About the base

HMAS Albatross, Naval Air Station Nowra, is the Navy's largest operational establishment with a long history of naval aviation support. It is home to Fleet Air Arm Headquarters and over 20 diverse resident units and aviation squadrons.

Albatross is a truly tri-service unit. It has significant input from Army, Navy and Air Force as well as the Australian Public Service and contracted services. The Fleet Air Arm Museum is located at Albatross.

Albatross is the unifying element that brings all resident units and workers together. It provides a regional identity and supports a culture which enables efficient achievement of individual and collective aims. This helps to promote Defence in the local Shoalhaven community.

Albatross and its resident units operate on Yuin country and acknowledges the Wodi Wodi, Wandi Wandandian, Jerringa and Wreck Bay communities.

Access

HMAS Albatross has 2 entry points. The main entrance is located on the corner of Albatross Road and BTU Road. The alternate entrance on Braidwood Road is for access to Romeo Group squadrons only.

Before proceeding airside, personnel must perform Foreign Object Debris (e.g. garbage, waste paper, drink bottles and cups, tools, vehicle parts, nuts, bolts, wire, broken pavement) checks as potential objects can cause damage to an aircraft or system. Potential Foreign Object Debris (FOD) items should be picked up and disposed of in any of the appropriate skip bins around the base.

Visiting hours

Pass office: Monday to Friday – 8 am to 4 pm

Road rules

Speed limits within the base are sign posted. In most areas the speed limit is 40 km/h.

Vehicles are to give way to marching troops or formed bodies of personnel on roads. When permission to pass is indicated, the speed limit when passing marching troops is strictly 10 km/h.

Hazards

Hazard Name Location Description
Noise Airside and Designated facilities signposted Hearing Protection Areas have been identified airside and in some facilities and are indicated with blue signage. Do not enter unless wearing appropriate hearing protection.
Asbestos Buildings throughout the base Some buildings contain asbestos. This is recorded on the Asbestos Register. No work to be performed without authorisation. If suspected asbestos discovered, contact Base Services Support Centre on 1300 658 975 and restrict access.
Airfield Identified by the red foreign object damage lines painted on access roads, or signage indicating requirement to contact Air Traffic Control before proceeding Active military airfield, all visitors and personnel working on Albatross must have an understanding of airside and non-airside areas and applicable access requirements.

Sirens will communicate information about the base security status and procedures.

Status Sounds Procedure
Alert ‘beep, beep, beep’ tone + ‘alert, alert, alert’ voice command Prepare to receive direction and maintain awareness.
Evacuation ‘whoop, whoop, whoop’ tone + evacuate, evacuate, evacuate’ voice command Exit building and assemble at predetermined assembly area. Remain at assembly area and await further direction.
Disperse Rapid short 'beeping' tone + 'disperse, disperse, disperse' voice command Rapidly move away from mass gathering and maintain awareness.
Lockdown Rapid short ‘beeping’ tone + ‘lockdown, lockdown, lockdown’ voice command

Follow the CLOSE procedure.

  • Close windows, blinds, doors and turn off lights.
  • Lock computers and put documents away.
  • Out-of-sight and minimise movement.
  • Stay silent and turn off phones.
  • Endure and maintain.
Stand down Low-pitched ‘buzzing’ tone + ‘all clear, all clear, all clear voice command Resume normal activities.

Call 000 for life threatening, critical or serious situations.