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ARRIVAL: Director General Navy Personnel and Training CDRE David Letts checks out the inside of the new Agusta Westland A109E at HMAS Albatross.
Photo: LS Kelvin Hockey |
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CDRE David Letts, who assumed duty as Director General Navy Personnel and Training (DGNPT) in June, was among those who welcomed the arrival of the first two of Navy’s three Agusta Westland A109E helicopters at HMAS ALBATROSS, Nowra.
The Navy has leased the helicopters from Raytheon Australia for four years to assist with the growth and training of aircrew while providing support to the Fleet and the remainder of the Navy.
CDRE Letts witnessed the start of the Navy’s Retention and Motivation Initiative in support of the Fleet Air Arm along with the Minister for Defence, Dr Brendon Nelson, Chief of Navy VADM Russ Shalders AO, CSC, RAN and Fleet Commander RADM Nigel Coates.
DGNPT said: “The RMI provides Navy with a flexible arrangement to facilitate the increasing number of qualified young aircrew spending more time in the A109E maintaining flying skills.
“These safe and reliable twin engine helicopters will allow junior aircrew to consolidate and enhance skills prior to flight training opportunities in other Navy helicopters.” It is expected that the three A109E aircraft will be utilised for a range of activities.
These include consolidating flying skills, supporting Fleet training, search and rescue, supporting Defence Force Recruiting activities, Public Events of Significance and personnel transfers.
While in the Shoalhaven area, CDRE Letts took the opportunity to visit personnel and facilities at TA-AVN and TA-ITLM.
“I have been very impressed with the level of commitment to training that is clearly evident among all the people I have met when visiting each of Navy’s TAs,” CDRE Letts said .
“Their job is not easy, but it is vital to ensuring that Navy is able to provide the required level of capability.”
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