Completed in 1944 as a satellite airfield to nearby St David's, Brawdy soon supplanted its parent for meteorological reasons. Used initially by the RAF Coastal Command, it passed to the Royal Navy in 1946, becoming HMS Goldcrest. The base was used by the Navy up to 1974, when the RAF resumed control once again. Used as an advanced training facility, Hunters and later Hawks were based there, as was a secret US Navy oceanographic research unit. Since1996, Brawdy has been used by the Army. For many Brawdy is also synonymous with air displays which have been held there for many years, and for its role as a base for search and rescue operations, making it a widely known and significant location to people from all walks of life, both local and international.