A new Squadron celebrates the Cornish way - with a Pasty

Today, the unit which enables the Royal Navy’s fliers to fly, has become known as a Naval Air Squadron too.

The Maritime Aviation Support Force, or MASF as it is more commonly known, has become 1700 Naval Air Squadron. The unit, which has personnel serving on operations around the world including delivering disaster relief in the Caribbean, makes aviation at sea happen across the globe.

Based at RNAS Culdrose, the squadron meets personnel requirements and provides essential naval aviation support to operations for ships and land bases globally. This dynamic unit provides tailored teams, from two to over fifty personnel, of flight deck crews, fire-fighters, meteorologists, physical trainers, military policemen, survival specialists, aircraft controllers, logisticians, engineers, medics and many other specialists to allow the continued operation of naval aircraft worldwide.

Lt Cdr Chris Roberts, Commanding Officer of 1700 Naval Air Squadron said: “The re-commissioning of MASF as 1700 Naval Air Squadron is a significant step forward in improving awareness across the UK Armed Forces of our global support to Maritime Aviation and RFA Operational Capability. It has been a privilege for me to have commanded MASF for over 2 years, and I am extremely proud to become the first Commanding Officer of 1700 NAS since it was disbanded 71 years ago. As an organisation, we look forward to better integration within the Fleet Air Arm, and in particular RNAS Culdrose, working closely to deliver the ever increasing requirement to support RFA Operations and Maritime Aviation Support to the Fleet.”

A formal Commissioning Ceremony will occur at the end of the month.