57 Squadron - 1992-2002 - Air Transport
On 1 June 1992, 57 Squadron reformed at RAF Lyneham, operating the C-130K Hercules, and in 1999, the Squadron undertook the preparatory work for the introduction into RAF service of the C-130J Hercules, before the Squadron was disbanded again on 14 March 2002.
OCU Days
Formed by merging No's 240 and 241 OCUs on 16 April 1951, No 242 Operational Conversion Unit was responsible for training all RAF transport crews. During its existence, the OCU flew a large number of different types including Valetta C1, Hasting C1, Beverley C1, Argosy C1, Andover C1, Hercules, Ansons, Tiger Moths and Chipmunks.
Motto: Hic Bene Docti Ubique Volant – ‘Having been taught well here, then fly everywhere’
Based at RAF Lyneham for much of its life, the OCU relinquished the training of strategic air transport crews in 1970 when No 241 OCU was reformed at RAF Brize Norton to train crews for the VC10, leaving No 242 OCU to train purely crews destined for the C130 Hercules Force. The OCU was disbanded by being renamed No 57(Reserve) Squadron on 1 July 1992, remaining at RAF Lyneham.
A C130K Hercules
To replace the venerable C-130K variant which entered service as the C1 in 1967, the RAF was the overseas launch customer for the Lockheed Martin C-130 J-model. The first deliveries of 25 aircraft (as Hercules C4 and C5) began in 1999 and 57(Reserve) Squadron undertook the preparatory work to support the introduction into service of the new aircraft.
