1710 NAS

1710 Naval Air Squadron, based in HM Naval base Portsmouth, is the Ministry of Defence's centre of expertise fro helicopter structural repair, service modifications and scientific support to military aviation.

Commissioned as Naval Air Squadron on 27 May 2010, the Squadron is responsible for providing the full range of rapid aviation support to meet the exacting demands being made on UK military aviation, of all three services, deployed anywhere in the world.

The Squadron's primary role is support to current operations ensuring that UK military aircraft operate at optimum levels of operational readiness and capability at all times. This includes the assessment and structural repair of damaged helicopters, designing and fitting modifications to enable new capabilities and providing advice and support, across a range of scientific disciplines, to preserve aircraft worthiness and availability.

The Squadron also assists with in-depth investigations into failures and accidents.

It brings together 3 complimentary capabilities which have existed, in different forms, for over 60 years. Previous incarnations of these capabilities include Mobile Aircraft Repair Transport and Salvage Unit (MARTSU), Mobile Aircraft Support Unit (MASU), Naval Aircraft Materials Laboratory (NAML), Assistant Directorate Aircraft Integrity Monitoring (AD AIM) and Materials Integrity Group (MIG)

1710 NAS is affiliated to the Portsmouth based charity Beneficial Foundation and has supported the organisation with various events. This year 1710 NAS has embarked on a two-part project to rejuvenate the large red and white beach hut situated a stones throw from South Parade Pier on Southsea seafront which was donated to the Foundation by Portsmouth City Council. Pictures taken on May 15, 2013 show repairs to the beach hut.