Mrs Bird-Walton and LSATA Hamish Dale cut the 805 Squadron commissioning cake. Picture:POPH Peter Simpson. NIU HMAS ALBATROSS

A proud element of the Navy's Fleet Air Arm was officially reborn with the fourth commissioning of 805 Squadron before naval dignitaries and families at HMAS ALBATROSS on Wednesday, February 28.

Destined to operate 11 new-generation Kaman Super Seasprite maritime attack helicopters, 805 Squadron will be shore-based at the Naval Air Station at Nowra, with the squadron ultimately providing the support base for Super Seasprite flights embarked in the Navy's fleet of Anzac class frigates.

The CO of 805 Squadron, CMDR Tony Dalton, spoke at the commissioning of how the squadron invokes a pioneering spirit epitomised by guest of honour Nancy Bird-Walton, herself an aviation pioneer who founded the Australian Women's Pilots' Association in 1950 which today has more than 600 members.

"Indeed, if you have ever tried to explain to an ex-Naval fighter pilot that we are resurrecting 805 as an attack helicopter squadron, you too would realise just how the current generation of 805 Squadron personnel feel like pioneers," said CMDR Dalton in his commissioning speech.

"With a history dating back to 1940 and a track record of being among the front-runners in introducing angled flight deck operations and fighter jets at sea, 805 Squadron qualifies on both counts as a squadron with longevity and a healthy pioneering spirit."

And according the CMDR Dalton, there's no better person to back that up than Nancy Bird-Walton, who in 1934 became the first Australian woman to earn a commercial pilot's license at age 19.

"I want to congratulate all those people in this famous squadron who have volunteered to be part of our defence services, as it was probably never more important than it is today," said Nancy in her speech to the parade.

Maritime Commander, RADM Geoff Smith also emphasised the vital role that 805 will take, with the new helicopters, once accepted, providing a significant boost to the fighting ability of the Anzac class frigates for the next 25 years.

"I guess I liken it to the christening of a baby.

It's the beginning of a new life, and although this squadron has a great history - it's been decommissioned for a while now - we're bringing it back in a new role, so it's a very important day for the Navy," said RADM Smith.

"My feeling would be in maybe three years time, we'll have the squadron to its full strength and by that time the aircraft will be with us and we can get serious about getting the capability to sea.

"It's a terrific capability and from an operational perspective where I sit, it's a must-have."

After blessings by PCHA Hubbard, (Anglican) PCHA Clayton (Protestant) and SNCHA Rayner (Catholic), the squadron was officially commissioned before a host of official guests, including Chief of Navy VADM David Shackleton, Maritime Commander RADM Geoff Smith, the Minister representing the Minister for Defence Joanna Gash MP and Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, CDRE Keith Eames.

Eight former COs of 805 Squadron also attended.

Despite light rain falling, all involved stayed on to witness a Ceremonial Sunset and Beat to Quarters that marked a spectacular completion to the function.

By Michael Weaver