HMAS HAWKESBURY's XO, LEUT Simon Cannell, signals to the pilots of a hovering 823 Squadron Squirrel helicopter while doing certification trials off the NSW coast.

Vital helicopter certification trials have been carried out between HMAS HAWKESBURY and pilots of the RAN's 823 Squadron.

The trials saw an 823 Squirrel meet HAWKESBURY off Jervis Bay and carry out a number of winching exercises from the stern of the minehunter.

The certification trials came as LCDR Steve Reid and his ship's company continued their workup. At the time the new ship was returning from a visit to Melbourne.

HAWKESBURY flew the Navy's flag over the Australia Day long weekend while she was berthed alongside Melbourne/s Station Pier. With her was the sail training ship YOUNG ENDEAVOUR..

The weekend also gave many of the ship's company the opportunity to have lunch at the home of the HAWKESBURY's Commissioning Lady, MRS J. Smyth.

Her husband CDRE D. Smyth (retd) was the captain of the HAWKESBURY in 1954.

Since sailing from Melbourne, HAWKESBURY achieved one of her many goals for the upcoming weeks with the gaining of a helicopter certification.

This was the first step that will see the ship conducting numerous trials in order to ensure all of the ship's systems are fully operational.

The next big event in the ship's calendar is the trip "Up Top" at the end of April to participate in Exercise Tandem Thrust.

This provides the ideal forum for HAWKESBURY to use her capabilities in an operational environment and for the ship's company to work with the US Navy.
During the deployment, HAWKESBURY will visit Gladstone, Mackay and Cairns before sailing for Singapore.

By MIDN S. Woolrych