The Regiment received Operational Ready Status during Exercise Eagles Strike in June 2005 and 656 Squadron Army Air Corps joined forces with HMS Ocean to train as the maritime Squadron. Support to the Special Forces was provided by 664 Squadron Army Air Corps. In April 2006 the Regiment deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation HERRICK and members of 656 Squadron Army Air Corps participated in the rescue mission to recover a fallen Royal Marine colleague at Jugroom Fort during February 2007.