Since returning from detachment in Finland, the focus of the Sea Harriers of 801 Naval Air Squadron has shifted to successfully integrating with HMS Invincible as part of her TAG, or Tailored Air Group.

The squadron embarked for four weeks in July, together with elements of 849B Flight and 824 Squadron – the first full embarkation since Invincible’s extensive refit in Rosyth.

Despite the considerable experience throughout the squadron, few pilots or maintainers had participated in a period of Operational Sea Training (OST), making the embarkation all the more intensive.

Week One was spent operating in the South Coast Exercise Areas, south of Plymouth, where OST staff created fires, floods and battle damage incidents to test the ship’s ability to cope.

For some of the junior squadron members this was their first time at sea, so it was particularly daunting – however, there was a good deal of professional satisfaction working on the flight deck during flying serials.

The remaining three weeks were spent in the North Sea, operating to the east of the Firth of Forth, for Phase 2 of Invincible’s OST.

This marked a significant increase in the intensity and complexity of flying serials, challenging ship’s company and TAG personnel alike.

A realistic scenario was followed throughout, meaning that 801’s Sea Harriers came up against Dutch and American F-16s and RAF Jaguars in addition to British Hawks and Falcons, used in their role as simulated anti-ship missiles and missile carriers.

The three-week period culminated in Invincible’s Operational Readiness Inspection, which tested basic operating procedures in a ‘free-play’ tactical environment.

August brought some much-needed summer leave for members of 801 Squadron, and all personnel arrived back ready for the challenges of the autumn.

801 is just completing three weeks of training sorties operating out of Yeovilton, and is shortly to embark for Exercise Northern Light 03 – promising another intensive period of activity as the squadron and host ship build on the groundwork achieved during Basic Operational Sea Training.