The Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm (FAA) will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Sunday 3rd July by hosting an open day at HMAS Albatross, Nowra.
The Fleet Air Arm provides the Navy with aviation capabilities to fight and win at sea.
Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore David Frost said the Fleet Air Arm had proved itself time and time again since its formation in 1947.
“The Fleet Air Arm has contributed to Australian Defence Force operations in war and peacetime, including the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East, more recently, it has contributed to Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations in Fiji and Tonga, and also bushfire and flood relief in eastern Australia. The 75th anniversary of the Fleet Air Arm is a significant milestone and as much about the future as the past.”
Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore David Frost
When operating at sea, the Fleet Air Arm combines personnel, aircraft, and all the necessary equipment to create a ‘flight’.
In the next 10 years, the Royal Australian Navy will expand from 8 to 26 flights.
“12 of the flights will operate Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles, reflecting how Navy is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of our strategic environment, while we reflect on the distinguished service of our naval aviators, I’d also like to express our gratitude for the enduring support we’ve received from the public, in particular the Shoalhaven Community, in which we live and work in. Navy’s aviation arm has been intrinsically linked to the Shoalhaven community, and our past and future is bound with Shoalhaven. We invite the community to visit the home of Australia’s naval aviators, meet our people, and see our capability up close.”
Commander Fleet Air Arm, Commodore David Frost
The open day will be held in Nowra on 3 July between 10am – 2pm and include aviation and static displays, a performance by the Navy band, and stalls from NSW Police Force, Shoalhaven City Council and community groups.
