{"title":"RAF Squadrons II to XXV","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Royal Air Force maintains a modern, high-capability force structured around seven main operating bases in the UK, with additional overseas stations supporting global operations. Frontline combat air power is centered on **RAF Coningsby** and **RAF Lossiemouth**, home to multiple Eurofighter Typhoon squadrons responsible for Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) air defense intercepts in southern and northern UK airspace respectively. **RAF Marham** hosts the F-35B Lightning force, including No. 617 \"Dambusters\" Squadron and the joint RAF\/Royal Navy 809 Naval Air Squadron, alongside the Operational Conversion Unit (207 Squadron), enabling fifth-generation stealth strike and carrier-enabled power projection. Maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare are conducted from **RAF Lossiemouth** by No. 120 and 201 Squadrons flying the P-8A Poseidon, with the base also preparing to receive E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning aircraft for No. 8 Squadron. Air mobility is anchored at **RAF Brize Norton**, operating Voyager tankers, Atlas C.1 and Globemaster transports, while intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets operate from **RAF Waddington**. Training occurs primarily at **RAF Valley** (fast-jet) and **RAF Cranwell** (officer and initial training), complemented by support from bases like **RAF Benson** (helicopters) and overseas sites such as **RAF Akrotiri** in Cyprus. This distributed structure ensures the RAF's agility in defending UK interests, supporting NATO allies, and projecting power worldwide amid evolving security challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ii-ac-squadron-royal-air-force-tea-mug-gift","title":"II (AC) Squadron Royal Air Force Tea Mug Gift","description":"\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eFirst in the Field\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eKnown affectionately as \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"24\"\u003e\"Shiny Two,\"\u003c\/b\u003e Number II (Army Cooperation) Squadron is one of the oldest and most distinguished units in the Royal Air Force, holding the claim of being the oldest fixed-wing squadron in the world. Formed in 1912 as part of the Royal Flying Corps, the squadron has historically specialized in low-level reconnaissance and close air support for ground troops, a role reflected in its \"AC\" designation and its crest, which features the wake knot of the Hereward the Wake (a symbol of watchful guardianship). Throughout its history, the squadron has flown iconic aircraft such as the Mustang, Phantom, and Jaguar. In the modern era, \"Shiny Two\" was the premier operator of the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"697\"\u003eTornado GR4\u003c\/b\u003e before reforming in 2015 at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"737\"\u003eRAF Lossiemouth\u003c\/b\u003e as a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"758\"\u003eEurofighter Typhoon\u003c\/b\u003e squadron, where it continues to provide cutting-edge air defence and attack capabilities.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cool Raccoon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52781600571729,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/files\/IIACSquadronLMUG.jpg?v=1767970072"},{"product_id":"ii-squadron-royal-air-force-tea-mug-gift","title":"II Squadron RAF Regiment Royal Air Force Tea Mug Gift","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNo. II Squadron RAF Regiment\u003c\/b\u003e is a premier ground combat unit within the Royal Air Force, distinct from its flying counterpart, specializing in airborne assault and force protection. Originally formed in 1922 as No. 2 Armoured Car Company, it has evolved into a highly specialized Field Squadron with a proud parachuting heritage, currently serving as part of the RAF’s Global Enablement force. The squadron is tasked with capturing and securing airfields, often deploying via parachute to establish a foothold in hostile environments. Living by their motto, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"558\"\u003e\"Nunquam Non Paratus\"\u003c\/b\u003e (Never Not Ready), the members of II Squadron maintain elite standards of infantry and airborne training, ready to project air power and protect RAF assets anywhere in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cool Raccoon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52782543307089,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/files\/IISquadronRAFRegimentLMUG.jpg?v=1767973775"},{"product_id":"iv-squadron-royal-air-force-tea-mug-gift","title":"IV Squadron Royal Air Force Tea Mug Gift","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNo. IV Squadron\u003c\/b\u003e, often styled as IV(AC) Sqn, is one of the original and most historic units of the Royal Air Force, having formed in 1912 as part of the Royal Flying Corps. Throughout its illustrious history, the squadron has specialized in the army cooperation and reconnaissance roles, famously operating the vertical take-off Harrier \"jump jet\" for over four decades, seeing action in conflicts from the Falklands to Iraq. Its badge features a sun in splendour divided by a lightning flash, symbolizing its early pioneering work in using wireless telegraphy for artillery spotting. Today, the squadron is based at RAF Valley and has transitioned from frontline combat to a critical training role, flying the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"716\"\u003eHawk T2\u003c\/b\u003e to prepare the next generation of fast-jet pilots for fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 Lightning. Its motto is \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"842\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"842\"\u003eIn futurum videre\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (\"To see into the future\").\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cool Raccoon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52782596161873,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/files\/IVSquadronLMUG.jpg?v=1767973969"},{"product_id":"ix-b-squadron-royal-air-force-tea-mug-gift","title":"IX (B) Squadron Royal Air Force Tea Mug Gift","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNo. IX (B) Squadron\u003c\/b\u003e, or \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"24\"\u003eNumber 9 Squadron\u003c\/b\u003e, holds the distinction of being the oldest dedicated bomber squadron in the Royal Air Force, formed in 1914. Its history is defined by high-profile precision bombing; during the Second World War, it famously operated the Avro Lancaster and, alongside 617 Squadron, successfully sank the German battleship \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"347\"\u003eTirpitz\u003c\/i\u003e using \"Tallboy\" deep-penetration bombs. The squadron's badge features a bat, referencing its long history of night operations, which is also reflected in its motto, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"520\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"520\"\u003ePer noctem volamus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (\"We fly through the night\"). Throughout the Cold War, it formed part of the nuclear deterrent \"V-Force\" flying Avro Vulcans, and later became the first operational Tornado GR1 squadron. Today, the squadron is based at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"758\"\u003eRAF Lossiemouth\u003c\/b\u003e, where it flies the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"794\"\u003eEurofighter Typhoon FGR4\u003c\/b\u003e, primarily serving as an \"Aggressor\" squadron to simulate adversary tactics for training other RAF pilots, while also contributing to Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cool Raccoon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52782642692433,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/files\/IXBSquadronLMUG.jpg?v=1767974256"},{"product_id":"lvii-squadron-royal-air-force-tea-mug-gift","title":"LVII Squadron Royal Air Force Tea Mug Gift","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNo. LVII (57) Squadron\u003c\/b\u003e is a historic Royal Air Force unit characterized by its resilience and ability to adapt, fittingly represented by its badge of a rising phoenix and the motto \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"181\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"181\"\u003eCorpus non animum muto\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (\"I change my body, not my spirit\"). Formed in 1916, the squadron became famous during the Second World War as a heavy bomber unit, operating \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"346\"\u003eAvro Lancasters\u003c\/b\u003e from RAF Scampton alongside the Dambusters of 617 Squadron. During the Cold War, it formed part of the nuclear deterrent V-Force flying the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"502\"\u003eHandley Page Victor\u003c\/b\u003e, later transitioning the aircraft into a critical air-to-air refueling role. In this tanker capacity, LVII Squadron provided essential support during the Falklands War, refueling the Vulcans for the legendary \"Black Buck\" raids. Today, the squadron is based at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"783\"\u003eRAF Cranwell\u003c\/b\u003e, where it delivers Elementary Flying Training (EFT) to new pilots using the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"872\"\u003eGrob Prefect T1\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cool Raccoon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52782698168657,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/files\/LVIISquadronLMUG.jpg?v=1767974386"},{"product_id":"lxx-squadron-royal-air-force-tea-mug-gift","title":"LXX Squadron Royal Air Force Tea Mug Gift","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNo. LXX (70) Squadron\u003c\/b\u003e is a premier air transport unit of the Royal Air Force, currently based at \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"97\"\u003eRAF Brize Norton\u003c\/b\u003e where it operates the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"136\"\u003eAirbus A400M Atlas\u003c\/b\u003e. Formed in 1916, the squadron has a diverse combat history, having flown Sopwith Camels in the First World War and heavy bombers like the Vickers Wellington and Liberator in the Mediterranean theater during World War II. The squadron's motto, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"398\"\u003e\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"398\"\u003eUsquam\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e (\"Anywhere\"), reflects its enduring legacy in global logistics and mobility. This reputation was cemented early on when it conducted the world's first major air evacuation, the Kabul Airlift of 1928–29. Today, LXX Squadron continues this tradition, providing critical strategic and tactical airlift capabilities, most notably playing a leading role in the 2021 evacuation of civilians from Afghanistan.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cool Raccoon","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52782737883473,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/files\/LXXSquadronLMUG.jpg?v=1767974548"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0998\/4635\/7329\/collections\/1_F_Squadron_L_MUG_c86a9852-458d-49ea-a61d-6ae275298edc.jpg?v=1767260209","url":"https:\/\/cool-raccoon.myshopify.com\/collections\/raf-squadrons-602-to-7644-copy.oembed","provider":"Cool Raccoon","version":"1.0","type":"link"}