Correlation 899 Squadron to HMS Eagle 1964 to 1966. 5th Commission.

HMS Eagle proudly emerged for her 5th Commission as the largest warship of the Royal Navy under the command of Captain J.C.Y. Roxburgh DSO. DSC. RN., on 14^th June 1964

Extensive changes had been made from her the continuous service between 1952 and 1959. Flight Deck size increased, Powerful steam catapults, 3D (Type 984) radar, 184 Sonar. Ships wheel replaced with a steering joystick. The machinery control room (MCR) could control all Boiler Rooms (4) and Engine Rooms (4). Accommodation improved. Every man had a bunk and air conditioning throughout
July, August and September spent in coastal waters for work ups and ORI., the airgroup embarking to and from their parent air stations. 899 was the resident Sea Vixen Mk2 squadron for HMS Eagle under the command of Cdr. Mathews RN., having spent 1962 to 1964 at RNAS Yeovilton as the Headquarters squadron
The ship visited Brest 1^st to 3^rd October 1964 and Gibraltar 15^th to 22^nd October 1964, then returned to Devonport.
1^st December 1964 sailed from Plymouth for the Far East Station. Embarked the airgroup including 899 Sqn
Transit of Mediterranean and through the Suez canal
18^th December 1964 first flyex off Aden.
24^th December 1964 to 4^th January 1965 at Mombasa
13^th to 27^th January 1965 at Singapore. 899 Sqn disembark to RAF Tengah. Continuation flying and Adex of Singapore
8^th to 12^th February at Subic bay, Philippines
23^rd February to 11^th March 1965 at Hong Kong
18^th to 25^th March major exercise with 3 UK carriers. Ex Fotex 1965
19^th March 1965 at Langkawi, West Malaysia
27^th March 1965 ex Showpiece and to Tioman Island off East Malaysia
6^th to 20^th April 1965 at Singapore. 899 Sqn disembark to RAF Changi for continuation flying and Adex of Singapore
30^th April to 2^nd May 1965 at Aden
Transit Suez canal
7^th to 10^th May 1965 at Beirut
15^th to 19^th May 1965 at Malta
24^th May 1965 arrive at Devonport.
One third changeover of personel within 899 Sqn at RNAS Yeovilton. New CO. Lt. Cdr. “Rip” Kirby RN. Squadron Compliment increases to 14 aircraft
24^th August 1965 sail from Plymouth for the Far East Station and embark Squadrons including 899 Sqn
8^th September 1965. Sea Vixen lost. Both crewmen killed. ID 16.
13^th to 23^rd September at Malta
25^th to 30^th September fast passage to Aden
13^th to 23^rd October 1965 at Mombasa
27^th October to 1^st November 1965 Flyex Aden
12^th to 20^th November Singapore
20^th to 27^th November fast passage to X. Twelve fully armed and ready Sea Vixens of 899 Sqn ranged on deck to fly off at a moments notice.
27^th November to 1^st December Operation X. Area X proved to be off Zambia. RN stepped down from duty when the RAF sent a Squadron of Javelins to Zambia instead of 899 Sqn standing by. (Rhodesia Crisis)
7^th to 18^th December flyex off Aden
23^rd December to 10^th January 1966 at Mombasa
16^th to 22^nd January flyex off Aden
22^nd January to 26^th January 1966 at Aden
26^th January to 2^nd February flyex of Aden
11^th to 28^th February at Singapore
28^th February to 15^th March 1966 passage to Beira
15^th to 31^st April Beira Patrol relieving HMS Ark Royal
Beira Patrol Statistics: 71 days and 1007 flying sorties. 20,000 square miles surveyed daily
10^th to 31^st May 1966 at Singapore
4^th to 11^th June 1966 at Hong Kong
8^th July 1966. Sea Vixen Lost. Both crewmen killed. Accident ID 21.
August 1966 Homeward Bound. via the Mediterranean and Gibraltar to Deveonport

HMS Eagle leaves Plymouth 1964. Plymouth Hoe on the Port Side.

Mission X. 899 Sqn Sea Vixens on deck fully ready..

"Aircrew Man Aircraft"