History 

6. June 2013

31. March 2022

31. Mar. 2022

History 

736 NAS was first formed at RNAS Yeovilton on 24. May 1943 as the School of Air Combat, and was equipped with Seafire Mk.1Bs. It’s purpose was to teach the latest air combat techniques to experienced naval aviators. The Unit moved to St Merryn in Cornwall during September 1943, where Miles Masters and Fairey Barracudas were added to the Squadron’s inventory. Between 1943 and 1950 the Squadron operated numerous types, including Supermarine Seafires, Hawker Sea Furies and Fairey Fireflies.
On 1. February 1950 736 NAS moved to RNAS Culdrose as the Naval Air Fighter School, and was originally equipped with almost 50 Sea Furies, although the fleet was halved in May 1952 when some aircraft were transferred to 738 NAS. On 25. August 1952, 738 NAS absorbed all the 736 NAS Sea Furies and the Squadron disbanded as a piston-engined squadron.

Just a day later, 736 NAS reformed at RNAS Culdrose as an Advanced Jet Flying School, and received Supermarine Attackers and Meteor T.7s. It moved to RNAS Lossiemouth in November 1953 where the entire fleet was exchanged for Sea Vampires and Sea Hawks. A change of role occurred in 1955, when the unit became responsible for training all FAA pilots who had been trained in the USA to British standards and aircraft. The Sea Hawks departed as a result, but they returned in 1958 when 736NAS became a Sea Hawk training Unit. Re-equipping with Scimitars from May 1959, the Squadron remained in commission until 26. March 1965 when it was disbanded, and the aircraft passed onto 764B NAS.

736 NAS reformed the same day at RNAS Lossiemouth as a Buccaneer S.1 unit. These aircraft were partially replaced by Buccaneer S.2s from May 1966, and the Squadron was disbanded in February 1972.
It was during this third spell in commission that 736 NAS operated the Hunter T.8, albeit only for a five-month period, between July and November 1958.

In June 2013. 736 NAS was reformed at RNAS Culdrose with 14 BAe Hawk platforms following the withdrawal and standing down of the Fleet Requirements and Air Direction Unit (FRADU).

736 NAS is the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aggressor Squadron. The unit provides simulated ship attack and airborne intercept training for Royal Navy ships getting ready to deploy on operations. 
These missions simulate enemy fighter aircraft attacking the ships, or high-speed sea-skimming missiles which are fired against ships to allow the crew to train in the procedures to avoid and reduce the damage caused.