 During the 2003 invasion of Iraq , multiple Sea King ASaC7 from 849 NAS were operated from HMS Ark Royal . On 22 March 2003 , two AEW Sea Kings from 849 NAS operating from Ark Royal collided over the Persian Gulf , resulting in the death of seven personnel . A report into the collision called for Sea Kings to be outfitted with night vision goggles , as well as better onboard safety equipment , and recommended changes to procedure regarding the use of radar at night . 
