Squadrons

RAF Benson has four helicopter Squadrons. Each Squadron consists of both aircrew and engineers as well as administrative and operations support staff. We also have one Reserve Squadron.

28 (AC) Squadron

28 (AC) Squadron officially reformed on 17 July 2001 as home to the Merlin helicopter, a role now shared with 78 Squadron. Merlin helicopters are a vital part of the Joint Helicopter Command alongside their RAF counterparts, the Puma and the Chinook. Since reforming at RAF Benson, the Squadron has developed to incorporate A and B Flights, which are the operational flights, and an embedded Operational Conversion Flight on C Flight.

78 Squadron

78 Squadron was formally stood up at a ceremony held on 24 January 2008. Formerly based in the Falkland Islands, the Squadron was re-formed at RAF Benson to accommodate the additional personnel that were required when Benson acquired 6 new Merlin MK3a from the Danish Government under a Memorandum Understanding. With three operational flights (A, B and C Flights), 78 Squadron form the Merlin Force alongside 28 (AC) Squadron.

33 Squadron

33 Squadron operate the Puma aircraft alongside 230 Squadron. In June 1997, 33 Squadron took up residence at RAF Benson, and was joined in February 1998 by the Operational Conversion Flight, formerly part of 27 Squadron. The Squadron's colourful history, encompassing many types of aircraft and roles, underscores the proud tradition that 33 Squadron maintains today. Whether assisting civilian authorities in times of crisis or supporting UK land forces, the Squadron continues to play a significant role within the RAF.

230 Squadron

230 Squadron operate the Puma aircraft alongside 33 Squadron. In November 2009, 230 Squadron took up residence at RAF Benson, co-locating the Puma Force for the first time in over 20 years. The 'Tiger' Squadron has an illustrious history, encompassing many aircraft types and roles, having successfully served in many places such as Egypt, Greece, Germany, and Northern Ireland. Alongside their sister Squadron, 230 Squadron continue to support the British Army in their essential pre-deployment training.

606 (Chiltern) Royal Auxiliary Air Force Squadron

606 (Chiltern) Squadron formed at Royal Air Force Benson on 1 October 1996. It comprises of a Headquarters element and 4 operational flights; Logistics, Engineering, Operations and Regiment, with a total of 187 personnel. The role of the Squadron is to provide a pool of trained personnel to augment the Support Helicopter force in times of crisis and war. The Support Helicopter Force itself comprises of all of the Royal Air Force’s Support Helicopter Squadrons together with the associated ground forces required to conduct 24 hour operations in support of the British Army.