51 Squadron trained alongside the United States Air Force on the RC-135W Rivet Joint, which was being acquired by the RAF under the Airseeker project.

The squadron's primary role during the First World War was defence of the UK against German Zeppelin raids.

[8] In February 1942, led by the legendary Percy Pickard, 51 Squadron carried 119 paratroops and an RAF flight sergeant skilled in electronics to Bruneval, France, in converted Whitleys.

The men then carried out a very successful raid on a German radar installation, removing parts of a new type known as a Würzburg, which they took back to Britain.

[9] A brief period as part of Coastal Command patrolling against the U-boats in the Bay of Biscay preceded the re-equipment with the Halifax in 1942.

In January 2011 personnel from 51 Squadron began training at Offutt Air Force Base in the US for conversion to the RC-135.