Formation and World War II Service (1942–1945)
899 Naval Air Squadron was established on 15 December 1942 at RNAS Hatston. Formed with Seafire IIc aircraft and six pilots detached from 880 Squadron, its crest features five clouds symbolizing those original pilots surrounding the commanding officer’s mailed fist. In March 1943, the squadron embarked on HMS Indomitable and provided fighter cover for the Allied landings in Sicily (Operation Husky) in July. Following a torpedo attack on Indomitable, the squadron briefly paused operations at RAF North Front in Gibraltar.
By September, 899 NAS had transferred to HMS Hunter to support the Salerno landings. The squadron returned to the UK in October, initially operating from Ballyhalbert, Northern Ireland, before moving to Belfast. Its strength grew to 26 aircraft, initially supplemented by ex-RAF Spitfire VBs, later replaced by Seafire LIIIs.
In August 1944, 899 NAS supported Operation Dragoon—the Allied landings in Southern France—while embarked on HMS Khedive. The squadron then conducted reconnaissance and bombing missions in the Aegean before returning to the UK in October, disembarking at Long Kesh, Northern Ireland.
In February 1945, the squadron embarked aboard HMS Chaser for Pacific service. Due to a shortage of Seafire pilots, some personnel were transferred to 887 and 894 Squadrons aboard HMS Indefatigable. 899 NAS disembarked at Schofield, Australia, in April and became an Operational Training Unit, training ex-RAAF Spitfire pilots in carrier landings and contributing to the foundation of Australia’s naval aviation. The squadron was disbanded there on 27 September 1945.
Suez Crisis and Jet Age (1955–1957)
899 NAS was reformed on 7 November 1955 at RNAS Brawdy, flying twelve Seahawk FGA6 jets. After intensive training, the squadron embarked on HMS Eagle in April 1956 and later participated in Operation Musketeer during the Suez Crisis. The squadron flew 165 ground-attack sorties without loss and returned to the UK in January 1957. Both 897 and 899 Squadrons were disbanded on 5 January.
Sea Vixen Era and Overseas Operations (1961–1972)
On 1 February 1961, 899 NAS re-commissioned at RNAS Yeovilton with Sea Vixen FAW1 aircraft—the Royal Navy’s first fighters equipped solely with guided missiles. The squadron became the Sea Vixen headquarters unit, leading evaluations in tactics and in-flight refuelling trials using the ‘buddy’ pack system, showcased at the 1961 and 1962 Farnborough airshows.
In 1964, the squadron transitioned to the improved Sea Vixen FAW2 and gained front-line status as the Intensive Flying Trials Unit (IFTU). Later that year, 899 embarked aboard HMS Eagle for deployment to the Far East. The squadron returned to the region in August 1965 during the Rhodesian UDI crisis, providing air cover during the Beira Patrol blockade—remaining at sea for a record 72 days.
In 1967, 899 NAS covered the British withdrawal from Aden, with one of its Sea Vixens being the last aircraft to leave, carrying the British flag. The squadron continued to serve aboard HMS Eagle until its final disbandment in February 1972, following the government’s decision to phase out aircraft carriers. Despite having significant service life remaining, most Sea Vixens were scrapped.
Sea Harrier Operations and the Falklands War (1980–2005)
The squadron reformed in 1980 with Sea Harriers, taking over from 700(A) Flight. As the Sea Harrier Headquarters Unit, 899 trained pilots and engineers for frontline squadrons. During the 1982 Falklands conflict (Operation Corporate), the squadron’s normal duties were suspended. It supplied five pilots each to 800 and 801 NAS, as well as forming the core of the short-lived 809 NAS.
After resuming training operations in August 1982, 899 NAS also operated the Harrier T4N, a two-seat trainer lacking radar and some Sea Harrier FRS1 systems. Radar training was provided via three Hunter T8Ms equipped with Blue Fox radar, operated through FRADU.
In 1993, the upgraded Sea Harrier FA2 entered service, initially evaluated by the Operational Evaluation Unit (OEU), which later merged into 899 NAS at Yeovilton in January 1994. That year, a detachment joined 800 NAS aboard HMS Invincible in the Adriatic to support UN and British forces in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The T4N trainers were upgraded to T8s, with cockpits more closely resembling the FA2, although still lacking radar.
Despite being less advanced than RAF Harrier GR5/7s, the FA2 proved highly capable in air combat, successfully engaging aircraft like the MiG-29 and F-15. However, underinvestment and aging airframes began to take their toll, particularly in demanding environments, although some FA2s were still relatively new—one delivered as late as January 1999.
Final Disbandment (2005)
On 23 March 2005, 899 NAS held its formal disbandment ceremony at RNAS Yeovilton. While the official date was 31 March, the event was held earlier due to Easter leave. The ceremony featured a parade, Royal Marines band, and a final flypast of two Sea Harrier FA2s and two T8s. Classic jets representing the squadron’s history followed, including:
A Sea Hawk FGA6 from the Royal Navy Historic Flight
A Sea Vixen D3 (‘Red Bull’) formerly flown by 899
Hunter F58 ‘Miss Demeanour’, representing the T8M and proudly bearing the 899 winged fist on her tail
In a final tribute, the four Sea Harriers hovered in formation before the parade ground, bowed to the assembled guests, and landed—leaving the skies clear for the farewell flypast.