FighterControl

I noticed while driving past Culdrose today that one of the hangars now has 736 NAS written on a sign on it. After a quick Google I found out that this squadron was recomissioned on the 6/6/13 operating Hawk T1. Would anyone happen to know if this is now the name for FRADU? Just wondering...

Hi,

Yes, FRADU is no more.
The squadron has been re-structured and now, as you rightly say, re-named as 736 Naval Air Squadron. The only fast-jet squadron in the navy.

The detachment at Yeovilton will be now known as 736NAS-'A' Flight.
The CO in overall charge will be helping me with an article in the next couple of weeks, so I will know more then.

Hope this helps.

Will the pilots be RN Officers or civilian contractors?

The CO is FAA and the Senior pilot at Yeovilton is FAA.
The rest of the pilots at Culdrose will be the same mix of RN reserve and civilians.

I believe the Hawks at Yeovilton will also be used as a holding unit for the guys before they get their exchange postings to the US or Franch.

Thanks - I thought that might be the case. A useful holding berth for FJ pilots until the RN gets its F/A18s or Rafales.