HMS Heron (Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton) is one of the Royal Navy’s two principal Fleet Air Arm bases and is one of the busiest military airfields in the UK

The air station also hosts a large support staff from the Defence Equipment and Support organisation, and the world-famous Fleet Air Arm Museum. Its three main aviation elements are:

  1. The Wildcat Maritime Force operating the Wildcat HMA2 helicopter.
  2. The Commando Helicopter Force flying the Merlin HC4 and Wildcat AH1 helicopters.
  3. The Army’s Airborne Reconnaissance Force,1 Army Air Corps unit, 652 Squadron, is operating the Wildcat AH1 helicopter.

Also flying from RNAS Yeovilton are 727 Naval Air Squadron flying grading squadron utilising Grob trainer aircraft. Navy Wings flying historical aircraft including the Swordfish Mk1, Sea Fury FB.11, and Wasp HAS Mk1 helicopter.

The air station occupies approximately 1,300 acres. Its 4,000 staff are military personnel, civil servants, and supporting contractors. The Royal Naval School of Fighter Control and the Royal Naval School of Aircraft Control are both on-site, as is the famous and immensely popular Fleet Air Arm Museum, part of the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.