the feedback - much appreciated
Mark
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
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Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Great set. Some very nice ones. Good to see pictures from Yeovilton. I take it it was either you or Lewis that went out of the top of the tower on the Thursday for the RAF Seaking
Stan
Stan
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Re: RNAS Yeovilton - 26/27 February 2015 - 30 images
Phil Standfield wrote:Great set. Some very nice ones. Good to see pictures from Yeovilton. I take it it was either you or Lewis that went out of the top of the tower on the Thursday for the RAF Seaking
Stan
Yep that was us. Sadly I didn't have the big lens with me that day. Next time (if I am fortunate) I will do!
Mark
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'
'We’re in the stickiest situation, since Sticky the stick insect got stuck on a sticky bun.'