THE much-loved Hawk jets have flown over Cornwall for the very last time before retirement.
Based out of RNAS Culdrose at Helston, the jets have been involved in training Royal Navy and NATO ships in air defence for decades, and have been in service with the RAF for 40 years – but that has not been their only role.
Hawk T1 jets are also the same aircraft used by the hugely popular Red Arrows display team, whose aerobatics with coloured smoke have delighted generations.
This has raised the question of what the future of the display team will be once the jets are taken out of service.
The good news is, however, that while the black RAF and Royal Navy jets will no longer be seen in the skies, the Red Arrows are to remain.
Passing on the official line, a spokesperson for RNAS Culdrose told Hereford Times sister paper the Packet: "The Red Arrows are officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team.
"The drawdown of the Hawk T1 will not impact the Red Arrows, who will continue to fly the Hawk T1.
“Flying British-built fast-jets, the Red Arrows are renowned as one of the world’s best, and most recognisable, display teams.
"The Red Arrows are regarded as a great British brand and often perform at major national occasions.”
The BAE Systems Hawks have been used by the RAF for 40 years and the Royal Navy’s aircraft date from the 1990s. They were first based at RNAS Culdrose in 1994 and were incorporated into the re-formed 736 Naval Air Squadron in 2013.
It was announced in the Integrated Review last year that the Hawk T1 was to be retired, with the decision that 736 Naval Air Squadron at Culdrose would be decommissioned.
Lieutenant Commander Jason Flintham, the commanding officer of 736 Naval Air Squadron, said: “It has to be acknowledged that this is a sad day for everyone involved with the Hawks, but we should not lose sight of the significant contribution these aircraft have made to defence.
“I think it’s fair to say that the Hawks jets have been the outstanding workhorse of the military.
“They’ve been used by 736 Naval Air Squadron to train Royal Navy and NATO frontline assets since 2013. We’ve used them to train ships’ companies against incoming aircraft or to simulate missile attack, as well as training Royal Navy fighter controllers.
“Other roles include training air traffic controllers, airborne surveillance and control crews and aiding radar development. We’ve also regularly taken part in large multi-national NATO exercises, such as Exercise Joint Warrior off Scotland.
“Of course, it’s not just about these superb aircraft. A squadron is comprised of the men and women whose professionalism and dedication makes the squadron a success and deliver its defence aims. We thank everyone who has served over the years including those in industry and the military.”
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