HMAS Adelaide has hosted Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) members from the City of Sydney Station to conduct reciprocal training in firefighting, vehicle extraction and casualty care techniques, procedures and equipment.

Adelaide’s aviation execution department (AXD), with assistance from HMAS Canberra’s AXD, conducted a tour of the landing helicopter dock (LHD) ship concentrating on damage control and aviation facilities and equipment, before demonstrating a crash on deck exercise. 

FRNSW have hosted both Adelaide’s and Canberra’s AXDs for training at their fire ground throughout 2024 and 2025, allowing both LHD teams to provide context to aviation firefighting and rescue operations within the fleet.

Duty Commander Metropolitan East 1 Inspector Jeremy Hood said it was a privilege for FRNSW crews to be able to come on board Adelaide and view firsthand the challenges faced by the crew in being prepared to handle any emergency. 

“It was a great opportunity for us to understand how Navy emergency teams operate, see capabilities and cement links to enable enhanced training for both FRNSW and Navy personnel,” Inspector Hood said.

“We look forward to continuing this relationship and are always ready to host rescue training evolutions for Navy personnel to increase joint capabilities. 

“There has been a long affinity between FRNSW and the Royal Australian Navy and these interactions only cement and strengthen those ties.”

Adelaide Flight Control Officer Lieutenant Commander Lachlan Murray said he was thrilled to host the visit.

“FRNSW have been very generous with their time and resources over the past two years, facilitating invaluable training for the aviation departments from both LHDs,” Lieutenant Commander Murray said.

“Between workup training events at HMAS Albatross, and flying events while at sea, it can be difficult to maintain currency, so I am very grateful for this relationship and I am happy that we could return the favour.”