Changes for SAR training unit
Following the end of UK military Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in January the Royal Air Force (RAF) Search & Rescue Training Unit (SARTU) based at RAF Valley has been formally numbered 202 (Reserve) Squadron at a ceremony at RAF Shawbury.
RAF Shawbury is the home of the Defence Helicopter Flying School. The squadron will become the maritime and mountains training element of the school, based at RAF Valley, delivering basic maritime and mountain flying skills with the Griffin helicopter to RAF and Royal Navy aircrew. It will also deliver a full operational search and rescue training package in support of 84 Squadron, based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Squadron Leader Andy McGreevy, Officer Commanding 202 (Reserve) Squadron said: ‘It means a great deal for all of us on the former SARTU to be allocated such a historic numberplate. Formed over a hundred years ago as No 2 Squadron, Royal Naval Air Service and then re-formed on the birthday of the RAF as 202 Squadron, we can all be proud of its joint heritage in both training and operations.
‘This is particularly relevant now, given our role in training RN and RAF crews in the arts of maritime and mountain flying. We have a vital role to play within UK defence, and 202 (Reserve) Squadron has an exciting and challenging future ahead.’
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