As previously announced, 736NAS will be disbanded on 31 March 2022. To commemorate this, the Royal Navy is planning a farewell formation flight on Thursday 17 March 2022. An unknown number of Hawk T1 jets will take-off from RNAS Culdrose around 15:30 hrs local time and make their way along the southern coastline. They are expected to perform flypasts over Plymouth (15:40 hrs), RNAS Yeovilton (15:55 hrs), Bournemouth (16:05 hrs) and Portsmouth (16:15 hrs), before turning to a northerly heading. The flight will make its way to Prestwick, where they are expected to land just after 17:00 hrs local time for a night stop.

 

On Friday 18 March 2022, the jets will once again take to the skies to continue their farewell tour. This will take place at 11:00 hrs local time and the following locations will be visited: RAF Valley (11:25 hrs), Pembrey (11:50 hrs) and Newquay (12:00 hrs). Around 12:15 hrs the Hawks are expected to land back at RNAS Culdrose.

 

Initially it was announced that 100sq (RAF Leeming) would take over the role of 736NAS. But, these plans have been changed now, since 100sq will also cease Hawk T1 flight operations, on 31 March 2022. It was decided to retire all legacy Hawk T1 aircraft from service on this date, with the exception of the ones assigned to the Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (RAFAT) "Red Arrows". This world-famous display team is expected to continue to use the Hawk T1 until 2030.