809 Naval Air Squadron has been disbanded five times in its history – but is being resurrected once again to become the first Royal Navy formation to fly the new F-35B Lightning.

Originally formed during the Second World War, 809 NAS received a number of battle honours ranging from the Arctic in 1941 to the Falklands in 1982.

809 NAS will be brought back on Friday 9 December and was chosen by former first sea lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas due to the squadron’s “illustrious history as a strike and attack squadron”.

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With the motto “Immortal”, the squadron has earned its incredible reputation as it was called upon time and time again during some of Britain’s darkest hours.

Formed in 1941 at Royal Naval Air Station St Merryn, the squadron would go on to see action in some of the most crucial theatres of the conflict.

Aircrew from 809 NAS flying Fairey Fulmar fighters were used in support of the invasions of North Africa, Italy and the south of France.

They also fought alongside HMS Victorious in 1942, and later operated over the Indian Ocean against Japan in 1944.

After the war, the squadron continued to distinguish itself and saw action in the Suez Operation in 1956 using Sea Venom fighters.

It also flew the Blackburn Buccaneer, a low-level strike bomber that was operated by the Fleet Air Arm from 1965 to 1979.

When Great Britain found itself at war with Argentina in the Falklands, 809 Naval Air Squadron was once again called upon.

Reformed in 1982, the squadron was brought back specifically to fly Sea Harriers from HMS Hermes and HMS Invincible during the conflict.

The squadron was decommissioned in December of that same year. During the conflict, none of its Harriers was lost.

In the next chapter of 809 Naval Air Squadron’s story, the crews will be operating one of the most advanced fighter planes in the world.

The unit is being resurrected to fly the new fifth-generation stealth F-35B Lightning.

The aircraft is capable of ground attack, air superiority and air-to-air combat roles.