Formation

Formerly the Maritime Aviation Support Force (MASF) Based at RNAS Culdrose, the unit was redesignated 1700 Naval Air Squadron on October 2nd 2017. The new squadron was officially commissioned at a ceremony held on October 31st. Lt Cdr Chris Roberts in Command, having lead the MASF since 2015.

The unit’s task remains to provide a simple “one stop shop” to meet personnel requirements and provide essential naval aviation support for ships and land bases globally. When a Squadron of Naval aircraft deploys to a ship or any other detached operating base, Deployable Support Teams (DSTs) are assembled to cater for their various support requirements.

Manpower can be provided in a number of key areas in order to support aviation assets: in tailored teams, from two to over fifty personnel, for Flight Deck activities (Aircraft Handlers, Aircraft Controllers) Air Engineering, Survival Equipment, Logistic and Catering Support, Operations, Weapon Engineering, fire-fighters, meteorologists, physical trainers, military policemen, medics and many other specialists. Future plans will further expand 1700 NAS specialist teams to include Intelligence Officers, dentists, chaplains and others as required.

Although the 1700 NAS headquarters and support staff are based at RNAS Culdrose, there are currently 200 personnel working in ships and shore bases throughout the world.

Origins and development

In the late 1970s an Air Engineering Support section was established at RNAS Culdrose to parent Fleet Air Arm ratings serving in Royal Fleet Auxiliaries. In 1982 this became the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Aviation Support Unit (RFAASU) to provide addition support daring the Falklands campaign. The unit changer again in 1990 when its scope was expanded to provide Aviation and Warfare capability for both RN and RFA ships- becoming the Royal Fleet Auxiliary & Naval Aviation Support Unit (RFAANSU). In 2007 the organisation was became the Maritime Aviation Support Force (NASF); this became a fully commissioned RN unit in 2010.