539 Raiding Squadron

Operating as part of 3 Commando Brigade, the elite amphibious troops of 539 Raiding Squadron use landing craft and amphibious vehicles to get their fellow Marines to shore.

Role

Made up of more than 100 personnel, 539 Assault Squadron is equipped with a range of high-tech landing craft, including Rigid Raiders, the Griffon 2000TD hovercraft, and the Viking amphibious armoured vehicle, which is used to deliver troops to land.

Since its formation in 1984, the squadron has carried out operations in Iraq and Somalia, and contributed to security at the London 2012 Olympics. The unit is named after the famed 539 Assault Flotilla, which played a crucial role in the Normandy Landings.

Unit history

2012

London Olympics

Throughout the summer of 2012 the unit contributed to the Royal Navy’s role in the security of the London Olympic Games

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