Years of training pays off for Chiefs

L-R: CPO John Balazich, CPO Keith Burden, CO 723 Squadron LCDR Allen Whittaker, CPO Steve Flannery and CPO Ian Thomas.

Authorisation as a Flight Senior Maintenance Sailor (FSMS) represents the culmination of years of training and dedicated work and is considered a significant achievement in the AT branch. A Clear Lower Deck was held on May 19 at 723 Squadron (LCDR Allen Whittaker) for CDRE Geoff Ledger (COMAUSNAVAIRGRP) to present FSMS certificates to CPOATA John Balazic, CPOATV Keith Burden, CPOATV Steve Flannery and CPOATV Ian Thomas.

FSMS status is awarded to CPO Aviation Technicians only after successful completion of a formal examination, an oral board convened by the Fleet Aviation Engineering Officer, and when it is determined that they have the capacity to perform as the senior engineering manager for embarked or detached flights. The four CPOs have exercised their authority as FSMS for AS350BA Flights in HMAS Leeuwin and HMAS Melville supporting Op Relex and 723 Squadron detachments for fleet tasking and aircrew training.

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