A "flight" of pilots, aircrew and maintainers along with a Sea King helicopter has been deployed to Christmas Island as part of Op Relex.

The Defence Minister Senator Robert Hill formally announced the placement of the flight and aircraft last month.

Speaking in Darwin on August 12, he said the helicopter would boost Australia's border protection.

He said the 817 Squadron personnel from HMAS Albatross would be used to conduct surveillance of the approaches to Christmas Island.

"They will also provide a shore-based response capability for search and rescue," the Minister said.
He said the Sea King's deployment is another facet of the important border protection operations being undertaken by the ADF.

A range of RAN vessels including frigates and patrol boats, maritime surveillance aircraft and intelligence capabilities are engaged in the day-to-day monitoring and patrolling of our maritime approaches against encroachment from external threats.

Senator Hill said the ADF had been given an extra $22.3 million in the last Budget to continue operations to deter unauthorised boat arrivals.

"The Navy's helicopter squadrons are working at the highest tempo they have seen since the Vietnam conflict," Senator Hill said.
"Their continued hard work and dedication has been successful in deterring unauthorised boat arrivals."

Meanwhile a temporary hangar for the Sea King is being erected at the Christmas Island Airport by the RAAF's 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing.

"The squadron is looking forward to continuing Navy's close ties with the people of Christmas Island, working with the local community and contributing to border protection operations," Senator Hill said.
"In addition, the Christmas Island Administrator has written to me to welcome the detachment on behalf of the local community," the Minister said.

Placement of the Sea King on the island will have a valuable spin-off for naval aviation in that it will free up Seahawk helicopters for vital training on the mainland and their use in other operations such as Slipper, a spokeswoman for the Maritime Command said.

The RAN has seven Sea Kings.

The versatile helicopters can carry up to 17 passengers or cargo.

Sea King flights usually accompany the RAN's three "can do" ships, Tobruk, Manoora and Kanimbla.

They can also land on Success and Westralia.
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By Graham Davis