Commando Helicopter Force

Commando Helicopter Force The Commando Helicopter Force - the wings of the Royal Marines.

The Commando Helicopter Force, based at the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, comprises over 700 Royal Navy and Royal Marines aircrew and support personnel; and is equipped with the Merlin Mk4 (Commando Merlin) and Wildcat BRH (Commando Wildcat). CHF is both a battlefield and maritime force that is trained, equipped and organised for expeditionary joint operations worldwide at sea or on land. The

personnel of CHF operate in the most extreme conditions, from sub-zero winter conditions north of the Arctic Circle to tropical jungles and deserts around the world. As a maritime force, they operate from a variety of RN and RFA ships and are experts in specialist amphibious and Littoral operations. CHF can deploy anywhere in the world and is fully self-sufficient in helicopter engineering, logistics, fuel delivery and stores. It has its own 'green fleet' of operational vehicles and operators, and a defence force to protect forward deployed sites. CHF's unique commando and parachute trained Mobile Air Operations Team can operate in any amphibious, maritime and land operational environment. Known as 'Junglies' CHF is unique, being equally at home at sea or on land, familiar with its other Joint Aviation Command counterparts yet proud members of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm. CHF was formed in 1997 to consolidate command and control of the various Fleet Air Arm and Royal Marines helicopter Squadrons which supported 3 Commando Brigade under Flag Officer Naval Aviation. In 1999, CHF joined with various Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force elements to form Joint Helicopter Command, whilst maintaining its status as a formed unit. The Commando Helicopter Force operated in Northern Ireland until 2002, Sierra Leone in 2000 and Bosnia between 1992 and 2002, Iraq to 2007 and Afghanistan until 2011. CHF is made up of a CHF Headquarters and three flying Squadrons:
845 Naval Air Squadron, operating the Commando Merlin Mk4.
846 Naval Air Squadron, operating the Commando Merlin Mk4.
847 Naval Air Squadron, operating the Commando Wildcat BRH. Sitting underneath CHF Headquarters, the Combat Service Support Squadron, the Commando Mobile Air Operations Team and the Signals Troop form integral, essential and indispensable parts of the Force.

Three of Our Own.
04/06/2026

Three of Our Own.

The Royal Navy can confirm the names of the three people who tragically died following a helicopter training exercise during the early hours of Wednesday, 3 June in Sourton, Devon.

03/06/2026
Mud Glorious Mud 845 Naval Air Squadron had an unusual bonding day when it undertook a part of the Endurance Course - th...
26/05/2026

Mud Glorious Mud

845 Naval Air Squadron had an unusual bonding day when it undertook a part of the Endurance Course - the wet and muddy bit - at the Royal Marines’ Commando Training Centre at Lympstone, Devon.

Somerset County Council Planning Department Workshop.A real life project before the Planning Department was discussed wi...
21/05/2026

Somerset County Council Planning Department Workshop.

A real life project before the Planning Department was discussed with 846 Naval Air Squadron. It was a learning medium to learn and identify flying hazards to aircraft in the vicinity of RNAS Yeovilton and for helicopters using low-flying routes in the area.

As part of the visit the planning team was able to see and climb inside a Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter to get a feel for the size of the aircraft and its layout.

14/05/2026

42 Commando Royal Marines are one of three elite battalion sized units which make up the global punch of 3 Commando Brigade.

Commando’s Fast Roping.847 Naval Air Squadron has been working with 42 Commando to help hone fast roping skills from the...
13/05/2026

Commando’s Fast Roping.

847 Naval Air Squadron has been working with 42 Commando to help hone fast roping skills from the Squadron's Commando Wildcat helicopters.

12/05/2026
Ten Tors Challenge 2026.Aircrew from 845 Naval Air Squadron flying a Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter were supported by Sq...
10/05/2026

Ten Tors Challenge 2026.

Aircrew from 845 Naval Air Squadron flying a Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopter were supported by Squadron engineers and CHF’s Commando Mobile Air Operations Team.

Together they provided logistic and medical evacuation support to the Ten Tors participants and organisers.

The event belongs to the several thousand young participants who continue to inspire and impress year after year. From the firing of the field gun (delivered by helicopter) to start the event, until crossing the finish line the competitors set an example for others to follow.

Images by our own photographer Petty Officer Lee Blease.

Setting up for Ten Tors 2026.Providing the support to run the annual Ten Tors Challenge is a tri-service effort along wi...
08/05/2026

Setting up for Ten Tors 2026.

Providing the support to run the annual Ten Tors Challenge is a tri-service effort along with wide-ranging civilian organisations, helpers and teams. The Friday before is always a frantic day.

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RNAS Yeovilton
Yeovil
BA228HT

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