HMAS Albatross Archives - CONTACT magazine

Unveiling of a commemorative artwork at Sikorsky Australia's Nowra facility marks the 50,000 flying hours and 10 years of service achieved for Australia’s MH-60R Romeo. Story by Chloe Mackrell. Photos from Lockheed Martin Australia.

MH-60R Romeo passes 50,000 flying hours

15/07/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 814 Views 0 Comments Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), HMAS Albatross, MH-60R Seahawk, Sikorsky

Navy’s fleet of MH-60R Romeo helicopters has passed 50,000 flying hours and 10 years of service, a major milestone for

Leading Seaman Roneld Baragud on the Regional Indigenous Development Coordinator course with his peers and mentors at HMAS Albatross, NSW. Story by Lieutenant Carolyn Martin. Photo by Petty Officer Peter Thompson.

ADF People Royal Australian Navy

From Yam Island to the Middle East and beyond

04/03/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 1032 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, HMAS Cairns, Regional Indigenous Development Coordinator (RIDC)

Leading Seaman Roneld Baragud remembers Navy crew visiting his island home when he was just a child. CAPTION: Leading Seaman Roneld

Leading Seaman Aviation Technician Airframe Prudence Harper, of 808 Squadron, conducts a flying exercise with HMAS Perth’s MH-60R aircraft 'Siren' during a regional presence deployment. Story by Lieutenant Commander Andrew Herring. Photos by Leading Seaman Ernesto Sanchez.

News Royal Australian Navy

‘Siren’ of the seas joins Perth off Darwin

30/08/202431/08/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1894 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, HMAS Perth, MH-60R Seahawk, No. 808 Squadron, Regional Presence Deployment

When HMAS Perth departed Darwin recently for a regional presence deployment, the siren heard was not from a local emergency

Historic imagery of the arrival of HMAS Sydney III to Jervis Bay with embarked aircraft which formed the Fleet Air Arm’s first squadrons.

History News Royal Australian Navy

75th anniversary of air power projection

07/06/202415/06/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1359 Views 0 Comments Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross, HMAS Melbourne, HMAS Sydney, Jervis Bay

The Royal Australian Navy recently marked the 75th anniversary of rising above the waves and developing a fully integrated aerial

Army helicopter pilot Lieutenant Nicole Ravell and aircrew operator Corporal Corren James, of 723 Squadron, on the flight line at HMAS Albatross. Story by Captain Karam Louli. Photos by Leading Aircraftwoman Emma Schwenke.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Navy

Helicopter trainees take wing

12/04/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1960 Views 0 Comments EC-135, HMAS Albatross, No. 723 Squadron

723 Squadron is developing Navy and Army helicopter pilots and aircrew operators in a challenging course spanning nine and six

Chief Petty Officer David Dillon with the Schiebel S-100 Camcopter "Hermes" during the Airshows Downunder Shellharbour at Shellharbour Airport Career Day. Story by Pilot Officer Shanea Zeegers. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris.

ADF People Royal Australian Navy

Shellharbour airshow plane fun for all

06/03/202410/03/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1963 Views 0 Comments 822X Squadron, CAMCOPTER® S-100, HMAS Albatross

As an aviation enthusiast, Chief Petty Officer David Dillon was thrilled to attend Airshows Downunder Shellharbour at Shellharbour Airport in

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jonathan Earley presents a group commendation to MH-60R Technical Training – Seahawk Simulation Warfare Centre at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Story by Richard Wilkins. Photo by Leading Seaman Carlos Chu.

News Royal Australian Navy

Seahawk technical training staff commended

30/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1257 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, MH-60R Seahawk, Seahawk Simulator Warfare Centre (SSWC)

Technical staff from the Seahawk Simulator Warfare Centre (SSWC) in HMAS Albatross were recently presented with a Chief of Navy

Commander Fleet Aviation Arm Commodore David Frost presents the 2022 McNichol Trophy to then Seaman Joshua Williams (left) and Commanding Officer 723 Squadron Commander Samuel Dale during a gathering at 723 Squadron, HMAS Albatross. Story by Sam Carter. Photo by Petty Officer Peter Thompson.

News Royal Australian Navy Sovereign industry

Navy pilot trainers setting records

03/11/202307/11/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1870 Views 0 Comments Boeing, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross, No. 723 Squadron, Thales

For the past two years, 723 Squadron – Joint Helicopter School has increased the output of trained aircrew by 50

Lieutenant Commander Jeffrey Topping on the flightline at the Romeo complex, HMAS Albatross. Story by Acting Sub Lieutenant Sam Carter.

ADF People

World first for Navy officer

31/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1113 Views 0 Comments Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross, MH-60R Seahawk

A Royal Australian Navy (RAN) officer was the first non-US national to complete a renowned weapons and tactics course on

Five EC-135 helicopters conduct a fly past on completion of the Joint Helicopter School Course 012 graduation ceremony at 723 Squadron, HMAS Albatross. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

Australian Army News Royal Australian Navy

New helicopter pilots graduate

17/10/202317/10/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 2520 Views 0 Comments EC-135, HMAS Albatross, No. 723 Squadron

The ADF welcomed its latest aviators to the skies following their graduation from 723 Squadron – Joint Helicopter School on

Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross, Captain Scott Palmer and the youngest sailor aboard, Able Seaman Casey Merriman slice a birthday cake during 75th anniversary celebrations for HMAS Albatross. Story by Sub Lieutenant Jaclyn Bollock. Photos by Petty Officer Peter Thompson.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Navy’s largest base turns 75

22/09/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1478 Views 0 Comments Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross

Nowra locals and dignitaries recently gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the commissioning of the Navy’s only air station

Seaman Liam Cox, from HMAS Albatross, guides eight-year-old Kira on the Navy helicopter simulator display at the Hunter Valley Airshow. Story by Flight Lieutenant Thomas McCoy. Photo by Sergeant Glen McCarthy.

News Royal Australian Navy

Air show crowds get a different view of Navy

31/03/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1838 Views 0 Comments EC-135, HMAS Albatross, No. 723 Squadron

Members of the public lined up in droves for the chance to hop in a simulator and experience flying a

Chief Petty Officer Matthew Thompson with his daughter Able Seaman Gemma Thompson at HMAS Albatross. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

ADF People

Dad’s Navy career inspires daughter

31/03/2023 Posted by Mike Hughes 1690 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross

Since seeing her dad leave for work in his uniform every day, Able Seaman Gemma Thompson was inspired to join

Chief Petty Officer Karl Beyer, left, the winner of best Movember moustache, along with the worst belonging to Acting Sub-Lieutenant Robbie Osborn. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Growing moustaches for men’s health

21/12/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1545 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, No. 723 Squadron

Members from 723 Squadron – Joint Helicopter School took a short break from buzzing the skies to do some buzzing

Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore David Frost, left, Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley and Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross Captain Robyn Phillips come together for the signing of the scroll. Story by Midshipman Jordan Moloney. Photo by Petty Officer Justin Brown.

News Royal Australian Navy

Preparing for a medieval tradition

12/10/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1738 Views 0 Comments Fleet Air Arm, Freedom of Entry, HMAS Albatross, HMAS Creswell

Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell personnel are preparing to conduct a Freedom of Entry march through the

Chau Giang Phan prepares to depart for a flight in an EC-135 aircraft at HMAS Albatross. Story b y Lieutenant Commander Karen Dwyer. Photo by Leading Seaman Ryan Tascas.

Health and Wellbeing News Royal Australian Navy

A wish takes flight

06/09/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1674 Views 0 Comments EC-135, Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross, MH-60R Seahawk, No. 723 Squadron, No. 725 Squadron

The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) was privileged to grant the wish of 13-year-old Chau Giang Phan, who visited HMAS Albatross

Captain Robyn Phillips, left, Petty Officer Jordon Bradshaw, Indigenous artist Kerrie Williams and Leading Seaman Callum Dawson at the Fleet Air Arm museum in Nowra. Story by Lieutenant Danielle Worthey. Photo by Leading Seaman Ryan Tascas.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Dreamtime collaboration, with a dream team

12/08/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1484 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, Indigenous

HMAS Albatross’ recent commission with local Indigenous artist, Aunty Kerrie Williams, celebrates a genuine community connection and respect to the

Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore David Frost, right, presents Lieutenant Ian Donovan with the Federation Star for 40 years of service at a presentation ceremony at HMAS Albatross. Story by Lieutenant Danielle Worthey. Photo: Petty Officer Justin Brown.

ADF People History

Federation Star shines upon aviation engineer

12/08/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1992 Views 1 Comment Federation Star, HMAS Albatross, No. 723 Squadron, No. 817 Squadron, Sea King

Aviation engineer from HMAS Albatross Lieutenant Ian Donovan has quietly clicked over 40 years of loyal service. CAPTION: Commander Fleet Air

Royal Australian Navy Maritime Human Resources Officer Lieutenant Vicky Nguyen, right, acts as Master of Ceremonies during the Pacific Partnership 2022 opening ceremony. Story by Captain Lily Charles. Photo supplied.

ADF People Health and Wellbeing

Connection to heritage

19/07/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1487 Views 0 Comments HMAS Albatross, HMAS Cerberus, USNS Mercy, Vietnam

For Royal Australian Navy maritime human resources officer (MHRO), Lieutenant Vicky Nguyen, representing the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Vietnam

Mayor of the City of Shoalhaven Amanda Findley, left, Maritime Logistics Personnel Leading Seaman Stephanie Hart and Commander Fleet Air Arm Commodore David Frost, cut a cake to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the FAA. Story by Lieutenant Brendan Trembath. Photo by Leading Seaman Ryan Tascas.

History News Royal Australian Navy

Fleet Air Arm celebrates 75th anniversary

13/07/2022 Posted by Mike Hughes 1793 Views 1 Comment Fleet Air Arm, HMAS Albatross

The Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA) hosted a black tie reception at the FAA Museum in Nowra as part of

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