Advanced Flying Training - A New Millennium

The gloom was finally lifted, however, as it was announced that the RAF's fast jet training system was to be revised and the numbers of several distinguished squadrons were to be allocated to Hawk units, which would now be Reserve squadrons, having a full battle role in the event of any major emergency. They would be known as (R) Squadrons, rather than just 'shadow' squadrons, as had been the practice in many operational conversion units previously. Each squadron would have its own aircraft and its own Commanding Officer, carrying on the traditions of the former units. So it was that No 208 Squadron became 208(R) Squadron and was established with Hawk jet trainers at RAF Valley in Anglesey.

Today, 208 continues its traditions and has built up a proud record in its short existence as a Reserve training squadron. All trainee pilots destined for the front line units of both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force can look back on the Squadron's highly creditable past and know that they will take a part of that spirit and ethos forward with them in their role as the combat pilots of the future.