LAST TIME: Outgoing 805 Squadron CO CMDR Peter Ashworth had his last flight on March 31, bringing the curtain down on a Navy career spanning 27 years.

805 Squadron CO CMDR Peter “Blue” Ashworth landed for the final time at 12.30pm on March 31 marking the end of a naval career spanning 27 years. 805 Squadron aircrew and maintainers joined CMDR Ashworth’s wife Donna in a brief ceremony that reflected on over 3000 flying hours in aircraft such as the HS748, Squirrel, Sea King and Seasprite.

The incoming CO, CMDR Simon Bateman, presented CMDR Ashworth a model of the Seasprite helicopter and a set of observer wings with his new name of Gloria Jean.

CMDR Bateman described how instrumental CMDR Ashworth has been in the successful introduction into service of the Seasprite helicopter firstly as the commissioning Executive Officer in 2000 and then as the Commanding Officer since 2003.

CMDR Ashworth joined the RAN as an AT Weapons Electrical (ATWL) sailor in 1978 and was posted to HS817 SQN where he served for two years.

He subsequently became an aircrew officer in 1981 and undertook aircrew training and graduated as an Observer in 1982.

He then completed an ASW Sea King conversion with HS817.

During his flying career CMDR Ashworth completed a Helicopter Warfare Instructors course in the UK and spent three years on exchange with the RN flying Sea King helicopters with 810 SQN flying from Invincible class carriers. He also spent two years as an instructor at the RAAF School of Air Navigation.

Upon retirement, CMDR Ashworth will be establishing a Gloria Jean’s franchise in Dubbo NSW “whipping brews”; however, CMDR Ashworth will still pursue his love of flying and will be working hard at maintaining his civil pilot’s licence.

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