5 August 2024
For the first time, an Australian MH-60R helicopter has conducted an aviation re-certification for a US Navy vessel, USS Miguel Keith.
On August 3, members of 816 Squadron’s Flight 603 and SURFOR – Fleet Aviation conducted flying operations near Sydney Heads for about seven hours, involving multiple deck landings, logistics transfer training evolutions and flight deck damage control exercises.
816 Squadron's MH-60R enabled Miguel Keith to continue on its upcoming tasking fully mission capable for all aviation operations.
Lieutenant Aaron Grow, from the Royal Australian Navy, was the pilot for the training exercise.
“It is such a great opportunity to work with our US partners and it presented some unique flying experiences for the entire crew,” Lieutenant Grow said.
Miguel Keith is a Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base, one of three such ships in service with the US Navy.
The 240m and about 90,000-tonne vessel is designed to provide a floating helicopter landing base and provide support to military operations as an expeditionary sea base, with the ability to launch helicopters and small boats, provide living quarters for troops and command-and-control facilities.
It can accommodate a variety of other facilities in shipping containers, including berthing for special operations troops, laundry facilities or cold storage.
The ship has a large upper flight deck, or mission deck, suitable for a wide range of applications, including the simultaneous accommodation of four helicopters.
Members from SURFOR – Fleet Aviation were also on board Miguel Keith to observe the flight deck operations.
Despite some differences, the interchangeability the US and Australia share by operating the same equipment and using similar standard operating procedures enabled seamless integration with US assets.
The SURFOR – Fleet Aviation team established professional links with Miguel Keith’s flight deck crew, which was an unforgettable experience.
Warrant Officer Timothy McCormack, a member of SURFOR – Fleet Aviation, was impressed with the level of professionalism displayed by Miguel Keith’s crew.
“It is clear that the crew has trained hard and have significant experience. They are highly proficient, and it has been a pleasure to work with their aviation department,” Warrant Officer McCormack said.
Miguel Keith departed Australia the following day for follow on tasking.
