809 buccaneers, were changed to form another buccaneer squadron 736:)

'So you're saying that the Hawks, which replaced the Hunters, are likely to themselves be replaced by Hunters?'

That's about the size of it, if HHA get the work. I love a bit of irony.

Mind, who knows what might end up doing the job, when you see what aircraft do similar work for NATO forces: Alpha Jet, L.39s, even Skyhawks. Either way, 736 would appear to have a very finite life.

The real question is...is the Yeovilton Air day as good fun as it used to be for visiting crews? :) Holds my award for best UK trip away in my MR2 days (what was the nightclub called with the palm trees in it?). Everyone (visitors and locals) just seemed to be out to have as good a time as possible and the staff 'on board' couldn't do enough to help. Hope some of that character remains for any incoming studes to experience (even if they are obviously joining the wrong arm of the Forces :E)

The Gardens..
 

Or Jardins was the nightclub with the palm trees. Its been flattened and is now a warden-fitted accommodation for the elderly,or some such piss. Has been for 13 odd years now..Possibly appropriate then for many lurking on here.
The 393 club at Ilchester (had a propeller in it from god knows what) also long gone by 23 odd years, now houses.
Yes got to admit VLN was a good social for the airday, better than clag and doom filled misery cloud that is Culdrose.
Glad you enjoyed it, its still a good day when the sun shines.

To answer the original question......736 has been formed to conform with the MAA's requirement to have a Duty Holder construct and CAMO organisation. Therefore, it is now under the command of a RN Lt Cdr rather than an ex-Gp Capt. Definately a step-up in my book!

What does CAMO stand for?

Continuous Airworthiness Maintenance Organisation :)

As an afterthought will 736 get the T2 in the future? :ok::E

Ahh, CAMO Organisation. Like NVG Goggles.

According to our local news, Serco were running the show...

Justification for the change (TV news interview with OC 736) seemed a bit limp.

How did it seem a bit 'limp'?

The RN needs to regenerate its cadre of fixed wing pilots. There are only so many slots in the US. Why would you not have Navy pilots flying military aircraft in support of a Navy/Defence mission?

Or have I missed something?

I think the nightclub with the palm trees was called 'The Gardens'.


I'm just completing an article with 736 for which I interviewed the current CO. I was lucky to spend 4 days with the squadron, 2 at Culdrose and 2 at Yeovilton.


Serco only now provide 3 or 4 pilots with the main guys being FAA and RNR. Babcock still provide the ground crews.
FRADU is gone along with NFSF (FW) and the Hawk Detachment. It is now a Royal Navy squadron which will still fulfil certain defence contracts, such as FOST and also NATO allies.


It will also be the 'hub' for naval fast-jet aircrew in the run-up to JSF.

Wandering off topic, didn't the RAF, back in the 1970s/1980s, instead of washing out struggling fast jet students at the TWU stage, send them to tow targets in Canberras for a tour to build up experience and then give them another go? I'm sure I heard that somewhere?

I guess no such equivalent exists now.

MM - Certainly the case on the Ton early 90s

Thanks Wander00.:ok: