RAF Odiham in Hampshire is a front line support helicopter base working within the Joint Aviation Command.
The Station provides critical, rapid support for UK military operations throughout the world.
Home of the UK Chinook Force, RAF Odiham operates three Chinook squadrons.
Group Captain Jim Wedgwood Doyle Benn is a Cyberspace Professional whose career spans deployed communications, cyber effects, security operations, and strategic digital transformation.
He has completed multiple operational tours in the Middle East and Afghanistan. On promotion to Group Captain, he was appointed Chief of Staff, Defence Digital Operations, at MOD Corsham, where he helped establish the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force following its endorsement in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.
He assumed command of RAF Odiham in August 2026.
Military flying has taken place at Odiham since 1926. The station formally became RAF Odiham on 11 January 1937.
In June 1943 RAF Odiham came under the control of Fighter Command and later the second Tactical Air Force and it played a central role in the preparations for the D-Day landings a year later.
From June 1945 RAF Odiham became part of Transport Command and was home to Dakota aircraft of Nos. 233 and 271 Squadrons.
In June 1946 the station was returned to RAF Fighter Command and was home to Spitfires, Tempests, Vampires, Meteors, Hunters and Javelins.
In February 1956 No.46 (F) Squadron became the first unit in the world to the Gloster Javelin.
Odiham reopened in January 1960 under Transport Command as the UK home for the RAF light transport fleet of both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
In December 1980 the twin rotor Chinook was first introduced into service with the RAF with No.240 Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). The first Squadron to be formed on the Chinook was No.18 (B) Squadron in August 1981.
Since 1998 RAF Odiham has been home to Nos. 7, 18 and 27 Squadrons, who together form the UK Chinook Helicopter Force.
1937 RAF Odiham is officially opened.
1942 No.13 (AC) Squadron Blenheims take part in the 1,000 Bomber raids on Germany.
1942 The Station plays a major role in support of the ill-fated Dieppe raid – Operation Jubilee.
1947 The World’s first Jet Formation Display Team ‘The Black Knights’ is formed by No.54 (F) Squadron at RAF Odiham.
1948 The first jet crossing of the Atlantic Ocean by Vampires of No.54 (F) Squadron left from RAF Odiham.
2003 All three Squadrons at RAF Odiham provide support to UK ground forces on Operation TELIC in Iraq.
2017 RAF Chinooks of No. 18 (B) and 27 Squadrons assist in the post Hurricane relief efforts in the Caribbean as part of Operation RUMAN.
2018 The first deployment of the Mk5 Chinooks in support of the French forces on Operation NEWCOMBE, Mali.
2019 RAF Chinook is dispatched to secure a collapsing dam at Toddbrook Reservoir, Derbyshire.
2025 To mark 100 years of military flying at RAF Odiham, the Station is awarded the Freedom of the Parish scroll.
