Squadron Motto: “Semper Aggressus” (Always on the Attack)
23 Squadron was formed at Gosport on 1st September 1915 as part of the Royal Flying Corps. Distinguished service during both World Wars earnt the squadron a large number of Battle Honours.
In February 1976 23 Squadron arrived at Wattisham with their mighty Phantom FGR2s. They took up their role as part of Southern QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) to help identify and intercept Soviet bombers flying down the North Sea.
In 1983 23 Squadron departed Wattisham to became the unit that defended The Falkland Islands, based at Port Stanley, to prevent further Argentinean aggression.