By
LEUT Dylan Cross
Squirrel
(MPEG video 4.63 MB)
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Members
of 723 SQN watch as two aircraft put on an aerial display
during celebrations for the Navy Squirrel helicopter’s 20th
birthday recently.
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Photo:
ABPH Paul McCallum
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The
Navy’s Squirrel helicopter celebrated its 20th birthday on June
8.
In the twenty years, the Squirrel has achieved over 42,500 hours
of training, fleet support and embarked operations.
Its most notable rise to fame was during the 1991 Gulf War where
it was extensively used due to its low radar detection rate, believed
to be because it’s constructed of composite materials.
CDRE Geoff Ledger (COMAUSNAVAIRGRP) officiated at the ceremony
to mark the occasion. Cutting the cake with LCDR Al Whittaker
(CO 723 SQN) was SMNATA Daniel Struber, the most junior squadron
member.
Appropriately, SMN Struber was born in March 1984 which matches
the introduction to service of the RAN AS350B Squirrel.
In 1984, CDRE Ledger formed part of the acceptance team from 723
SQN and delivered the last Squirrel (June 1984).
He also recently requalified on the Squirrel, and assists the
Squadron in a training role.
LCDR Whittaker is on his third tour at the Squadron, having served
as an Aircrewman (1984), then as a Senior Observer and now as
CO 723 SQN.
The Squirrel is utilised in the conduct of training and fleet
support operations, specifically for Pilot and Observer Rotary
Wing Conversion and for Aircrewman training prior to Operational
Flying Conversion.
It also supports Patrol Boats and Minor War Vessels at Fleet Concentration
Periods in Darwin and Cairns maintaining their currency in Aviation
training.
Additionally, the Squadron supports a most impressive Pairs Flying
Display Team, which participates at air shows and open days.
The Squirrel is expected to complete at least another 18 months
of operations before being replaced.
