Fleet Air Arm

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) is the naval aviation component of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy (RN). The FAA is one of five RN fighting arms. The contemporary Fleet Air Arm provides the Royal Navy's principal aviation capabilities, operating fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in support of naval operations. Its carrier aviation includes the F-35B Lightning II, providing fifth-generation carrier strike and air combat capability from the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers. Maritime aviation is centred on the Merlin HM2, providing anti-submarine warfare and airborne surveillance and control, and the Wildcat HMA2, providing maritime reconnaissance, surveillance and attack capability from Royal Navy and allied ships. The Commando Helicopter Force operates Merlin HC4/4A and Wildcat AH1 helicopters in support of the United Kingdom Commando Force, providing tactical mobility, reconnaissance and fire support for amphibious and littoral operations. Fleet Air Arm aircraft also undertake maritime security, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and other operations in support of the Royal Navy and wider UK defence commitments. Following the creation of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1918 through the merger of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the British Army's Royal Flying Corps, naval aviation became part of the new service. The Fleet Air Arm was established within the RAF on 1 April 1924, comprising RAF units responsible for naval aviation and the operation of aircraft embarked in Royal Navy ships. Under the Inskip Award, administrative control of the Fleet Air Arm was transferred from the RAF to the Admiralty on 24 May 1939, returning naval aviation to direct Royal Navy control. During the Second World War, the Fleet Air Arm operated carrier-borne and land-based aircraft in a wide range of roles, including reconnaissance, fighter defence, anti-submarine warfare, strike and support of amphibious operations.