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Aviation
sea survival centre opens
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Michelle
Brayshaw at the controls of the escape trainer. Behind her
at left, CPL Deon Dowdy and right, CPOFF Barry Ballantyne.
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The
Navy’s newest training complex, the Naval Aviation Sea Survival
Centre (NASSC) marked its first day of work on August 20. The NASSC
facility was constructed as part of the HMAS Albatross Stage 2 Redevelopment.
At a total cost of around $4.6 million, Navy is looking forward
to making the most of the new facility. Presently training is scheduled
for a full day every week. The first day’s trainees included
members of the ‘frequent flyers’ fraternity, — members
of the Naval force frequently flying in RAN aircraft, but not dedicated
aircrew.
The current cadre of trained and accredited training staff reflects
the mix of the Australian Defence Organisation. On the Centre’s
first day of operation, two Navy personnel, two Air Force personnel,
and a Defence Civilian conducted training. Ms. Michelle Brayshaw
has spiced up her civilian position at Training Authority Aviation
considerably since being accredited for operating the hoist that
‘drives’ the Helicopter Underwater Escape Trainer.
Her accreditation adds to the core team of personnel at the facility.
There on the day to experience the rigours of aviation sea survival
was CDRE Russ Crane.
As the Commander of Australian Navy Systems Command, providing People,
Safety and Support to the RAN, the CDRE was glad to take part in
the first class and see first hand the quality on offer.
At a gathering of staff and trainees before the formal commencement,
CDRE Crane congratulated everyone who had contributed to the Centre’s
development. He said that underwater escape training had previously
been conducted on a commercial contract basis at West Sale and that
considerable savings would be made training in-house.
Navy may also conduct training for commercial enterprises such as
oil companies flying personnel out to oil rigs.
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