No 51 Squadron

With the retirement of the Nimrod R1 on 28 June 2011, the unique capabilities and skill-sets provided by personnel from across all disciplines on 51 Squadron will still continue to provide direct support to front-line operations. The procurement of the United States Air Force Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint aircraft as a replacement for the Nimrod R1 under Project AIRSEEKER is well advanced. This groundbreaking project will see UK Rivet Joint aircraft enter service with 51 Squadron by December 2013. 51 Squadron personnel are undertaking Conversion Training at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, USA. Qualified UK personnel are already flying alongside their US counterparts on Rivet Joint operational missions, bringing with them years of accrued knowledge and expertise. This transition period, known as Co-Manning, will allow a joint US-UK approach to operations which will continue up to and beyond the delivery of the first Rivet Joint, therefore, keeping 51 Squadron at the forefront of operations.

Never has its motto ‘Swift and Sure’ been more appropriate, and No 51 Squadron continues to have a significant military impact on national and international issues of critical importance.