Sea Harrier bows out in wave of emotion

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A ceremony held at RNAS Yeovilton on Tuesday 28 March 2006 has marked the withdrawal from service of the Royal Navy's famous Sea Harrier FA2 Jump-Jets.



The ceremony, which included a military parade and a flypast by the Sea Harriers of 801 Naval Air Squadron, the third and final Sea Harrier squadron to be de-commissioned at RNAS Yeovilton, was a hugely significant event for the Royal Navy, and particularly for RNAS Yeovilton.

The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Adrian Johns CBE ADC RN, was guest of honour at the the de-commissioning ceremony, part of the migration process towards the Joint Force Harrier. The ceremony also marks the end of an historic association with the Sea Harrier which has lasted 26 years. During this period the Royal Navy's Jump-Jets made a considerable contribution to world events, notably during the Falklands campaign and more recently during the first Gulf War, the Balkans and Sierra Leone.

Following the de-commissioning of 801 NAS at Yeovilton, 800 Naval Air Squadron will re-commission at RAF Cottesmore, equipped with the GR7 version of the Harrier. In October 2006, 801 NAS will reform, also using the GR7. Throughout 2006, Royal Navy fixed wing pilots will migrate further, onto the GR9 Harrier and ultimately onto the Joint Combat Aircraft, which will begin the next generation of aircraft carriers – HM Ships Queen elizabeth and Prince of Wales.

A military parade and flypast by five Sea Harriers marked the de-commissioning of 801 Naval Air Squadron.
[Picture: LA(PHOT) Bunting]

Veteran Sea Harrier pilot Commander Henry Mitchell began flying the aircraft in 1985:

"It is a sad day for all associated with the aircraft to say farewell to the Sea Harrier after 27 years in service," he said. "It has a distinguished service record, notably the Falklands Conflict, Bosnia, Kosovo, Southern Iraq and Sierra Leone.

"It is appropriate for any squadron de-commissioning to commemorate its contribution to UK Defence by holding a ceremony. It is extremely important to all members of the squadron itself, their families and for RNAS Yeocvilton, which has provided consistent support to the Sea Harrier force for 27 years. The air station was keen to give us a good send-off too - and did."

Cdr Mitchell, who was the Air Warfare Instructor and Senior Pilot on 801 Naval Air Squadron between 1993-95, and commander between 1998-2000, also commanded the Sea Harrier Force from 2004-2006. He described the challenges of flying what is still a unique aircraft:

"It has always been a challenge to fly owing to its extremely busy cockpit and handling qualities but it is a most satisfying pilot's machine because of its demands - it has fewer automated aids than more recent aircraft. It has only let me down once when the controls jammed when flying at low level but the Martin Baker ejection seat saved me.

"Even after 21 years of flying the Sea Harrier, it continues to be an utter joy to fly - a good description is that you strap the aircraft to your backside rather than climb into it - the cockpit is also pretty small."

Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Adrian Johns CBE ADC RN escorted by Cdr Rae, Commanding Officer 801 RNAS, inspects the guard at the de-commissioning ceremony. [Picture: LA(PHOT) Bunting]

Refelcting on the Sea Harrier's involvement in many national air operations during its lifetime, Cdr Mitchell added:

"It has a distinguished service history but has also captured the imagination of many in the public eye - perhaps more so than any other aircraft over the same timeframe - this is because of its significant contribution to Defence as a whole but specifically the Falklands campaign.

"It also reflects that naval aircraft, or aircraft which operate from the sea, are always busy and regularly caught up in short notice operations. For those who know Fleet Air Arm personnel, it is also the attitude and flexibility of Naval aviators that attracts public attention, warmth and accolades - in particular the Army when they need support whatever the weather and conditions; this is so for Royal Navy Harrier flying as well as helicopter operations."

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