847 Deploys to Afghan for the Last Time – The LYNX AH9A of 847 Naval Air Squadron have begun a five month tour of duty in support of the Royal Marines and other Allied troops in Afghanistan.    While deployed, 847 Squadron will be based at Camp Bastion, from where the helicopters will carry out essential surveillance and reconnaissance missions while also supporting ground troops.

On return from Afghan in the spring to Yeovilton the Squadron will begin converting to WILDCAT.    The WILDCAT, built and designed by AgustaWestland in Yeovil, is due to enter active service later this year, is fitted with more powerful engines - the £ 26 million aircraft has a maximum speed of 181mph and can carry forward-firing rockets, machine guns, door-mounted machine guns. RNAS Yeovilton will become the home of the entire Army and Navy WILDCAT fleet, with a centre-of-excellence training academy.