It was most recently based at RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron), in Somerset, as the British Aerospace Sea Harrier FA2 training squadron until it was decommissioned in March 2005 prior to the stand-up of 800 Naval Air Squadron with the British Aerospace Harrier GR7 at RAF Cottesmore, in Rutland.

[4] In August 1943, the squadron re-equipped with Seafire LIICs, which had better performance at low altitudes than its earlier aircraft, embarking on the escort carrier Hunter to take part in Operation Avalanche, the Allied landings at Salerno, Italy which took place from 9 September.

[6][7] In April 1944 the squadron embarked on the escort carrier Khedive, and underwent an extensive programme of deck-landing and ground attack training.

It disembarked to RAF Peterhead on 31 May, flying fighter patrols while Khedive underwent a period of defect repair, before re-embarking on the carrier on 6 July.

[6] On 15 July Khedive left for the Mediterranean to take part in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France.

The squadron helped to provide fighter cover for the invasion fleet and to carry out ground attack missions in support of the advancing Allied troops when the Dragoon landings started on 15 August.

After a further period of training, the squadron embarked on the escort carrier Chaser for passage to join the British Pacific Fleet.

[3][13] From mid-May 1945, it was given the additional task of training pilots of the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve to fly Seafires from aircraft carriers.

[15][16][b] On 7 November 1955, the squadron was recommissioned at RNAS Brawdy, equipped with 12 Hawker Sea Hawk FGA.6 jet fighters.

In March 1966, Eagle relieved the carrier Ark Royal in providing air support to the Beira Patrol blockade aimed at enforcing a UN oil embargo against Rhodesia, remaining at sea for a record 72 days.

[25] On 29 November, four Sea Vixens of 899 NAS were the last British military aircraft to leave Aden,[27] with one carrying the Union Jack back to HMS Eagle.

[29] From August 1981, the squadron also received Hawker Hunter T.8M, fitted with the Sea Harrier's Ferranti Blue Fox radar.