RAF Northolt in west London is used by both military and civilian aircraft and is home to units from all three Armed Services and the Ministry of Defence.
It supports 2,000 Whole Force personnel from 38 Resident Units (from all 3 Armed Forces) as well as Government departments. Collectively they comprise 'Team Northolt'.
RAF Northolt plays an important royal role with both 32 (The Royal) Squadron and 63 Squadron RAF Regiment (King’s Colour Squadron) based on the Station.
Depicts a sword and wheel to represent the Station's wartime association with Fighter Command and its air transport role.
RAF Northolt is the RAF's strategic site in London and Defence Engagement is at the forefront of the Station's output. While home to RAF Command Support Air Transport (CSAT), commercial activity accounts for a significant volume of air movements.
Group Captain Lee Wales commissioned into the RAF Provost Branch in 2005.
His early career comprised of operationally focused command and staff appointments with two Operation HERRICK deployments. He commanded No.5 RAFP Squadron at RAF Waddington; a tour as Assistant Provost Marshal followed. In 2019 he assumed command of No.8 RAF Force Protection Wing and, on promotion to group captain in August 2023, appointed Principal Security Advisor (Air) and DACOS Resilience before assuming Command of RAF Northolt in August 2025.
1915 Opened as Royal Flying Corps Military School, Ruislip.
1940 The Station plays a key role in defending the UK during the Battle of Britain.
1946 RAF Northolt acts as London Airport during the construction of Heathrow.
1954 Reverts to sole military use.
1995 32 (The Royal) Squadron is formed and moves to RAF Northolt as the RAF's Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) squadron.
2012 RAF Northolt becomes a fighter station again during the Olympics and home to four Typhoon fighter aircraft.
2022 Repatriation of the late Queen Elizabeth II to RAF Northolt.
