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.

HMAS 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 HMAS Albatross.

HMAS 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.

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

Access

There are 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.

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. In the event you hear any of the following emergency warning tones, stop what you are doing immediately and follow the direction of your escort or ECO Warden. In the absence of direction, follow the procedures below and those detailed in the following pages of the National Base Induction.

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.

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 + ‘stand-down, stand-down, stand-down’ voice command

Resume normal activities.

Call 000 for life threatening, critical or serious situations.