 |
|
Maritime
Commander RADM Raydon Gates hands over the McNichol Trophy
for Air Squadron Proficiency to members of 817 Squadron
based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW. Photo: ABPH Paul
McCallum
|
Nowra’s
817 Squadron has won the McNichol Trophy for proficiency for the
third consecutive year.
The Maritime Commander, RADM Raydon Gates presented the trophy
for Air Squadron Proficiency in 2003 to 817 Squadron (CMDR James
Tobin) in a ceremony last month.
The trophy is awarded each year to the Squadron which has been
foremost in all aspects of operations, safety, reliability and
unit level training.
The hat trick, unique in the Fleet Air Arm, replicates the Squadron’s
efforts from 1989 to 1991.
2003 was an eventful year for the Sea King Squadron, with highlights
including participation in Operation Relex, while based at Christmas
Island, and providing support during the Victorian bushfire crisis.
In December the Squadron was again called on to provide bushfire
support including fire spotting and water bombing to HMAS Creswell
and the Kalkara facility at Jervis Bay.
Shark 07 (Flight Commander LCDR Paul Moggach) was embarked in
HMAS Kanimbla from January to July for Operations Bastille, Slipper
and Falconer.
During this period the flight provided Maritime Logistic Support
for coalition ships from five nations based in the Persian Gulf
and combat support and reconnaissance missions for AUSCDT 3 in
Iraq.
Shark 07 was also the first RAN aircraft to land in Iraq after
the commencement of hostilities.
During this deployment the aircraft and its crew operated at a
high tempo, with more than 160 hours flown in days.
The Flight was awarded the Collins Trophy for the most proficient
embarked Flight and HMAS Kanimbla won the Gloucester Cup as the
foremost Major Fleet Unit in all aspects of her operations, training
and safety.
Kanimbla, including Shark 07, was also awarded Meritorious Unit
Citation in the Australian Honours List for duties in support
of Operation Falconer.
Shark 20 and 22 (Flight Commander LCDR Anthony Savage) were embarked
in HMAS Manoora from July November for Operation Anode, providing
critical support to the Australian Federal Police in establishing
remote outposts on the Solomon Islands Guadalcanal weather coast.
The aircraft and crews also provided logistic and aero medical
evacuation support to forces from six nations.
They moved more than half a million pounds of stores over a 14-week
period and contributed to activities leading up to the surrender
of rebel leader Harold Keke.
The Flight was awarded a Commander Task Force 635 Commendation
for the “indefatigable and highly diligent” execution of their
duties.
Embarked Sea King Flights in HMAS Success also participated in
Exercises Kakadu, Crocodile and Pacific Protector.
