RAF Odiham
RAF Odiham is an air base in southern England. It is the home base of the Royal Air Force's heavy lift helicopter, the Chinook HC.2.
History
Aircraft operations began from the site in 1925 but it was not until October 1937 that it was opened as a permanent airfield, ironically by the Chief of Staff for the Luftwaffe.
During World War II P-51 Mustangs and Hawker Typhoons were flown by the base. After the Allied invasion of Europe the site became a prisoner of war camp. Following the end of the War RAF Fighter Command assumed control of the base and operated Spitfires, Hunters and Javelins. As part of her coronation celebrations Queen Elizabeth II reviewed the Royal Air Force at Odiham in 1953.
After a short period in "care and maintainence" status the base was reopened as part of Transport Command. In this role the Westland Whirlwind and then the Westland Belvedere was operated from the base. From 1961 to 1981 the Westland Wessex was based here, joined by the Puma in 1971.
In 1981 the Wessex helicopters moved to RAF Benson, followed by No. 33 Squadron's Puma's in 1997.
Current role
The first Chinook HC.1s were delivered to the RAF in 1980 and arrived at Odiham in 1982. The first HC.2 arrived in 1993. The RAF ordered the Chinook HC.3, a special forces variant, in 1995. These are yet to enter service.
Resident squadrons
- 7 Squadron - 5 Chinook HC2
- 18 Squadron - 18 Chinook HC2
- 27 Squadron - 10 Chinook HC2