736 NAS Reformation

[EGDR]

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...

[lmgaylard]

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.

[nickowen]

Will the pilots be RN Officers or civilian contractors?

[lmgaylard]

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.

[nickowen]

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