In Action
22 Squadron and 203(R) Squadron
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The 22 Squadron headquarters is at RAF Valley, with three detachments at RAF Chivenor ('A' Flight), RAF Wattisham ('B' Flight) and RAF Valley ('C' Flight).
A former Shackleton and Nimrod unit 203 Squadron was reformed in October 1996, when the Sea King Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) at RAF St Mawgan was re-designated as a reserve unit. 203(R) Squadron relocated to RAF Valley in 2008 keeping its role as the Sea King OCU and share aircraft with 22 Squadron ('C' Flight). |
Sea King HAR.3 (ZE369 'S') of 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley lowering a rescue medic to the ground high in the mountains. |
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3 (ZE369 'S') of 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley operating high in the Snowdonia Rotary - Mountain Flying Training Area (MFTA). |
'C' Flight Sea King HAR.3 during a mountain rescue helicopter training exercise in Snowdonia consisted of the Sea King approaching the designated landing zone, winching up a small team followed by a flight around the local area ending with a drop off using the winch. This routine was repeated four times before the Sea King departed.
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3 (ZA105 'Q') of 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley in Snowdonia in October 2012. |
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3 (ZA105 'Q') of 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley in Snowdonia in October 2012. |
Sea King HAR.3A (ZH543 'X') of 22 Squadron 'B' Flight departing for RAF Wattisham at the end of the Northolt photo shoot in March 2009. |
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3A (ZH543 'X') of 22 Squadron 'B' Flight based at RAF Wattisham. |
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3As (ZH542 and ZH545 'Z') 'A' Flight at RMB Chivenor in July 2008. |
Westland Sea King HAR.3 (XZ595 'K') of 'C' Flight 22 Squadron based at RAF Valley. |
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3 (XZ595 'K') of 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley visiting RAF Northolt in October 2011. It is inscribed '1941-2011 RAF SAR 70' and '70 years of life saving'. |
Left to right: Sea King HAR.3A (ZH545 'Z') and Sea King HAR.3 (XZ596). |
Sea King HAR.3 (XZ599 'P') of 22 Squadron 'C' Flight based at RAF Valley in June 2014. |
Left to right: Westland Whirlwind HAR.2 (XJ729 registered G-BVGE). Former 22 Squadron but now with Historic Helicopters at RAF Northolt in October 2022. |
Westland Wessex HC.2 (XT680) of 22 Squadron when based at RAF Valley in August 1984. |
Left to right: Wessex HC.2 (XT604 and XR507) at RAF Valley air show in July 1993. Wessex HC.2 (XT602) at RAF Mildenhall Air Fete in May 1993. |