The Royal Navy has enjoyed a close friendship with the parish church of St. Bartholomew, which began in 1940 with the commissioning of RNAS Yeovilton (HMS Heron). During 1940-42 fifteen victims of air accidents were buried in the churchyard before the opening of the Naval Cemetery on its southern boundary in 1942. In 1988, much of the church structure having become unsafe, it was made redundant.

It was then that the often-discussed idea of using St. Bartholomew's as the Anglican Church for RNAS Yeovilton was put into action. The Royal Navy seized the opportunity and bought the 'job-lot' for £1. This triggered a series of national and international appeals to restore the church to its former glory under the guardianship of the newly formed Trustees.

An Order in Council signed by the Prince of Wales and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother formally sealed this process. St. Bart's, as it has come to be affectionately known, passed from the local Diocese of Bath and Wells to assume the mantle of the Fleet Air Arm Memorial Chapel.

RNAS Yeovilton has five Chaplains. There is the Church of England Chaplain, The Roman Catholic Chaplain, The Church of Scotland and Free Church of Scotland, The Sea Harrier Force Chaplain and The Commando Helicopter Force Chaplain. There is also a Verger, a Custodian for the Church and a Chaplaincy Runner.